Grant Program Information & Eligibility
Leading by Example Executive Order 594: Decarbonizing and Minimizing Environmental Impacts of State Government (EO 594), sets objectives and targets related to onsite renewable generation and decarbonization (i.e., strategic electrification of buildings and elimination of onsite fossil fuel consumption). In alignment with these goals, the intent of the Restoration Program is to support existing solar PV and decarbonized systems at state facilities through repair or replacement of critical components. These restoration projects will help Commonwealth entities reduce energy costs while also supporting the aggressive clean energy targets for state government operations, decarbonization goals, and grid intermittency.
Basic grant program and eligibility information can be found in the table below:
| Grant Program Information & Eligibility | |
|---|---|
| Applicant Eligibility | Any executive agency, state institution of higher education, or quasi-public state entity is eligible to apply. The systems or equipment to be repaired or replaced must be Commonwealth-owned. |
| Total Program Funding Available | $5,000,000 |
| Maximum per Individual Project | $500,000 |
| Maximum Funding Awards per Individual Entity | $1,500,000 |
| Schedule | Applications will be accepted and reviewed on a rolling basis and approved until funds are no longer available. |
| PON Response Deadline | June 30, 2027 |
| Additional Information | Projects must comply with all program requirements detailed in the program opportunity notice (PON) on COMMBUYS |
Eligible Costs by Project Category
Grant requests may cover up to 100% of eligible project costs. Please see the table below to understand eligible material costs by project category:
| Solar PV | Decarbonization Technology |
|---|---|
Includes, but is not limited to:
| Includes, but is not limited to:
|
Awards are used:
- to ensure systems operate at their maximum capacity
- for labor costs that are separate from in-house staff (i.e., procured vendors)
Awards may NOT be used:
- for preventive maintenance plans or extended warranties,
- for roof repairs, or
- to expand existing systems
For any questions about project and/or cost eligibility, please reach out to the LBE Division via LBE-grants@mass.gov.
Program Requirements
DOER expects to provide awards for both solar PV and decarbonized system restoration projects.
Requirements for each project type can be found in Section 4 A-C in the grant PON: (A) solar requirements, (B) decarbonization requirements, and (C) recycling or disposal of replaced solar PV panels.
Environmental Justice Adder
An Environmental Justice Adder of 10% can be applied to any eligible Restoration Program grant. If the project location, defined as the street address, falls within a census block that includes one or more Environmental Justice Populations, the Adder may apply.
Eligibility for the Adder can be determined by using either the statewide Environmental Justice Map or the federal Climate and Economic Justice Screening Tool.
Application Process and Required Documents
- Confirm Eligibility: Potential applicants are encouraged to contact LBE-Grants@mass.gov prior to submitting a grant application to confirm eligibility and availability of funds.
- Submit Application: Applications and any supporting attachments must be submitted to LBE-Grants@mass.gov.