State & Local Funding Opportunities
This week’s Grant Watch Wednesday features a mix of federal and state funding opportunities supporting. municipalities, counties, public agencies, and community partners.
Massachusetts
Tree Canopy Enhancement Grants
Funding Agency: Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) – Urban & Community Forestry
Maximum Award: Up to $100,000
Deadline: November 2, 2026 at 3:00 PM
Status: Open
Funding: $20,000 minimum award; $100,000 maximum award
The Massachusetts DCR Tree Canopy Enhancement Grant Program provides funding to support tree planting projects in disadvantaged and environmental justice communities across the Commonwealth. Funded through the USDA Forest Service Urban and Community Forestry Program, the grant aims to expand tree canopy while improving environmental conditions, public health, and energy efficiency. Eligible applicants include municipalities, 501(c)(3) organizations, and federally recognized Tribes.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/tree-canopy-enhancement-grants
Section 319 Nonpoint Source Implementation Grant Program
Funding Agency: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) – Watershed Planning Program
Maximum Award: Varies by project
Deadline: October 28, 2026 at 4:00 PM
Status: Open
Funding: Funding for implementation projects that prevent, control, or reduce nonpoint source pollution and help restore or protect Massachusetts waters. The usual 40% non-federal match requirement is waived for this funding cycle.
The Section 319 NPS Management Grant, administered by MassDEP, supports projects that prevent, control, and reduce nonpoint source pollution and improve water quality across Massachusetts. Funding prioritizes implementation projects addressing major sources of pollution from developed land, septic systems, and agriculture, especially in impaired watersheds. Projects that restore nitrogen-impacted coastal waters and protect healthy waters are also priorities.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/grants-financial-assistance-watersheds-water-quality
Community Transit Grant Program – FY27 Operating & Mobility Management
Funding Agency: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) – Rail & Transit Division
Maximum Award: No stated minimum or maximum award
Deadline: October 30, 2026
Status: Open
Funding: Funding is available for operating and mobility management projects that expand transportation access for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income individuals. Local match requirements vary depending on the funding source and project type.
This grant supports transportation access for older adults and individuals with disabilities. Eligible applicants include municipalities, Councils on Aging, regional transit authorities, and nonprofits. This grant can support funding to operate transportation services and receive funding for wheelchair accessible vehicles.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/community-transit-grant-program-details-and-eligibility
Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area Grant Program – FY27
Funding Agency: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP)
Maximum Award: Not specified on the program page
Deadline: October 26, 2026 at 5:00 PM
Status: Open
Funding: Funding supports activities that help eligible municipalities complete Watershed Management Plans, Watershed Permit applications, or De Minimis Load applications, as well as certain implementation actions identified in approved Watershed Management Plans.
This program supports eligible communities address nitrogen pollution and water quality challenges in nitrogen sensitive natural resource areas. For communities facing wastewater, septic system, watershed or coastal water quality challenges, the program may provide important resources for developing and advancing long-term solutions.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/grants-financial-assistance-watersheds-water-quality
Massachusetts Land and Water Conservation Fund – FY27
Funding Agency: Massachusetts Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) – Division of Conservation Services
Maximum Award: Up to $1,000,000
Deadline: January 5, 2027 at 11:59 PM
Status: Open – FY27 Grant Round
Funding: Grants provide up to 50% of total project costs, with awards ranging from $50,000 to $1,000,000. Funding supports the acquisition of park or conservation land, creation of new parks, renovation of existing parks, and trail development.
Massachusetts Land and Water Conservation Fund supports the acquisition, development and renovation of public outdoor recreation and conservation resources. Eligible projects can include acquiring park or conservation land, creating new parks, renovating existing recreational facilities and developing trails. Municipalities planning to invest in parks, trails, and conservation lands would be a strong fit.
https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-land-and-water-conservation-fund-grant-program
Texas
TxCDBG Community Development Fund – 2027–2028
Funding Agency: Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) – Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program
Maximum Award: Up to $750,000
Deadline: November 19, 2026
Status: Open
Funding: Funding supports infrastructure improvements in eligible rural communities, including water and wastewater systems, streets, drainage, sidewalks, and housing-related activities. Funding is awarded competitively across Texas’ 24 state planning regions.
The Texas Community Development Block Grant Community Development Fund supports community infrastructure and public-facility improvements in eligible communities. While funds are commonly used for water and wastewater infrastructure, street and drainage improvements, and housing related activities, additional eligible community development activities may also qualify. For smaller and rural communities in particular, this program can help address essential infrastructure needs that may otherwise be difficult to finance.
TxCDBG Community Development Fund
TxCDBG Colonia Fund – 2027
Funding Agency: Texas Department of Agriculture (TDA) – Texas Community Development Block Grant (TxCDBG) Program
Maximum Award: Up to $1,000,000
Deadline: Not specified on the main program page
Status: Open / 2027 application guidance available
Funding: Supports water and wastewater improvements, housing rehabilitation for low- to moderate-income households, certain public improvement assessments, street paving, drainage, and other eligible improvements in qualifying colonia communities.
The Colonia fund provides funding to eligible Texas counties within 150 miles of the Texas Mexico border to address any infrastructure and community development needs in unincorporated colonias. If counties are eligible for this grant will help address infrastructure and quality of life needs in communities and for residents.
TxCDBG Community Development Fund
New Mexico
Strategic Water Supply Grant – 2026
Funding Agency: New Mexico Environment Department (NMED) & Office of the State Engineer (OSE)
Maximum Award: Up to $10,000,000 for construction projects
Deadline: October 20, 2026
Status: Open
Funding: Awards vary by project type, ranging from $250,000 to $10 million. Funding supports research, feasibility assessments, design pilots, environmental documentation, demonstrations, and construction projects involving the exploration, treatment, and beneficial use of brackish water.
