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Funding Opportunities for
Municipalities
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New
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BUILD (previously RAISE) | U.S. DOT
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CRCOG Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program
- CT DOT Section 5310 Enhanced Mobility Grant Program
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NEA — Grants for Arts Projects (FY 2027)
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HUD FY 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition & Youth Homeless Demonstration Program (YHDP) Grants
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U.S. DOT / Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) FY 2026
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2026 AARP Community Challenge Grants, Connecticut
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Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap | U.S. EPA
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Long Island Sound Resilience Planning Support Program
Transportation
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CRCOG LOTCIP
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Bridge Investment Program | U.S. DOT
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Active Transportation Microgrant Program | CT DOT
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Build America Bureau - Technical Assistance and Financing
Energy and Environment
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Brownfields MAC | U.S. EPA
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USDA Rural Development Emergency Community Water Assistant Grant
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CT Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
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ConneCTed Communities Program | CT DEEP
Housing and Community Development
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HUD Continuum of Care Program
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U.S. EDA FY25 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
- Urban Act Grant
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CT Department of Housing Funding Opportunities
- HUD Discretionary Funding Opportunities
- Connecticut Children's Healthy Homes Program
Resources
- Recent Awards and Upcoming Opportunities
- Tools & Resources
- Requests for Your Input
- ICYMI
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This newsletter includes information about state and federal funding opportunities that municipalities are eligible to apply for.
CRCOG staff are here to help with your grant applications. We provide technical assistance for your grant applications and look forward to working with you to build a better region. If you have questions or would like to discuss priority projects in your community, and how to fund them, please contact Elizabeth Sanderson.
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BUILD (previously RAISE)
Application Deadline: February 24, 2026 by 5 pm
The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) has $1.5B available for grants awarded through the FY 2026 Better Utilizing Investments to Leverage Development (BUILD) Grant Program. Previously known as RAISE and TIGER, the BUILD program seeks to fund projects that will have a significant local or regional impact and improve transportation infrastructure.
Two types of grants with the minimum award amounts:
- Capital Projects
- Minimum Award in Rural Areas: $1M
- Minimum Award in Urban Areas: $5M
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Planning Projects - no Minimum Award amount.
Maximum award size for all grants is $25M.
Cost Share/Local Match:
Typically, no more than 80% of total project cost may be funded from Federal sources. However, projects located in Rural Areas, Areas of Persistent Poverty (APP), and/or Historically Disadvantaged Communities (HDC) are eligible to receive 100% Federal funding.
View U.S. DOT's interactive map to see if your project location is with an Urban or Rural Area. View this interactive map to determine if your project is located in an APP or HDC. View this interactive map to check your project's
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO), initial version here, will be amended by U.S. DOT before the application deadline. Sign up to receive updates from U.S. DOT and/or Grants.gov to stay informed of latest updates.
Apply through Grants.gov.
| | | Brownfields - CRCOG's RLF Program
Application Deadline: rolling basis until funds are obligated, with initial application cutoff February 2, 2026.
CRCOG is now accepting applications for to access just over $500,000 for eligible brownfield cleanup activities. Through a cooperative agreement with U.S. EPA, CRCOG's Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program will competitively review subgrant applications from CRCOG Member Municipalities and loan applications from other eligible applicants in Connecticut. We anticipate receiving applications until February 2 so eligible applications can be referred to CRCOG's Brownfield Steering Committee and others.
Learn more about how to apply.
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CTDOT Section 5310 – Enhanced Mobility of Seniors and Individuals with Disabilities
Application Deadline: March 31, 2026, 4 pm
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is accepting applications for the Federal Transit Administration's Section 5310 grant program, which supports capital and operating projects that improve mobility for seniors and individuals with disabilities. Applications are available through the State’s CTsource contracting portal. Eligible projects include vehicle purchases, mobility management activities, and specialized transportation services designed to increase access and independence for older adults and individuals with disabilities.
For the FFY 2025 cycle, CTDOT will fund traditional vehicle projects at an 80% federal / 20% local match. Viable nontraditional projects may be funded at 50% or 80% federal share, subject to available funding. Eligible applicants include private nonprofit organizations, state and local government authorities, and public transportation operators.
Applicants pursuing capital projects must publish a public notice in a major newspaper by March 6, 2026, and provide advance notification to transportation operators in the proposed service area. Replacement vehicles must meet minimum useful life requirements.
Applications and supporting documentation must be submitted as a single PDF via email to DOT.Section5310@ct.gov, with a copy to the Capitol Regional Council of Governments (CRCOG).
Review the Program Overview and Guidance. Contact Dagmar Noll, CRCOG’s Principal Transit Planner with questions.
Apply online at CTsource Application Portal (search for solicitation "34347").
