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!

Connecticut Opportunities

CT Community Investment Fund Round 8 Open for Applications 

The Community Investment Fund (CIF) is now accepting applications for Round 8 of funding. The deadline to apply is December 5, 2025.

The CIF is designed to foster economic development in historically underserved communities. Funding supports the advancement of fair, just, and impartial treatment of all individuals, including those who belong to underserved and marginalized communities.

Funding supports two program streams:

• Capital improvement programs, such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation

• Planning for capital projects including activities such as community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plan and construction budget

Priority will be given to projects that implement local hiring preferences, leverage non-state funds, include a letter of support from a member of the General Assembly, or to projects that have a labor agreement or employ ex-offenders or individuals with physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.

Eligible applicants include Distressed Municipalities, Public Investment Communities, Alliance Districts, Community Development Corporations, and non-profits.

A total of $875 million is available in total funding. Two rounds of funding will be administered per fiscal year.

Learn more about this program at the Community Investment Fund 2030 website.

DEEP Accepting Applications for the Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant Program Until December 16  

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is currently accepting applications for the Long Island Sound Ecosystems Grant. Applications are due December 16, 2025.  

Funding supports the planning and implementation of projects that focus on coastal habitat restoration and green stormwater infrastructure. The program has two primary goals:  

1. To promote large-scale habitat restoration and enhance restoration planning, while also helping coastal communities and ecosystems adapt to changing environmental conditions. 
2. To further promote the application of green stormwater infrastructure techniques to reduce nonpoint source pollution, improving water resource quality. 

This program has approximately $7 million in available funds, no match is required.  

Q&A session will be held on November 18, from 10:00-11:00 a.m.  

Applications must be emailed to DEEP.EcosystemsGrant@ct.gov 

Learn more about this program on DEEP’s website.  

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.” 

USDA Accepting Applications for The FY 2026 Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant  

The US Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Service is currently accepting applications for the Patrick Leahy Farm to School Grant Program. Applications are due December 5, 2025.   

Funding supports improving access to local foods in eligible Child Nutrition Program (CNP) sites through local sourcing and agricultural education programming. Examples of eligible projects includes but is not limited to:  

• Launching a pilot program that creates farm to CNP initiatives 
• Incorporating more unprocessed and value-added, minimally processed, locally or regionally sourced meal components into the CNP meals 
• Readying producers to participate in the CNP food marketplace by providing training on procurement regulations, Good Agricultural Practices, and other food safety-related topics 
• Improving infrastructure to accommodate new local ingredients or local menu items 
• Solving distribution bottlenecks that limit the feasibility of sourcing more locally or regionally produced items  
• Integrating agricultural education with career and technical preparation programs 
• Expanding experiential learning opportunities, such as creating school gardens, developing school-based farmers markets, providing support to agriculture/food clubs, or increasing exposure to local farms  
• Encouraging increased consumption of fruits and vegetables through promotional activities, taste tests, and other activities featuring local products 
• Adopting agricultural education curricula that encourage the sharing of Indigenous traditional knowledge between generations, such as native plant varieties and planting practices 
• Developing and implementing integrated curriculum to reinforce food and nutrition-based learning throughout the school environment or on a local farm 

Eligible applicants include independent school districts, federally recognized Native American tribal governments, state governments, county governments, city or town governments, and non-profits.  

Awards will range from $100,000 to $500,000 with an estimated total program funding of $18,000,000.  

To learn more about this opportunity from the USDA’s website and view this opportunity on Grants.gov.  

DOT Accepting Applications for Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant Until January 7

The Department of Transportation (DOT) is currently accepting applications for the Federal-State Partnership for Intercity Passenger Rail Grant. Applications are due January 7, 2026.

Funding supports capital projects that reduce the state of good repair backlog, improve performance, or expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service, including privately operated intercity passenger rail service, 

Eligible projects include: 

• Replacement, rehabilitation, or repair of infrastructure, equipment, or a facility for intercity passenger rail to bring assets into state of good repair
• Projects that improve passenger rail performance like speed, increased frequency, reliability, or electrification
• Projects that expand or establish new intercity passenger rail service

Eligible applicants include states, an intercity compact, public agency or chartered authority, political subdivisions of a state, Amtrak, federally recognized Indian Tribes, or any combination of these entities. 

