Application Guidance
Reference or download the "FY27 ECO One Stop Grants Catalogue - Question Guidance" spreadsheet detailing program-specific guidance for answering each of the application's Core Questions. This document should be referenced while filling out your ECO One Stop application to ensure that you are providing the necessary information for the grant programs you are applying to.
Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness (MVP) Action Grant
MVP Action Grants offer financial resources to communities that are seeking to advance priority climate adaptation actions to address climate change impacts resulting from extreme weather, sea level rise, inland and coastal flooding, severe heat, and other climate impacts, in alignment with the MVP Core Principles.
Note: The MVP Planning 2.0 grant is not part of ECO One Stop and will continue to be a separate application process.
What kinds of projects does this grant fund?
- Tree planting projects
- Regulatory updates
- Land use planning
- Dam removals
- Culvert or small bridge upgrade and removal
- Stormwater management (e.g. green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, structural Best Management Practices)
- Social resilience and public outreach
- Land acquisition
- Relocation or retrofit of critical infrastructure
- Wetland restoration
- Energy resilience
- And more!
Who can apply?
- Municipalities
- Tribal Governments
- Applicants eligible in partnership with a Municipality (ies)*:
- Districts
- Public Boards or Commissions
- Regional Governments or Planning Agencies
*Such entities must apply for projects that align with in an MVP plan and include a letter of support from the municipality/ies related to the project.
Funding Duration
1 or 2 years
Typical Maximum Funding Request Per Application
Up to $3,000,000 for individual projects.
Up to $5,000,000 for regional projects.
Indicators of a Strong Application
Successful projects will embody the MVP program’s core principles:
- Furthering a community-identified priority action to address climate change impacts
- Increasing equitable outcomes for populations in Burdened Areas and other priority populations and addressing the root causes of social vulnerability
- Building community capacity for climate resilience
- Conducting robust community engagement and supporting strong partnerships with populations in Burdened Areas and priority populations
- Utilizing climate change data for a proactive solution
- Employing Nature-Based Solutions (NBS)
- Achieving broad and multiple community benefits
- Committing to monitoring project success and maintaining the project into the future
- Utilizing regional solutions for regional benefit
- Pursuing innovative, transferable approaches
Examples of projects that will not be funded under the MVP Action Grant include but are not limited to:
- Climate action plans. Those considering climate action plans should instead consider applying to complete MVP Planning 2.0 in an upcoming round.
- Acquisition of fossil-fuel generators.
- Tree removal, with the exception of implementing an approved Forest Stewardship Climate Plan or equivalent.
- Academic studies that are not directly linked to implementation.
- FEMA Hazard Mitigation Plans.
- Projects that propose feasibility assessments and/or design for solar/solar + storage at specific sites. Projects that include feasibility and/or design of these systems as part of installation of such a system may be considered.
- Projects solely related to emergency preparedness without incorporation of future climate change projections or planning.
- Projects that seek to repair to previous conditions without consideration of climate change data/projections or more resilient alternatives.
- Projects that include building construction where the building will rely on nonrenewable sources of energy.
Additional Resources
- EEA Climate Grant Viewer
- Learn More About MVP Action Grant Projects
- MVP Core Principles
- ResilientMass (e.g., climate change projections, Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool)
CZM Coastal Resilience
The Coastal Resilience Grant Program provides financial and technical support for local and regional efforts to address coastal flooding, erosion, and sea level rise impacts. Grants are available to identify and map vulnerabilities, build community support for adaptation, conduct adaptation planning, retrofit and relocate vulnerable community facilities and infrastructure, and implement shoreline restoration projects to increase natural storm damage protection, flood and erosion control, and community resilience.
What kinds of projects does this grant fund?
- Regulatory updates
- Land use planning
- Seawall upgrade or removal
- Culvert or small bridge upgrades and/or removals
- Social resilience and public outreach
- Land acquisition
- Relocation or retrofit of critical infrastructure
- Wetland restoration or enhancement
And more!
