BOSTON — The Healey-Driscoll administration announced the opening of the next round of grant funding opportunities for cities and towns through the Community Compact program, making resources available for municipalities to support best practices, information technology regionalization and municipal fiber.

 

Cities and towns beginning this week will have the opportunity to apply for these various grants throughout the course of the fiscal year. Funding has been made available through both the Fiscal Year 2024 budget and the administration's capital investment plan to support each of the following Community Compact programs:

"Our administration is committed to partnering with our cities and towns and providing them with the support they need to keep their communities strong," said Governor Maura T. Healey. "The Community Compact program has proven to be a successful tool in helping municipalities of all sizes improve their efficiency, work with one another and build out the infrastructure needed to serve the people in their communities. We are proud to support the continuation of this program and to bring new ideas and resources to the table to make our communities stronger." 

 

Best Practices Program

 

Beginning Aug. 21, applications for the Best Practices program can be submitted by those municipalities that did not apply in FY23 for a Compact. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and will be reviewed within one month of submission. Eligible applicants can choose up to two best practices. 

 

This year's program includes an updated list of best practices to simplify available options, add new subject areas – including veteran services and mental health - and add new best practices in the areas of housing and transportation. Click here for the complete set of best practices.

 

IT Grant Program

 

The Community Compact IT Grant Program is a competitive grant program focused on driving innovation and transformation at the local level via investments in technology.  Using the power of IT, we can drive innovation, make government more efficient, save taxpayer money, and make it easier for residents to interact and transact with their local government.

 

The application period will run from Sept. 11, 2023 to noon on Oct. 13, 2023.  Cities and towns that were awarded an IT Grant Program grant in FY23 are not eligible in FY24.

 

Efficiency and Regionalization Grant Program

 

The Efficiency and Regionalization (E&R) competitive grant program is designed to provide financial support for governmental entities interested in implementing regionalization and other efficiency initiatives that allow for long-term sustainability.  These grants will provide funds for one-time or transition costs for municipalities, regional school districts, school districts considering forming a regional school district or regionalizing services, regional planning agencies and councils of governments interested in such projects.

 

The application period will run from Jan. 8, 2024 to noon on Feb. 9, 2024.

 

Municipal Fiber Grant Program

 

The Municipal Fiber Grant program is a competitive, matching grant program to assist municipalities with the construction of municipal fiber broadband infrastructure and related projects and expenditures.

 

The application period will run from March 11, 2024 to noon on April 12, 2024.