General Process Questions
Q: How do I apply for funding through the One Stop?
A: The Full Application is the vehicle for applying for funding through the One Stop. The Full Application must be submitted through the One Stop IGX system. Applicants can now create and begin drafting their applications; however, applications can only be submitted during the Full Application Submission Period, which opens May 6 with a final deadline of June 5 at 11:59 p.m.
Q: I am not sure where my project falls within the Development Continuum. What are the best resources to help me understand where to apply within the Full Application?
A: If you are unsure, the best way to understand where your project falls on the Development Continuum is by submitting an Expression of Interest. The EOI review team will provide feedback on your projects, including where they fall within the continuum and which programs best align with the funding needs. You can also visit the One Stop Development Continuum webpage for details on each section of the Development Continuum. Finally, Virtual Session 2: One Stop Application Guidance Webinar walks through a series of application scenarios meant to help you understand where your project fits within the Full Application.
Q: How does the Zoning Act’s requirements for MBTA communities impact a community’s ability to receive funding from the State?
A: Section 3A to the Zoning Act (Chapter 40A of the General Laws) requires each of the identified 177 MBTA communities to have a zoning district in which multifamily zoning is permitted as of right, and that meets other requirements set forth in the statute. Any noncompliant MBTA community is ineligible for funding from the Housing Choice Grant Program, the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program, and the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, and all other Community One Stop for Growth programs will take noncompliance with Section 3A into consideration when making grant award recommendations. For information on compliance with the MBTA communities law, please visit www.mass.gov/mbtacommunities.
Q: Do applicants need to have a System for Award Management Unique Entity ID (SAM UEI) to participate in the One Stop?
A: No. SAM registration is required to receive funding from the federal government and is not required for the One Stop.
Expression of Interest
Q: I don’t see an option to submit an Expression of Interest (EOI) in the IGX System. How do I access the EOI?
A: The Expression of Interest is now offered as a simple webform accessed via the Expression of Interest page on the One Stop website. Prospective applicants are no longer required to register or log into the IGX system in order to complete an EOI form.
Q: If I submit an EOI, is that enough to be considered for funding?
A: No, the EOI is a tool for applicants to get feedback on their projects before starting their Full Applications. Applicants must complete a Full Application in order to be considered for funding through the One Stop.
Q: If I do not submit an EOI can I still submit a Full Application?
A: Yes. Although it is highly encouraged, the EOI is an optional step in the One Stop process and is not required to submit a Full Application.
Q: Is preference given to applicants that submit an EOI in the Full Application review?
A: No. Reviewers do not consider participation in the EOI process when evaluating an application.
Q: Is there a limit to the number of Expressions of Interest (EOI) that an organization can submit?
A: No. New this round, the EOI form is available as a simple webform accessed directly from the One Stop website. Prospective applicants may return to submit multiple EOIs, however each EOI submission can only include one project idea.
Q: Can we update our Expression of Interest before April 30?
A: No, an Expression of Interest cannot be updated after it has been submitted, however there is no limit to the number of EOIs that any one organization can submit, so prospective applicants are welcome to submit another EOI with updated information.
Full Application
Q: Where do I submit the Full Application?
A: The One Stop Full Application are submitted via the One Stop IGX Platform.
Q: Is there an opportunity to preview the Full Application before starting it in IGX?
A: Yes, a variety of sample templates are available on the One Stop website. The templates are available based on Project Type, so you can see the questions that you will likely be asked based on where your project fits within the One Stop.
Q: Our organization received a grant in the last One Stop round. Are we still eligible to apply in the current round?
A: Yes. Receiving a grant in a past round of the One Stop does not limit participation in the current round.
Q: Are applicants required to provide matching funds?
A: Matching funds are only required for projects focused on Creating Collaborative Workspace to receive funding from the Collaborative Workspace Program. However, in most cases, providing matching funds will make an application more competitive regardless of which program reviews it.
Q: Does the online form allow an applicant to start the application and save work in progress?
A: Yes, up until the posted deadlines users will be able to log in and out of the system at any time to work and save their progress on application(s). Applicants are encouraged to save their work often, as the system will generate alerts indicating any errors on a form that may need to be addressed before each section can be marked as complete.
Q: I am working on a Full Application and cannot find the “Submit” button. Why am I not able to submit?
A: There are two reasons why a user may not see the “Submit” button in the Full Application:
- The user may be working on the application outside of the Full Application submission period. Although applicants were able to open and work on Full Applications beginning in January, Full Applications may only be submitted between May 6 and June 5, 2024.
- If within the submission period, the user may be registered as “Grantee Staff” within their organization. Users with the Grantee Staff role are allowed to work on the Expression of Interest and Full Application but may not submit. If the user is an Authorized Official within their organization, meaning they have the authority to submit an application on behalf of the organization, they should contact a Grant Administrator within their organization to upgrade their role to “Grant Administrator.”
Q: I don't see the opportunity to submit multiple projects within the Full Application. Are applicants only allowed to submit one project?