Who can apply?
- Coastal Municipalities
- Tribal Governments
- Certified 501(c)3 Nonprofits
Funding Duration
1 or 2 years
Typical Maximum Funding Request Per Application
Up to $2,000,000
Indicators of a Strong Application
- Adapt and relocate vulnerable public facilities and critical infrastructure
- Utilize nature-based solutions for shoreline stabilization and flood control
- Provide broad public benefits and access to the coast
- Increase capacity of Burdened Areas and tribal communities to adapt to changing conditions
- Provide meaningful public engagement opportunities
- Demonstrate local and regional support for coastal resilience projects
- Develop detailed project tasks, timelines and budgets
- Develop transferable products and share lessons learned
Additional Resources
- CZM Grant Viewer
- ResilientCoasts Initiative
- ResilientMass (e.g., sea level rise projections, Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool)
- Massachusetts Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Viewer
- StormSmart Properties fact sheets
CZM Coastal Habitat and Water Quality
The Coastal Habitat and Water Quality (CHWQ) Grants provide financial resources for coastal projects that assess and treat stormwater pollution and support comprehensive habitat restoration.
What kinds of projects does this grant fund?
- Stormwater Management (e.g. green infrastructure, nature-based solutions, structural Best Management Practices)
- Regulatory Updates
- Land Use Planning
- Culvert or Small Bridge Upgrade or Removal
- Land Acquisition
- Wetland Restoration and Enhancement
- And more!
Who can apply?
Projects must be located within the Massachusetts Coastal Watershed.
- Municipalities
- Applicants eligible in partnership with a Municipality (ies):
- Tribal Governments
- Regional Governments or Planning Agencies
- Certified 501(c)3 Nonprofits
Funding Duration
One year strongly preferred with two-year projects considered on a case-by-case basis.
Typical Maximum Funding Request Per Application
Assessment, restoration planning, data collection, and design projects are estimated to range between $50,000 - $175,000. Implementation of stormwater Best Management Practices estimated to range between $150,000 - $850,000. Maximum funding request is $875,000 per application.
Indicators of a Strong Application
Competitive projects support the goals of the program by implementing activities that advance the following objectives:
- Remediation of impaired waterbodies, including those on the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection’s Integrated List of Waters, leading to partially or fully restored waterbody segments.
- Improvement and protection of water quality to support critical ecosystems, including but not limited to diadromous fish runs, estuaries, salt marshes, and eelgrass beds.
- Implementation of green stormwater infrastructure to manage and treat containments of concern in stormwater sources of nonpoint source (NPS) pollution.
- Building capacity of Massachusetts communities to assess and remediate water quality and habitat impairments within the coastal watershed.
- Protection of associated benefits and uses of waters and habitats within the coastal watershed, including beaches and shellfish beds.
- Advancing restoration of critical habitats within the coastal watershed through development of comprehensive restoration plans that protect or improve the condition and function of key habitats and by supporting data collection and engineering for restoration projects focused on municipally owned crossings.
- Protection of critical buffers and marsh migration corridors through identification, prioritization, and planning for priority land acquisitions.
- Planning for land acquisition for buffer protection and salt marsh migration
- Planning and engineering of municipally owned crossing infrastructure replacements or retrofits to support restoration
Capacity building activities to support the implementation of green stormwater infrastructure (e.g. training for municipal staff, bylaw review)
Applications should also describe past or planned public outreach, supporting meaningful participation and engagement in the development or implementation of project activities to increase participatory decision-making in the categories above to be competitive.
Additional Resources
- Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants – This website provides information about the CHWQ grants program, including summaries of funded projects.
- Massachusetts Office of Coastal Zone Management Grant Viewer - The Grant Viewer provides examples of projects funded by CZM from 2014 to present. Projects listed include those from the Former Coastal Pollutant Remediation Grant (CPR) (formerly available), and the Coastal Habitat and Water Quality Grants (CHWQ) (includes activities previously funded through CPR).