The current award ceiling is around $5,000,000,000. Learn more about this opportunity on DOT’s website and view the opportunity on Grants.gov.  

Florida Opportunities

FDACS Accepting Applications for Urban and Community Forestry Until November 17 

The Florida Forest Service is currently accepting applications for the Urban and Community Forestry Program. The application deadline is November 17, 2025.

Funding is supplied by the Inflation Reduction Act Grant program and supports better urban forest management and resources necessary for the retention and expansion of community tree canopy.

Approximately $1,795,000 is expected in available funding. Learn more about this opportunity at FDACS’ website.

Massachusetts Opportunities

EOEEA Currently Accepting Applications for Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program Until November 21  

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EOEEA) is currently accepting applications for the Drought Resiliency and Water Efficiency Grant Program. Applications are due November 21, 2025.

Funding supports projects that promote climate resilience by helping communities and public water suppliers reduce both indoor and outdoor water use, improve water loss control programs, and increase drought management/planning. The objective is to create lasting impacts on water conservation and drought preparedness, to help Massachusetts communities better adapt to the evolving climate and ensure sustainability of water resources.

Eligible applicants include municipalities, public water suppliers, non-profits, public schools, colleges or universities, and regional planning agencies. Partnership of multiple entities is encouraged.  

This is a reimbursement program, with an award ceiling of $50,000 per project. No match is required, but the project must be completed by June 30, 2026.

Learn more about this opportunity.  

MCC Accepting Applications for Cultural Facilities Fund Until December 11  

The Massachusetts Cultural Council is currently accepting applications for the Cultural Facilities Fund. The deadline to submit an application is December 11, 2025. 

Funding supports the acquisition, design, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, expansion, or construction of nonprofit cultural facilities. The Cultural Facilities Fund is comprised of three separate grant programs. 

• Capital Grants: For the acquisition, design, construction, repair, renovation, rehabilitation or other capital improvements or deferred maintenance of a cultural facility. 
• (i.e. acquisition of cultural facility or site, new construction, additions to existing structure, renovations or repairs to an existing structure, fixed or integrated equipment).  
• Feasibility & Technical Assistance Grants (FTA): For the overall planning and feasibility for a proposed eligible project. 
• (i.e. Architectural and engineering plans, designs, or studies, energy efficiency or green build assessments, ADA accessibility assessments, capital campaign feasibility studies, business and operations planning for opening or expansion).
• Systems Replacement Plan Grants (SRP): A 20-year capital needs assessment conducted by a preselected contractor hired by the Cultural Facilities Fund to assess the facility’s structure and its mechanical, electrical, plumbing, and life-safety systems. Organizations must own the facility to be eligible.

Eligible applicants include nonprofit cultural organizations primarily concerned with the arts, humanities, or interpretive sciences. Eligible facilities must be owned, leased, or used by the nonprofit cultural organization and accessible to the public. A municipal owned cultural facility must be at least 50,000 square feet and 50% dedicated to cultural purposes, or the building structure can be at least 125 years old and of any size. 

Awards will range depending on the type of grant. Capital Grants have a ceiling of $200,000; Feasibility and Technical Assistance Grants have a ceiling of $35,000; and Systems Replacement Plan Grants awards will range from $8,000 to $14,000. All Cultural Facility Fund Grants require a 1:1 Match. 

Learn more on the MCC’s website.  

EEA Accepting Applications for FY26 MVP Planning 2.0 Grants Until December 15

The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is currently accepting applications for the FY26 Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Planning 2.0 Grant Program. Applications are due Monday, December 15, 2025, via the EEA Grants Management System.

MVP Planning 2.0 supports Massachusetts municipalities and Tribal Governments in updating and deepening their local climate resilience planning with an explicit focus on equity and climate justice. Over a two-year process, communities convene a Core Team, engage Environmental Justice and other priority populations, revisit and refine resilience priorities, and collaboratively develop and implement a “Seed Project” that advances community resilience on the ground.

Eligible applicants include:

• Massachusetts municipalities (including Devens)
• Tribal Governments located in Massachusetts
• Political subdivisions such as Regional Planning Agencies applying on behalf of one or more municipalities

Priority will be given to communities that completed the original MVP Planning Grant (MVP 1.0) with plans dated June–December 2018, as well as Tribal Governments or municipalities that do not yet have an MVP-approved climate resilience plan. Regional applications (two or more communities applying together) are encouraged and may receive higher award amounts.

