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 

The USDA Rural Community Development Initiative Accepting Applications Until August 7th

The USDA Rural Housing Service is currently accepting applications to the Rural Community Development Initiative (RCDI). Applications are due August 7th.  

Funding is designed to support applicants’ financial and technical assistance programs. Grantees must provide a program of financial and technical assistance to their communities (beneficiaries) to carry out projects related to housing, community facilities, or community and economic development.  

Eligible applicants include non-profits, county governments, public and state-controlled institutions of higher education, small businesses, public housing authorities & Indian housing authorities, for profit-organizations, state governments, city or town governments, private institutions of higher education, Native American tribal governments and organizations, special district governments, and independent school districts.  

The maximum award ceiling is $500,000, and the minimum award is $50,000. The total estimated program funding is $5,000,000.  
 
Additional information and eligibility requirements can be found on Grants.gov.  

HUD Lead Hazard Reduction Grant Program Application Due August 14  

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is accepting applications to the Lead Hazard Reduction (LHR) Grant Program. Applications are due August 14th. 

The funding objective is to maximize the protection of children under six years of age from lead poisoning by assisting units of government in identifying and controlling lead-based paint hazards in eligible privately-owned rental or owner-occupied housing units. Additional Healthy Homes Supplemental funding is available to advance lead-based paint hazard control activities. 

Eligible applicants include, special district governments, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, county governments, city or township governments, and state governments. Multiple entities may apply as a consortium with a principal lead applicant responsible for compliance.   

Award amounts available vary depending on the number of units affected, date of construction, and if the applicant had previously received LHR funds.  

The maximum award ceiling is $7,000,000, and the award floor is $1,000,000. An estimated $364,500,000 is available for the entire program.  

Additional funding and eligibility information can be found on Grants.gov.  

Massachusetts Opportunities

FY 26 Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative Applications Due August 1st

The Massachusetts Department of Early Education and Care is accepting applications for the Commonwealth Preschool Partnership Initiative (CPPI) grant. Applications are due August 1, 2025. 

Funding is designed to support community level funding to expand universally accessible preschool options. The current administration’s objective is to expand CPPI funding in gateway cities and rural communities with the overall goal of reaching all Massachusetts’ cities and towns. CPPI funds partnerships between school districts and community-based early education and care programs.  

Grants are awarded to school districts to establish a district-wide preschool program. CPPI funding supports three primary goals:  

• Expansion of access to affordable quality preschool 
• Quality alignment across the mixed-delivery system 
• Inclusion and equitable access to special education  

Education agencies in good financial and programmatic standing with the Department of Early Education and Care are eligible. Applicants who received funding in FY 2025 are eligible to apply for FY 2026 funding.  

To learn more about the program visit the CPPI information page, and view application documents on COMMBUYS.  

New Hampshire Opportunities

New Hampshire Housing Currently Accepting Applications for Housing Mini Grants   

New Hampshire Housing is accepting applications for Housing Mini Grants. Applications may be submitted at any time.  

New Hampshire Housing is a self-supporting public corporation that promotes, finances, and supports housing solutions in New Hampshire. New Hampshire Housing offers grants to assist municipalities and other organizations to expand the type and amount of housing in the state, support housing education, and balance the housing supply with economic growth.  

The Housing Mini Grants are designed to support changes in local actions regarding housing development. Grants are available to support housing education and advocacy at the local and regional level.  

Eligible applicants include local and regional business groups, economic development organizations, business and community leaders, service organizations, ad hoc groups, non-profits, and local governments.  

Eligible activities include:  

• Third party technical assistance to study housing friendly land use regulations 
• Feasibility research for starting a local or regional housing advocacy initiative 
• Developing educational materials  
• Locally focused research 
• Other innovative or unique methods of reducing community resistance to housing development  

Housing Mini Grants cannot be used for Master Plans or general planning purposes. The maximum award is $5,000.  

Visit New Hampshire Housing to see this and more opportunities and read the Housing Mini Grant program overview for more guidelines.   

The Harvey Schwartz Housing Policy Education Fund Currently Accepting Applications 

New Hampshire Housing is accepting applications for the Harvey Schwartz Housing Policy Education Fund. Applications may be submitted at any time.  

The Harvey Schwartz Housing Policy Education Fund provides funding to access training that improves the knowledge and participation in housing policy issues.  

Eligible applicants include individuals employed at non-profits, as well as county and municipal employees, appointed officials, and volunteers. Up to $3,000 is available per person per event; however, awards are subject to funding availability.  

Eligible expenses include conference and event registration, travel, and lodging. 

Visit New Hampshire Housing to see this and more opportunities and read the Harvey Schwartz Housing Policy Education Fund overview for more application guidelines.  

Vermont Opportunities

Vermont Arts Council Accepting Applications to the Artists in Schools Grant Until July 28th

The Vermont Arts Council is currently accepting applications for the Artists in Schools Grant. This funding supports activities for the 2025-2026 school year. Applications are due July 28,2025.  

Funding supports art experiences in schools with Vermont teaching artists in residence. Residencies may occur during the school day or in an after-school setting. Projects typically last 3-10 days and serve preK-12 students.  

Priority is given to prospective projects led by Vermont artists, and artists on the Council’s Teaching Artists Roster.  

Examples of eligible projects include: 

• Integrating kinesthetic dance learning in the classroom 
• English classes working with a poet or playwright to mentor students and workshop writing 
• Music classes working with a professional composer to help students compose and perform original music 
• Physical education classes working with circus artists to integrate performance and expression in physical activity  

Examples of previously funded programs can be found on the program website.  

The maximum award is $4,000, and up to $250 of the award may be used for materials or student transportation.  

Information about the program can be found at the Vermont Arts Council site where they also list specific application guidelines.  

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