- Climate Change Impacts to Coastal Stormwater Best Management Practices (BMPs) - Stormwater BMPs in coastal areas are subject to flooding, storm damage, and salt and wind exposure—impacts that are exacerbated by sea level rise, higher groundwater levels, and increased frequency and intensity of storm and precipitation events due to climate change. In 2015, CZM and the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection contracted Horsley Witten Group, Inc. (with support from the Woods Hole Group) to assess potential impacts to coastal BMPs due to climate change, evaluate existing coastal BMPs, and develop a set of recommendations for coastal communities. The Assessment of Climate Change Impacts on Stormwater BMPs and Recommended BMP Design Considerations in Coastal Communities report provides results of this project and is intended to help municipalities address the unique challenges of siting, designing, and constructing BMPs on the coast.
- Operation, Maintenance, and Performance Evaluation - In 2005, CZM contracted with the Horsley Witten Group, Inc. to conduct field inspections of stormwater BMPs. Horsley Witten evaluated the maintenance history and condition of each installed BMP and made an overall assessment of its functionality. Coastal Pollutant Remediation Program Stormwater BMP Operation, Maintenance, and Performance Evaluation (PDF, 390 KB) is a summary report that details the findings of these inspections and includes a set of recommendations for improving maintenance, construction, and design of stormwater BMPs. Applicants for CHWQ Grants for stormwater remediation projects must review and incorporate these recommendations as applicable.
- Data tools to characterize and assess current and future climate impacts at the proposed project site include: Massachusetts Ocean Resource Information System, Climate Resilient Design Standards Tool, Sea Level Affecting Marshes Model, Massachusetts Sea Level Rise and Coastal Flooding Viewer, ResilientMass Maps and Date Center
EEA Cooling Corridors
The Cooling Corridors Grant Program offers financial resources for conducting tree planting and related activities, that specifically target neighborhoods located within identified hotspots, to assist with mitigating extreme heat and to enhance the local tree canopy and public spaces.
What kinds of projects does this grant fund?
- Tree planting projects
- And more!
Who can apply?
- Municipalities
- Public Boards or Commissions
- Certified 501(c)3 Nonprofits
- Public or Private Schools or Universities
- Tribal Governments
Funding Duration
2 years
Typical Maximum Funding Request Per Application
Up to $75,000.
Indicators of a Strong Application
Competitive applications strive to incorporate the following objectives:
- Proposed tree planting occurs within identified hotspots and/or Burdened Areas
- Proposed tree planting is located within walking routes or close to schools, transit stops, senior centers, medical centers, and/or other areas where populations congregate.
- The primary goal of the proposed planting project is to increase tree canopy in areas where vulnerable populations are impacted by extreme heat.
- A detailed two-year tree watering & maintenance plan is provided, to ensure the survival of newly planted trees.
- Tree species project list is comprised of primarily large shade species, to ensure the maximum amount of heat mitigation benefits are achieved.
- Implementation of green infrastructure and/or removal of impervious surfaces, to facilitate tree planting.
Resources
ResilientMass Maps and Data Center (To identify hotspots)
Draft MassEnviroScreen Viewer (To identify Burdened Areas)
EEA Planning Assistance
The Massachusetts Planning Assistance Grants provide funding to support sustainable land use practices, including zoning for diverse housing, climate change mitigation, and land conservation, in alignment with the state's Sustainable Development Principles.
What kinds of projects does this grant fund?
- Regulatory updates
- Land use planning
- And more!
Who can apply?