A: There is no limit to the number of Full Applications that an applicant can submit. However, applicants should only include one project per application, therefore an applicant may create multiple applications in the One Stop to submit additional projects for consideration. A great resource to understand how to navigate the Full Application is Virtual Session 2: One Stop Application Guidance Webinar, which can be found on the Virtual Sessions webpage.
Q: Can a single application span multiple Development Continuum categories?
A: No. If an applicant believes that their project spans multiple Development Continuum categories, they should break up the project into separate, smaller projects, with unique scopes of work, and submit a separate application for each.
Q: Is there guidance on the "public purpose" requirement for non-public applicants?
A: According to the Office of the Comptroller, grants awarded to non-public entities may only cover the actual costs of fulfilling a public purpose to benefit the general public or a segment of the general public. As it relates to the programs within the One Stop, non-public entities should review the guidelines of the program(s) that they are eligible for and interested in pursuing to understand the public purpose that the program is intended to address.
Q: Are examples of past awards available?
A: Yes! Lists of all awards from each round are available in the Resources section of the One Stop website.
Application Review and Award
Q: If a private organization in a community submits a Full Application, does that hurt the municipality’s chances of getting its application(s) funded?
A: No, each Full Application is reviewed independently on its own merits. In past rounds, there have been several examples of multiple projects being funded in the same community. While applications submitted within the same category do technically compete against each other, applications are considered for funding based on the strength of the project, regardless of location.
Q: How long does the review process take and when can I expect to receive a notice of funding decision?
A: The Collaborative Review process begins immediately following the Full Application deadline. Programs will review applications over the course of the summer and are expected to issue funding decisions in the fall of 2024.
Q: Are funds disbursed on a reimbursement basis and what is the timing for allowable expenses to be included within an application budget? Can funds be provided to other entities as subcontractors?
A: Disbursement policies will vary by program. Grantees should discuss disbursement with the program manager during contracting. Please reference the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA) for more information.
Using the IGX Online Platform
Q: My organization is new to the One Stop – how do I register a new organization?
A: If your organization is new to IGX, the CEO or Authorized Official (AO) for your municipality or organization must register the organization. To begin, click the “New Organization? Register Here” link and follow the prompts. Once the CEO or AO registers your organization, they will receive an email notification from the system confirming the designation as a Grant Administrator.
Q: How long should it take to receive a response after registering a new organization in the IGX system?
A: New organizations should be verified and approved by One Stop staff within 3 business days.
Q: Who should be the Grant Administrator?
A: The Grant Administrator(s) for each organization should be the lead person(s) in the organization that is/are authorized to submit applications on behalf of the organization, and if awarded, is in a position to manage the contracting. At least one of the Grant Administrators should be the authorized signatory of the organization or a designee acting on behalf of the authorized signatory.
Q: I am a consultant and will be working on applications for multiple organizations. Do I need to create multiple accounts?
A: No, you should only have one account in the IGX system, however each organization that you are assisting will need to be registered within IGX. The organization’s Grant Administrator can add consultants to their organization. Consultants will be able to work on EOI and Full Applications, however they will not be able to create or submit a new form on behalf of the applicant organization.
Select Program Questions
Q: If the presence of a building is preventing environmental remediation, does the Brownfield Redevelopment Fund allow for funds be used to demolish the structure?
A: No, building demolition is not an eligible use of funds through the Brownfield Redevelopment Fund.
Q: If an applicant owns a building containing a collaborative workspace, does that preclude the organization from receiving funding through the Collaborative Workspace Program?
A: Collaborative Workspace Program grants can be awarded to the building owner, the collaborative workspace operator, or both.
Q: If an eligible applicant would like to pursue funding from the Housing Choice Grant Program, can they submit an application solely targeting that program?
A: No. By the nature of the One Stop, applications are reviewed through a collaborative review process to ensure that applications are reviewed by the program(s) that best fit the project’s needs to give it the best chance of being funded. Most applications reviewed by the Housing Choice Grant Program will also be reviewed by at least one other program.
Q: Will the Housing Choice Grant Program consider projects that will result in an end-use other than housing?
A: Yes. While the Housing Choice Grant Program does care significantly about supporting housing production, the program will consider funding community projects that do not directly relate to housing.
Q: I think my project could be considered for funding by both the HousingWorks Infrastructure Program and MassWorks Infrastructure Program. Should I submit two applications for the same project?
A: No, the applicant in this scenario should only submit one application. During the collaborative review process, staff will determine whether MassWorks, HousingWorks, or both programs should review the application.
Q: Can a Massachusetts Downtown Initiative (MDI) award be used to implement a sign and façade program?
A: No - MDI provides technical assistance in the form of consultant services to study opportunities to revitalize communities’ downtowns. The program does not fund costs associated with project implementation.
Q: Can Underutilized Property Program funds be used to build on vacant land that is underutilized?
A: No. Underutilized Property Program funds may only be used to cover the costs of rehabilitation within the envelope of an existing underutilized and/or vacant building.
Q: Can Urban Agenda Grant Program funds be used to support a workforce development program that serves multiple communities?
A: No, Urban Agenda projects must be focused on a single area/community. If an organization would like to pursue funding for opportunities in multiple communities, they would need to submit a separate application for each community.