FY2027-FY2028 Face-to-Face Mediation Programs

Learn how to submit an application for the Face-to-Face Mediation Programs grant offered by the Attorney General's Office.

The Massachusetts Office of the Attorney General (AGO) is pleased to announce the FY2027-2028 Face-to-Face Mediation Programs (“FTFMP”). This program funds mediation services that help resolve consumer disputes at no cost to residents. FTFMP supports more formal mediation services as part of the greater continuum of consumer assistance services. Eligible programs must focus on consumer mediation services consistent with FY2027-2028 Face-to-Face Mediation Programs Standards and Responsibilities. 

Mediations may be referred by courts and local consumer programs or initiated directly by consumers. Mediators funded or supported by FTFMP are neutral, trained in mediation skills and techniques, and conduct mediations pursuant to statutory requirements such as M.G.L. c. 233, §23C. 

Before applying, applicants should review the full list of grant requirements in the Request for Proposals and Standards and Responsibilities. 

Applicant Eligibility

The following entities are eligible to apply for grant funding: 

• Non-profit organizations within Massachusetts;
• Local governmental agencies; and
• Colleges or universities.

Non-profit organizations that are public charities (generally speaking, public charities have 501(c)(3) status) must be in full compliance with the statutory requirements set forth in G.L. ch. 12, secs. 8E and 8F, and G.L. ch. 68, sec. 19, including initial registration and filing of annual financial reports with the AGO’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division. Public charities must also comply with obligations and reporting requirements set by the Internal Revenue Service. As of September 2023, the Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division requires all charitable registrations and annual filings to be made through the Charity Portal. Please find more information here.

Submission Instructions

• Grant applications with accompanying proposals must be delivered electronically through the AGO's Online Grants Portal by 5:00 P.M. April 17, 2026.
• Applications received after the deadline will not be reviewed.
• Applications will not be accepted in any other format.
• As of February 1, 2026, the AGO's Online Grants Portal is now hosted on a new system.
  • Applicants must create a new free online account even if they have applied for an AGO grant in the past.
  • New accounts may take up to 2 business days to activate. The application period has been lengthened by one week to accommodate new account registrations.
  • Applicants are required to keep their contact information current on the AGO's Online Grants Portal.
• Once applicants have started an application, the application may be saved and returned to later.
• Confirmation of Application Receipt: Applicants typically receive an email confirmation within 2 days. If a confirmation is not received, please email the AGO Grants Team at [e-mail].
• If the applicant experiences issues with the AGO's Online Grants Portal, they should email [e-mail] or call [phone] for assistance. The AGO encourages applicants to upload documents in advance of the deadline to avoid last minute submission issues. 

Documents

Request for Proposals

Standards and Responsibilities