Planning, Economic Development, and Revitalization Funding Opportunities

Municipalities continue to face growing demands to improve public infrastructure, support economic development, preserve community assets, and prepare for future growth. While many communities are managing competing priorities and limited local resources, several state and federal grant programs are currently available to help advance planning initiatives, housing redevelopment, conservation efforts, and community revitalization projects.

     This week’s Grant Watch Wednesday highlights funding opportunities that support municipal planning, downtown revitalization, economic development, brownfields redevelopment, historic preservation, and community capacity building. Communities that begin preparing projects early and focus on long-term strategic priorities are often best positioned to secure competitive grant funding.

Federal Opportunities

Warning Direct from Grants.gov    

“There has been a lapse in appropriated federal funds as of October 1, 2025. Grants.gov will still be available, but service may be delayed with reduced Federal support staff presence. For those programs affected by the funding lapse, the Grants.gov system will accept and store applications until such time as the responsible awarding agency has the authority and funding to return to normal business operations.” 

EPA Brownfields Grants

The EPA Brownfields Program continues to provide funding to communities seeking to assess, clean up, and redevelop contaminated or underutilized properties.

Funding categories include:

• Assessment Grants
  • Cleanup Grants
  • Multipurpose Grants
  • Revolving Loan Funds
  • Coalition Grants

Brownfields funding can help communities advance housing production, downtown redevelopment, waterfront revitalization, and economic development goals.

Municipalities with former industrial properties, vacant commercial sites, or redevelopment priorities should begin preparing now for future funding rounds.

For More Information:

Grants and Funding | US EPA

State & Local Funding Opportunities

Massachusetts Municipal & Tribal Technical Assistance (MTTA) Grant Program

The Massachusetts Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office continues to accept applications through the Municipal & Tribal Technical Assistance (MTTA) Grant Program.

This program helps municipalities build local capacity and access technical assistance needed to pursue and manage federal funding opportunities.

Eligible activities include:

• Grant writing assistance
  • Engineering and feasibility studies
  • Project scoping and planning
  • Financial analysis
  • Post-award grant management
  • Federal compliance support

Priority is given to communities with limited capacity, rural municipalities, Gateway Cities, and communities pursuing federal infrastructure investments.

Application Deadline: June 30, 2026

For More Information:
FFIO Technical Assistance Guidance | Mass.gov

Rhode Island Community Development Block Grant Program

The Rhode Island Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program provides funding to municipalities for housing, economic development, and neighborhood revitalization projects that benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

Eligible projects may include:

• Housing rehabilitation
  • Public facility improvements
  • Economic development initiatives
  • Neighborhood revitalization projects
  • Community service programs

Municipalities serve as the primary applicants and may partner with nonprofit organizations, housing agencies, and economic development entities.

Application Deadline: September 30, 2026

For More Information:

Community Development Block Grants (CDBG) | Executive Office of Housing

Connecticut Clean Water Fund Program

The Connecticut Clean Water Fund provides financial assistance to municipalities for wastewater infrastructure projects that improve water quality and protect public health.

Eligible projects include:

• Wastewater treatment plant upgrades
  • Sewer rehabilitation projects
  • Combined sewer overflow improvements
  • Nutrient reduction initiatives
  • Water pollution control infrastructure

Funding may be provided through a combination of grants and low-interest loans.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

For More Information:

Financial Assistance for Municipal Wastewater Projects

New Hampshire Rural Business Development Grants (RBDG)

The USDA Rural Business Development Grant Program supports economic development and business growth initiatives in rural communities.

Funding may support:

• Small business development
  • Workforce initiatives
  • Downtown revitalization
  • Economic development planning
  • Technical assistance programs

One of the program’s most attractive features is that no local match is required.

Application Deadlines:

• June 15, 2026 (SECD Applications)
• June 30, 2026 (All Other Applications)

For More Information:

Rural Business Development Grants in Vermont and New Hampshire | Rural Development

Vermont Brownfields Revitalization Fund

The Vermont Brownfields Revitalization Fund supports the cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated or underutilized properties.

Funding may support:

• Site cleanup activities
  • Housing redevelopment projects
  • Downtown revitalization efforts
  • Economic development initiatives
  • Environmental remediation

Priority is given to projects demonstrating strong community benefits and redevelopment potential.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

For More Information:

Brownfields Revitalization Fund – State Program | Agency of Commerce and Community Development

Florida Historic Preservation Special Category Grants

Florida municipalities have an opportunity to secure funding for significant historic preservation projects through the Historic Preservation Special Category Grant Program.

Eligible projects may include:

• Historic municipal buildings
  • Historic downtown assets
  • Libraries and public facilities
  • Museums and cultural sites
  • Community landmarks

Funding supports preservation, restoration, and rehabilitation activities that protect important historic resources while strengthening local tourism and community identity.

Application cycles are announced annually through the Florida Division of Historical Resources.

For More Information:

Special Category Grants – Division of Historical Resources – Florida Department of State

New Mexico Creative Industries Public Development Grant

The New Mexico Economic Development Department’s Creative Industries Division is seeking project concepts that strengthen local creative economies and public infrastructure.

Funding may support:

• Arts and cultural facilities
  • Creative industry infrastructure
  • Public space improvements
  • Workforce development initiatives
  • Rural economic development projects

Maximum Funding Request: $150,000

Eligible applicants include municipalities, counties, Tribal Nations, Pueblos, and other public entities.

For More Information:

Creative Industries Division Grant Opportunities – NM Economic Development Department

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