Funding is anticipated at $50,000 per community for MVP 2.0 planning Steps 1–8 and 10, plus an additional $50,000 per community to implement a Seed Project (Step 9) that can be completed within 9–10 months and does not require extensive permitting. Regional projects are eligible for additional funding given their broader scope and partners. There is no local match requirement, although communities must commit staff time to complete the process. The grant period is expected to run for approximately two years, with all costs incurred by June 30, 2028 (extensions may be considered).

Through MVP Planning 2.0, communities gain structured support, training, and technical assistance to embed equity in climate resilience work, build durable relationships with community partners, and position themselves for future MVP Action Grants and other implementation funding.

Learn more and access the full RFR and application materials through the EEA Grants Management System (greenhub.mass.gov). 

New Hampshire Opportunities

New Hampshire Housing Hosting Virtual Listening Session for input on FY26 Opioid Use Disorder Supportive Housing Program 

New Hampshire Housing is hosting a listening session for the Opioid Use Disorder Supportive Housing Capital Program to solicit input on the updated FY26 notice of funding opportunity (NOFO) draft. The session will be held on Thursday, November 13, 2025 at 1:00 p.m.  

The program provides funding for capital projects that create new supportive housing for households with a member who has Opioid Use Disorder. Funding is provided by the New Hampshire Opioid Abatement Trust Fund and administered by the NH Department of Health and Human Services. 

Eligible projects include of new construction, acquisition and rehabilitation, or adaptive reuse.  

Approximately $5,700,000 is available in project funding through FY27, with about $4,000,000 allocated for FY26. The minimum award per project is $150,000.  

Learn more about the program and register for the listening session.  

New Mexico Opportunities

EDD Accepting Applications for FY26 Healthy Food Financing Fund Until November 19  

The New Mexico Economic Development Department (EDD) is currently accepting applications for the Healthy Food Financing Fund (HFFF). Applications are due November 19, 2025.  

Funding supports the intersection of economic development in New Mexico’s food/agricultural supply chain with increased food security for New Mexicans. HFFF is accepting applications to invest in food retailers, food processors, food hubs/distributors, and climate-smart pre-production projects. 

Program objectives include:  

• Increase access to food for historically under-resourced communities 
• Address workforce development challenges through the creation and retention of jobs in the food and agricultural supply chain 
• Strengthen and diversity in-state market channel access for small and mid-scale food and agricultural operations 
• Advance food safe storage/aggregation, distribution, and transportation in regional food supply chain networks 
• Support the implementation of regenerative agricultural practices 

Eligible applicants include political subdivisions of the state, Indian nations, Tribes, and pueblos, for-profit business enterprises, cooperatively owned businesses, tax-exempt non-profit corporations, and small farmers or ranchers with a gross cash farm income under $250,000.  

Learn more on the EDD website.  

NMED Accepting Applications for Fourth Round of Volkswagen Settlement Funding Until January 14, 2026 

The New Mexico Environmental Department (NMED) is currently accepting applications for the Fourth Round of funding from the Volkswagen Settlement. The application deadline is January 15, 2026.

Funding supports projects that reduce diesel emissions. The goal of funding is to offset the excess emissions of oxides of nitrogen (NO_X) emitted by affected Volkswagen light-duty vehicles registered within New Mexico.

A total of $2.6 million is available in project funding.

Learn more from NMED’s website.

Rhode Island Opportunities

RIHOU Accepting Applications for FY26 Municipal Infrastructure Design Initiative Until December 5 

The Rhode Island Department of Housing (RIHOU) is currently accepting applications for the FY26 Municipal Infrastructure Design Initiative. Application deadline is December 5, 2025.  

Funding supports housing opportunities to support the architectural and engineering costs associated with affordable housing development.  

Types of projects include but are not limited to:  

• Water and sewer infrastructure related to housing development  
• Streets and sidewalk infrastructure related to housing development 
• Utility improvements related to housing development 

Eligible applicants are municipalities with priority given to proposals with a planned affordability component.  

Up to $1,000,000 is available to municipalities, with no explicit award minimum or maximum per project.  

Learn more about this opportunity on the State’s Grants Management Office website.  