Supports brackish water development, reuse, treatment, research, feasibility studies, and related water infrastructure. Municipalities, counties, political subdivisions, and other public entities may be eligible. For local governments, this is an opportunity to develop alternative water supplies, strengthen long-term water resilience and advance critical water infrastructure while protecting existing freshwater resources.
https://www.env.nm.gov/strategic-water-supply/strategic-water-supply-grant/
Federal Funding Opportunities
Federal funding opportunities supporting public safety, justice, community planning and local government initiatives.
Edward Byrne Memorial Justice Assistance Grant (JAG) – Local Formula
Agency: U.S. Department of Justice – Bureau of Justice Assistance
Deadline: October 9, 2026
Funding: Up to $4,964,030
Match: No match required
The JAG Program provides direct formula funding to eligible units of local government for a range of criminal justice and public safety priorities. Funding may support personnel, equipment, supplies, training, technology, information systems, and other eligible initiatives.
Municipalities and counties should confirm whether they qualify for a direct JAG allocation.
PROTECT Competitive Grant Program
Agency: U.S. Department of Transportation – Federal Highway Administration
Deadline: October 9, 2026
Funding: Up to $60 million
Match: Required; varies by project
The Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Program supports projects designed to strengthen transportation infrastructure against climate change, flooding, severe weather, and other natural hazards.
Eligible applicants include local governments, metropolitan planning organizations, states, and other qualifying transportation entities.
National Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Cost Share Grant Program
Agency: USDA Forest Service
Deadline: October 12, 2026
Funding: $200,000–$750,000
Match: Required
This national competitive program supports projects that strengthen urban and community forestry while creating innovative uses for community tree resources and urban wood.
Cities, towns, counties, special districts, public housing authorities, and other eligible organizations may qualify.
NUCFAC Challenge Cost-Share Grant Program | US Forest Service
Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program
Agency: USDA Forest Service
Funding: Up to $600,000
Deadline: October 13, 2026
The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program helps communities acquire and protect forest land for public benefit. Community forests can provide recreational opportunities while protecting wildlife habitat, watersheds and open space.
For communities to consider the permanent protection of forested land, this program can provide federal assistance toward acquiring property and establishing a community forest that will remain an asset for future generations.
How the Community Forest Program Works | US Forest Service
NEW: FY 2026 Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program
Agency: U.S. DOT – Federal Highway Administration
Funding: Up to $80 million
Deadline: November 16, 2026
The Community Forest and Open Space Conservation Program helps communities acquire and protect forest land for public benefit. Community forests can provide recreational opportunities while protecting wildlife habitat, watersheds and open space.
For communities to consider the permanent protection of forested land, this program can provide federal assistance toward acquiring property and establishing a community forest that will remain an asset for future generations.
Wildlife Crossings Pilot Program | FHWA
NEW: Easement Restoration and Stewardship
Agency: USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service
Funding: $250,000–$5 million
Deadline: November 19, 2026
Supports restoration, stewardship, and condition assessments on eligible wetland reserve and floodplain easements. Organizations working with eligible easement land should review the specific property and applicant eligibility requirements closely before pursuing funding. Projects can help restore and maintain important natural landscapes and protect conservation investments over the long term.
USDA to Invest $5 Million to Help Partners and Producers Restore and Protect Wetlands and Floodplains on Agricultural Lands | Natural Resources Conservation Service
EDA Public Works & Economic Adjustment Assistance
For the EDA Public Works Program:
Funding Agency: U.S. Department of Commerce – Economic Development Administration (EDA)
Maximum Award: No specific maximum award listed; award amounts vary by project
Deadline: Rolling – no application submission deadline
Status: Open
Funding: Supports infrastructure projects that create jobs, attract investment, and strengthen distressed communities. Eligible projects include water and sewer improvements, business facilities, workforce centers, and redevelopment.
EDA’s Public Works and Economic Adjustment Assistance programs support projects that help communities build stronger, more resilient regional economies and create the infrastructure necessary for economic growth. Potential projects can include water and sewer infrastructure, industrial and business facilities, workforce development facilities, redevelopment and other infrastructure needed to support job creation and private investment.
For municipalities, counties and regional organizations, EDA funding can be particularly valuable when an infrastructure project is directly connected to economic-development goals, such as preparing a site for new employers, supporting an industrial district, revitalizing an economically distressed area or addressing infrastructure barriers that are limiting business growth.
Plan Now for Future Funding
Whether a grant is open today or part of a future funding cycle, early preparation can put municipalities in a stronger position to compete.
Municipalities may need to establish partnerships, document community needs, develop policies, address privacy and cybersecurity considerations, and demonstrate how a project will be sustained after grant funding ends.
Looking Ahead
Capital Strategic Solutions will continue monitoring state and federal funding announcements, agency grant opportunities, and emerging municipal programs to identify resources that can help communities advance critical projects. If your municipality is considering a project and needs assistance identifying funding sources, developing a grant strategy, or preparing a competitive application, our team is ready to help.
For assistance with your application, reach out to Capital Strategic Solutions. We are experts in Grant Management, expertly handling every stage of the grant lifecycle—from identifying lucrative funding opportunities and securing awards to ensuring compliance and managing project budgets. Our deep understanding of the public sector enables us to effectively support clients in delivering sustainable and impactful community projects. Partner with us to achieve your goals with certainty and success. Call us at (508) 690-0046 or email info@capital-strategic-solutions.com to get started.