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NEA — Grants for Arts Projects (FY 2027)
Application Deadline:
Part 1: February 12, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET);
Part 2: February 25, 2026 (11:59 p.m. ET).
The National Endowment for the Arts (NEA) Grants for Arts Projects program supports arts projects that expand access to the arts, celebrate artistic heritage, strengthen arts education, and advance community well-being. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, units of state/local government, and federally recognized Tribal governments/communities, with additional program requirements such as a minimum track record of arts programming and budget thresholds. Funding requests generally range from $10,000–$100,000, with caps/variations by discipline. A 1:1 cost share/match is required.
How to apply: Submit Part 1 via Grants.gov and Part 2 via the NEA Applicant Portal.
Please see the NEA contacts page for assistance in submitting your application.
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HUD FY 2025 Continuum of Care (CoC) Competition & Youth Homeless Demonstration Program (YHDP) Grants
Application Deadline: February 25, 2026
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) CoC program is the primary federal competitive funding stream for homelessness assistance, supporting projects such as permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, transitional housing, supportive services, and coordinated entry, with a dedicated component for youth homelessness through YHDP. Applicants are typically CoC-designated eligible entities which can include nonprofits, state/local governments, and public housing agencies. Applications should be submitted through the Continuum of Care processes and HUD’s requirements. Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
Important note: HUD has flagged the Continuum of Care (CoC) NOFO because it is subject to ongoing federal litigation challenging changes HUD made to the FY 2025 CoC funding requirements. A federal court has issued a preliminary injunction blocking HUD from implementing or enforcing the revised FY 2025 NOFO while the case proceeds. As a result, HUD is reverting to the prior FY 2024–2025 CoC NOFO framework for certain renewal activities, but it cannot obligate or award funds until further court direction. Applicants should closely monitor HUD’s posted updates, as deadlines, requirements, and award timing may change depending on the outcome of the litigation.
How to apply: Apply at Grants.gov.
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U.S. DOT / Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) FY 2026
Application Deadline: February 28, 2026
The Maritime Administration (MARAD) Port Infrastructure Development Program (PIDP) is a competitive discretionary grant program funding planning and capital projects that improve the safety, efficiency, or reliability of freight movement into/out of/within ports. The program supports projects across urban and rural ports and includes a set-aside for small ports. MARAD notes the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law provided $2.25B (FY22–FY26) for PIDP, including $450M made available in FY 2026.
Who is eligible: PIDP is designed for ports and port-industry stakeholders, state or local government, tribes, or special purpose districts with a transportation function. Specific eligible applicant types and match requirements are detailed in the FY26 NOFO and Grants.gov opportunity materials linked from MARAD’s PIDP page. Review the FY26 NOFO.
How to apply: Apply at Grants.gov
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2026 AARP Community
Challenge Grants, Connecticut
Application Deadline:
March 4, 2026, 5:00 p.m. ET.
AARP Connecticut is now accepting applications for the 2026 AARP Community Challenge, a competitive “quick action” grant program that funds projects to make communities more livable for people of all ages, with a focus on improvements to public places, transportation, housing, digital connections, and disaster resilience. In its tenth year, AARP notes it will award over $8 million nationwide through its Livable Communities initiative.
This year’s program includes three grant tracks: Flagship grants (awards ranging from a few hundred dollars up to $15,000), capacity-building microgrants (paired with technical support; $2,500 awards), and demonstration grants (typically $10,000–$20,000, not to exceed $25,000, with a 2026 focus that includes pedestrian safety, broadband access/adoption, and housing choice design competitions).
Who is eligible: The Community Challenge is open to eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) nonprofit organizations and government entities. Other organization types may be considered case-by-case. All projects must align with AARP’s mission, serving the needs of people 50 and older while benefiting the larger community.
Project completion requirement: All funded projects must be completed by December 15, 2026.
Apply using the application on AARP's website.
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Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap | US EPA
Application Deadline: Rolling
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Closing America’s Wastewater Access Gap Initiative provides no-cost technical assistance to small, rural, and historically underserved communities with failing septic systems, cesspools, or little to no existing wastewater infrastructure. Through this initiative, EPA and its partners help communities assess their wastewater and septic needs, identify feasible technical and financial solutions, and prepare competitive applications for funding—particularly through the Clean Water State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) made available under the Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act. Rather than offering direct grant dollars to municipalities, the program supplies expert technical assistance, which can include needs assessments, evaluation of alternatives (such as onsite, cluster, or centralized systems), preliminary engineering support, rate and feasibility studies, and help with local ordinances and long-term operations and maintenance planning. EPA is expanding the initiative to support 150 communities nationwide, with participation accepted on a rolling basis, so there is currently no fixed application deadline.
Communities may be strong candidates for this assistance if they are experiencing widespread septic failures or wastewater backups, lack adequate sewer service, or are still working to rebuild wastewater and septic infrastructure after storms or other disasters. Eligible requesters include local governments, utilities, Tribes, states, territories, and in some cases homeowner groups or community-based organizations working in areas with significant wastewater challenges.