- Municipalities
- Tribal Governments
- Regional Governments or Planning Agencies
Funding Duration
1 or 2 years
Typical Maximum Funding Request Per Application
Up to $50,000
Indicators of a Strong Application
- Advance sustainable development by directly, quickly, and significantly improving growth;
- Establish by-right zoning that expedites local permitting;
- Enhance land use regulation (e.g., reduces land, energy, or natural resource consumption or better provides infrastructure or municipal services) in an area of rapid growth or high natural resource value;
- Utilize funding efficiently & provides it where it is most needed;
- Assist a community in need (low equalized property valuation per capita);
- Benefits a Burdened Area (as identified through the draft MassEnviroScreen);
- Distribute funds to communities that have not received a grant or that have received little funding assistance in prior grant rounds.
- Implement a Master, Climate Change (mitigation or adaptation), Open Space, Housing Production, or other Plan (including priority implementation projects identified by a Municipal Vulnerability Program Community);
- Involve more than one municipality collaborating regionally on similar and related tasks;
- Is in compliance with Ch. 40A Sec. 3A;
- Pursue a zoning practice eligible for a simple majority vote under Ch. 40A Sec. 5 (see Appendix #); and
- Demonstrate consistency with the MA Sustainable Development Principles
- Provide for sustainable housing production;
- Deliver a substantial energy or environmental benefit (e.g., better climate resilience, reduced energy use, protection of critical habitats, or reduced greenhouse gas emissions);
- Facilitate walking, biking, and transit use.
Examples of Eligible Projects
Tasks suitable for funding under this RFR include but are not limited to:
- Actions implementing the results of a Climate Vulnerability Assessment – priorities that were identified either through the Community Resilience Building Framework under the MA Vulnerability Preparedness Program or a similar Climate Vulnerability Assessment
- Zoning for solar or other renewable energy systems;
- Zoning that enhances the regulatory process or built environment such as Smart Parking, a Form Based Code, or Low Impact Development;
- Rezoning for consistency with a Master Plan or implementation of specific actions or recommendations from a Master Plan.
- Development of a mixed-use zoning district (e.g., mill building reuse, Village Center)
- Feasibility studies, land-use analyses, and other plans necessary for successful redevelopment or other use, such as an urban park, of sites and buildings
- Zoning for agriculture, forestry preservation, or tree retention;
- Work necessary to utilize a package wastewater treatment plant to advance development under village center or other smart growth consistent zoning;
- Development of complete streets policy and plans that enable biking and walking instead of driving; reduced road standards in subdivision rules and regulations consistent with Complete Streets or the Sustainable Neighborhood Road Design: A Guidebook for Massachusetts Cities and Towns;
- Drafting an Open Space and Recreation Plan; and
- Drafting a Water Conservation Plan that meets state water conservation standards.
Resources
Massachusetts Sustainable Development Principles
Zoning practices eligible for a simple majority vote Chapter 40A Section 5
EEA Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal
The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program offers financial resources to support projects that repair or remove dams, levees, seawalls, and other inland flood control and coastal protection infrastructure.
What kinds of projects does this grant fund?
- Dam removal
- Dam or levee upgrade
- Seawall upgrade or removal
- And more!
Who can apply?
- Local Government Bodies
- Certified 501(c)3 Nonprofits
Funding Duration
1 or 2 years
Typical Maximum Funding Request Per Application
- Up to $250,000 for design/permitting related to dams and levees.
- Up to $500,000 for design/permitting related to seawalls and other coastal protection structures.
- Up to $1,000,000 for construction related to dams and levees.
- Up to $3,000,000 for construction of seawalls and other coastal protection structures.
Indicators of a Strong Application
Funds are awarded with a focus on comprehensive design/permitting projects and shovel-ready construction projects that promote public health, public safety, or ecological restoration, either through improvements to deficient structures for increased flood resilience or the removal of obsolete structures for the restoration of natural ecosystems.
For construction funds, preference is given to projects that have all permits in hand at the time of application. Additionally, applicants for construction funds should have submitted their project to the Massachusetts Environmental Policy Act Office (MEPA Office) for regulatory review prior to submitting an application. Applicants whose projects are not subject to MEPA review must explain.
For Dams and Levees
- Dams must be subject to the regulatory jurisdiction of the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR).
