Press Release  AG’s Office Opens Application Period for Grants for Local Consumer Programs

Boston — Attorney General Maura Healey has opened the application period for grant funding for local consumer and mediation programs across the state through the Local Consumer Aid Fund Grants.

As part of its services to consumers, the AG’s Office uses settlement funds to provide grants to a statewide network of Local Consumer Programs (LCP) and Face-to-Face Mediation (FTF) programs. These programs handle many consumer complaints in their own regions of the state where local knowledge and community involvement enable the programs to provide effective assistance and services to help consumers resolve disputes.

“The Attorney General’s Office advocates for consumers across Massachusetts,” said AG Healey. “These grants allow us to continue to support local nonprofit and municipal programs that provide education services to consumers and help them when advocacy, mediation and assistance is needed.”

In fiscal year 2016, the AG’s Office provided funding to 19 LCPs and 16 FTF programs.

The LCPs provide information to consumers concerning state and federal consumer protection laws. These nonprofits also offer voluntary consumer advocacy and assistance services.

FTF programs support the resolution of consumer and landlord-tenant disputes. FTF programs receive cases from trial court and the Attorney General’s Office. Mediation sessions are held at small claims courts and at FTF program offices. 

Applications for eligible grantees will be accepted from any 501(c)3 organization in good standing with the Non-Profit/Public Charities Division of the AG’s Office and the Internal Revenue Service. Funding may also be provided to local government agencies including District Attorneys’ Offices, mayors’ offices, town offices and colleges and universities. 

Eligible organizations seeking funding should submit a letter of intent to apply no later than 4:00 p.m. on April 8, 2016 including information on the coverage area and contact details for the grant manager.  Questions regarding the grant funding must be submitted no later than April 28, 2016. Grants will be awarded for the period from July 1, 2016 to June 30, 2017, for fiscal year 2017.

Interested applicants can visit the Attorney General’s website, www.mass.gov/ago/grants, for additional information about the application process and to download application materials.

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