DEM Currently Accepting Applications for Local Agriculture and Seafood Act Grant Until December 5 

The Rhode Island Department of Environmental Management (DEM) is accepting applications for the Local Agriculture and Seafood Act (LASA) grant. Applications are due December 5, 2025.   

Funding supports the growth, development, and marketing of local food and seafood in Rhode Island. It is made possible by funding from the State of Rhode Island. Funding priorities for this round include:   

• Support the entry, growth, and/or sustainability of Socially Disadvantaged, Beginning, Small, Women, and veteran agriculture and aquaculture producers and fishers.  
• Support climate-smart agriculture mitigation activities and Climate Change related agricultural adaptations.  
• Support the development of new marketing, promotion, sales, and/or distribution channels, including connecting local farms and fishers with Rhode Island’s food insecure communities.  
• Support the development of new products, including value added processing capacity.  
• Foster new cooperatives, partnerships, and/or collaborations among Rhode Island agriculture and aquaculture producers, and fishers and supporting organizations.  
• Protect the future availability of agricultural land for producers, including farm transition planning and implementation.  
• Assist with on-farm Food Safety improvements including FSMA and HACCP Compliance.  
• Support second-generation farmers and succession planning, including intergenerational transfer of knowledge, skills, and operations to ensure the long-term sustainability of Rhode Island agriculture and aquaculture.  

This round has approximately $450,000 in funding. The maximum award is $20,000.   

Learn more on the Rhode Island Grant Portal, and on DEM’s website.  

Vermont Opportunities

VAAFM Now Accepting Applications for Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program Through January 9

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) Water Quality Division is now accepting applications for the Agricultural Clean Water Initiative Program (AgCWIP). Applications are due by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, January 9, 2026.

Funding supports projects that improve water quality across Vermont through education and outreach, technical assistance, organizational capacity development, and conservation practice surveys. AgCWIP provides grants to local and regional partners working with farms to enhance water quality and conservation statewide.

Past projects have included hosting educational workshops, supporting farms with grant applications, nutrient management planning, conservation project design, precision agriculture training, equipment rental programs, and sampling (water, soil, manure).

Eligible Applicants

Vermont businesses such as farm operations or agricultural associations, local government entities, public or private schools or educational institutions, and non-profit organizations working with Vermont farms are eligible to apply.

State and federal agencies may collaborate with these groups but cannot be the primary applicant.

A note for farmers: Individual farms are eligible only if their proposed projects benefit multiple farms (e.g., mentorship or workshop hosting).

Funding Details

Up to $8 million is available through this opportunity.

Applications must address one or more of the following priority outcomes:

• Agricultural Water Quality Regulatory Compliance

• Agricultural Source Pollution Reduction

• Economic and Environmental Viability of Vermont Farms

Grant Categories:

• Category 1 – Small: Requests up to $100,000

• Category 2 – Medium: Requests between $100,001 and $1,000,000

• Category 3 – Large: Joint applications requesting between $1,000,001 and $4,000,000

The grant performance period is expected to run from June 2026 through June 2028.

Key Dates

• Applications Open: November 3, 2025

• Questions Due: December 15, 2025, by 4:30 p.m.

• Applications Due: January 9, 2026, by 4:30 p.m.

• Application Webinar: Wednesday, November 19 at 1:00 p.m.

Applications must be submitted electronically to AGR.WaterQuality@Vermont.gov with the subject line “AgCWIP Application 2026.

Learn more and download the full Request for Grant Applications and forms on the VAAFM’s website.

VAAFM to Open Applications for Fairs and Field Days Grants Program October 30

The Vermont Agency of Agriculture, Food and Markets (VAAFM) has begun accepting applications for the Fairs and Field Days Grant Program since October 30, 2025. The application deadline is December 14, 2025.

Funding supports two funding streams. Competitive Capital Grants are available to assist with the improvement of community facilities providing cultural activities to the public. The Stipend Fund is available to support operating costs, plant improvements, and premiums for agricultural fairs or field day events.

Capital grants will be competitively awarded to agricultural fairs and field days operating a minimum of three consecutive, eight-hour days per year.

For FY26, the total funding available is $410,000 with a total of $300,000 available in Capital Grants and $110,000 in Stipends. The maximum award for Capital Grants is $37,000, and the award for Stipends is decided by the state’s Stipend Distribution Fund Formula. A match of 15% or more is required.

Learn more on VAAFM’s website.

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