- Preference is given to dams classified as “High Hazard Potential” or “Significant Hazard Potential” structures by the Massachusetts Office of Dam Safety and rated in “Poor” or “Unsafe” overall physical condition.
- Preference is given to levee systems rated as “High Risk” or “Very High Risk” by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), as well as levee systems, segments, or structures rated as “Unacceptable” or “Minimally Acceptable” in their most recent Levee Inspection Report by the USACE.
For Seawalls and Other Coastal Protection Structures
- All structures must be municipally owned or owned by a certified 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
- Preference is given to coastal structures classified as High Priority (“IV”) or Immediate/Highest Priority (“V”) and rated in Fair (“C”), Poor (“D”), or Critical (“F”) physical condition in the Massachusetts Coastal Infrastructure Inventory 2015 Update.
Additional Resources
DER Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance and Training
The Division of Ecological Restoration’s Culvert Replacement Municipal Assistance Grants and Training Sites Initiatives supports the replacement or removal of undersized, perched, and/or degraded culverts that cross freshwater, non-tidal rivers or streams – whether intermittent or perennial. The program prioritizes projects that reconnect rivers and streams, restore habitat for fish, wildlife and biodiversity, and enhance local resiliency while reducing flood risks.
What kinds of projects does this grant fund?
- Culvert or Small Bridge Upgrade or Removal
Up to three stream crossings/structures can be applied for in a single application. All phases of work are eligible under this grant, including field data collection, design/engineering, permitting, and construction.
Who can apply?
- Municipalities
- Districts
- Public Boards or Commissions
- Tribal Governments
- Regional Governments or Planning Agencies
Who can not apply?
- Projects successfully awarded under this grant will not be able to participate in other DER grants programs for the same project during the same Fiscal Year. This limitation does not include funding from other ECO OneStop grants or other state grant programs.
Funding Duration
1 year
Typical Maximum Funding Request Per Application
Up to $300,000 for non-construction projects.
Up to $650,000 for construction projects.
Award size depends on the number of structures and project phases proposed.
Indicators of a Strong Application
- Projects that meet the goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards, improve natural river functions, and connect habitat areas/improve fish and wildlife passage.
- Projects that demonstrate multiple types of benefits (e.g. environmental, flood resilience, public safety).
- Projects that build local capacity and/or leverage existing or ongoing work (e.g. demonstrate previous or ongoing funding or efforts, partner support or collaborations, opportunities to build local capacity to implement similar projects in the future.
Examples of projects that will not be funded include but are not limited to:
- Projects not meeting goals of the Massachusetts Stream Crossing Standards including in-kind replacements or repairs where the crossing does not currently meet the standards, such as replacing a culvert with one of the same size and type without improving ecological function or stream connectivity.
- Sliplining or lining – Installing a liner inside an existing culvert, which does not restore stream function or habitat.
- Projects not on natural freshwater, non-tidal rivers or streams – For example, stormwater-only ditches or tidal/coastal structures
- Projects successfully awarded under this grant will not be able to participate in other DER grants programs for the same project during the same Fiscal Year. This limitation does not include funding from other ECO OneStop grants or other state grant programs.
Resources
ECO One Stop Overview
The Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA) is excited to launch the Environment & Climate One Stop (ECO), a new initiative designed to simplify the grant application process for climate and environmental resilience projects across Massachusetts. By consolidating multiple EEA grant applications into a single, streamlined process, we aim to reduce complexity and improve funding outcomes for municipalities and partners.
This catalogue provides information about each of the grant programs included in the shared ECO One Stop application. You can reference this information when completing your Expression of Interest and/or your ECO One Stop application understand which grants might be the best fit for your project and which criteria those grant programs may prioritize during their review process.
Match Requirements
Please be aware that all of the grants participating in the ECO One Stop require a 10% match of the grant amount through either cash or in-kind contributions. Exceptions to these match requirements apply for Tribal governments and designated rural and small towns.