Grant Watch Wednesday

It’s Wednesday and we at Capital Strategic Solutions have compiled the best grant opportunities we’ve found across all the states we serve – just for you! This list covers a number of grants that can assist you in building a stronger community!

Federal Opportunities

Reminder! Safe Streets and Roads for All Grant Program Final Submissions Due June 26

The Safe Streets and Roads For All (SS4A) Grant program’s final submission deadline is June 26. This critical federal program is aimed at significantly reducing traffic-related injuries and fatalities by empowering local governments to implement robust safety action plans. 

The U.S. Department of Transportation has outlined two areas applicants can apply for:

1. Planning & Demonstration Grants: dedicated to support communities in crafting effective safety action plans.
2. Implementation Grants: dedicated to funding projects that put existing action plans into action; funding project-level planning, design and development connected to the implementation of projects and strategies. 

Read more about this opportunity on our website 

Learn more on the DOT website!  

Strengthening Communities through the Regional Food System Partnership (RFSP) Grant – June 27 Deadline Approaching

The Regional Food System Partnership (RFSP) Grant, administered by the USDA’s Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS), is a critical funding opportunity designed to bolster local and regional food systems. Through strategic collaboration and innovation, the RFSP program empowers stakeholders across the food supply chain to build more resilient, equitable, and sustainable food economies. 

The RFSP Grant supports multi-stakeholder partnerships that connect producers with community, nonprofit, business, and government entities. Its primary goal is to cultivate long-term, systemic solutions to food system challenges, including access to markets, infrastructure gaps, climate resilience, and racial equity in food access and production. 

Applicants must demonstrate a collaborative approach involving multiple sectors and stakeholders. 

Projects funded under the RFSP typically focus on: 

• Enhancing local supply chains and distribution networks 
• Building capacity for food aggregation and processing 
• Improving equitable access to fresh, locally-produced food 
• Supporting climate-smart and regenerative agriculture practices 
• Strengthening farmer-to-institution pathways (schools, hospitals, etc.)

Awards can range up to $1 million and support planning and implementation over a 24 to 36-month period. The grant requires a 25% match of total project costs, which may come from cash or in-kind contributions. 

The program encourages focus on activities not typically funded by USDA, such as value chain coordination, strategic planning, grant-writing, and exploring new program ideas.  

View the application or visit the USDA website for more details.  

FEMA Now Accepting Applications for the FY24 SAFER and FP&S Grants 

FEMA is now accepting applications for the FY24 Staffing for Adequate Fire and Emergency Response (SAFER) and Fire Prevention and Safety (FP&S) Grant Programs.   

Both of these opportunities are designed to support public safety and fire departments across the country. Both grants are now open and accepting applications, and both close Thursday July 3 at 5 p.m. ET.   

SAFER Program Details   

The SAFER program provides direct funding to assist in increasing the number of firefighters and help meet the industry’s minimum standard. The objective is to attain 24-hour staffing and provide adequate fire protection.   

Program Objectives Include:   

• Increase the number of firefighters to meet industry minimum standards  
• Increase the number of trained personnel assembled at the incident scene  
• Attain 24-hour staffing to improve deployment capabilities  
• Fulfill traditional missions of fire departments (respond to emergencies and provide adequate fire protection from fire and fire-related hazards)  

Allowable project types include hiring activity for new or additional firefighters or change in status from part-time or on call to full time, or Recruitment and Retention (R&R) activities.
  

FP&S Program Details  

The FP&S program provides funding to better the safety of the public and firefighters from fire and fire-related hazards. Funding is available to fire departments, non-profits, research foundations, public safety institutes, and other injury prevention institutions.   

Specific program objectives include:   

• Reduce community fire risk through assessments, education, and tools  
• Reduce wildfire risk through property assessments, education, and fuel reduction  
• Increase code awareness, adoption, reinstatement, and enforcement  
• Increase fire origin and cause investigations  
• Enhance the safety of the public and firefighters through national programs that aim to improve behaviors and decision-making regarding fires  
• Increase research to improve firefighter safety, health, or well-being  

Allowable projects for FP&S funding can be categorized as community risk reduction, wildfire risk reduction, code enforcement, origin and cause investigation, or national, state, or regional programs and projects.   

More detailed information on these opportunities can be found on our website. 

Massachusetts Opportunities

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust accepting proposals to FY 25/26 Grant Program until June 30, 2025  

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) is now accepting proposals for their FY 25/26 grant program from now until June 30, 2025. This program is looking for proposals that use a holistic approach to water resource issues, and focus on improving aquatic habitats, conserving and protecting threatened and endangered marine species paired with environmental advocacy and educational activities. 

Anticipated Schedule; dates subject to change: 

• Full Proposals Due June 30, 2025 by 2:00 p.m. 
• Grantee Notifications Around August 18, 2025 
• Contracts Commence Around August 25, 2025 
• Projects Completed by On or before December 31, 2026 

The Massachusetts Environmental Trust (MET) funds and coordinates projects to restore, protect and improve aquatic resources and ecosystems, and conservation of threatened marine animals. Grant funds are generated from the sales of the Right Whale tail, Brook Trout, Striped Bass & Blackstone Valley plates, and from donations. 

Visit Commbuys for more information or the MET website.  

Let Capital Strategic Solutions assist with your grant writing, research, and compliance needs.