Contact for questions: SepticHelp@epa.gov.
Assistance request form
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Long Island Sound (LIS) Resilience Planning Support Program
Application Deadline: January 30
The Long Island Sound (LIS) Resilience Resource Hub opened the LIS Planning Support Program on December 1, 2025, with up to $1.5 million in funding available. Expressions of Interest will be accepted from December 1, 2025 through January 30, 2026. Applicants must schedule a call with their regional SRC EP to discuss their proposed project no later than February 6, 2026 in order to be considered for funding.
Learn more about the LIS Resilience Planning Support Program.
| | | Transportation-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
CRCOG Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP)
Application Deadline: February 18, 2026 by 2 pm
The Capitol Region Council of Governments (CRCOG) is making $45M available through the Local Transportation Capital Improvement Program (LOTCIP) for for transportation improvement projects.
CRCOG Member Municipalities are invited to review the Request for Proposals (RFP) for information about how to apply.
Templates for RFP required documents, along with associated supporting documents, can be found on CRCOG's 2026 LOTCIP Solicitation Webpage.
Following receipt of proposals, CRCOG will complete a review and rating of proposals for Transportation Committee and Policy Board endorsement. Selected applications will be submitted to CTDOT for potential approval in the form of a Commitment to Fund Letter. This solicitation assumes the continuation of current LOTCIP funding levels, and therefore selection under this solicitation does not guarantee funding.
Please contact Sotoria Montanari with questions, or if you would like more information.
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U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program
Application Deadline: Varies by grant type
The Federal Highway Administration's Bridge Investment Program (BIP) makes billions of dollars available to local, regional, and state units of government to fix eligible bridges and culverts on the National Bridge Inventory. This is an excellent opportunity to improve bridge condition and the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over existing bridges.
There are three types of grants, each with separate application deadlines to be considered for FY26 funding:
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Large Bridge Projects - total eligible project costs greater than $100M;
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Bridge Projects - total eligible project costs less than or equal to $100M;
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Planning Grants - for planning, feasibility analysis, and revenue forecasting of a project that would subsequently be eligible to apply for grant types 1 or 2.
An amendment to the Notice of Funding Opportunity for Large Bridge Projects was posted on June 2. The Notice of Funding Opportunity for Bridge Projects and Planning Grants was posted on December 20, 2023, but U.S. DOT is in the process of updating the NOFOs to meet the administration's current priorities. CRCOG will share more information about this as it becomes available.
CRCOG developed a mapping tool to assist municipalities with identifying potentially eligible projects.
Learn how Project Bundling could help you qualify for these funding opportunities, and visit the program webpage for application templates and tools to help you in applying.
Applications will be accepted through Grants.gov.
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CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
Application Deadline: Anticipated in March 2026
Thanks to all who applied for the CT Department of Transportation’s Active Transportation Microgrant Program! CRCOG has reached our allotment for the 2025 calendar year but another solicitation with more funding is expected to be announced for 2026, with applications due in March. We will share more information as it becomes available.
This grant program funds schools, school districts, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations for the purchase of items like bicycle helmets; bicycle locks; bicycle fleets; safety vests; bicycle maintenance training and materials; and pay for League Cycling instructors training; and programs, events, and materials for bicycle and pedestrian safety education.
Please consider applying in 2026 and contact Mike Cipriano with questions.
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Environment and Energy-Related Funding Opportunities
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Brownfields - U.S. EPA
Application Deadline: January 28, 2026
U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications for FY26 Assessment; Cleanup; and Multipurpose Grants. Grants may be used to address sites contaminated by hazardous substances, pollutants, or contaminants (including hazardous substances co-mingled with petroleum) and petroleum. More information about each grant and application resources are available on the program webpage. View the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and apply online at Grants.gov:
- Multipurpose Grant
- Assessment - Coalition Grant
- Assessment - Community-wide Grant
- Cleanup Grant
Note: CRCOG has been working with UCONN-TAB on an application for a Community-Wide Assessment Grant on behalf of the region.
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CT Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Application Deadline: Rolling Basis
Connecticut's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is accepting applications and letters of intent for all FEMA Hazard Mitigation Grant programs. These programs fund projects aimed at reducing the impact of natural disasters.
Learn more and send your letter of intent to DEMHS.HMGP@ct.gov.
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CT DEEP ConneCTed Communities Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
The ConneCTed Communities Grant Program has an estimated $6.7M available for the construction and deployment of broadband upgrades in Multi-Dwelling Units (MDUs) in communities that need it most.
DEEP is seeking applications for grant funding to facilitate low-income and multi-family curb-to-home and business broadband infrastructure buildout in underserved areas. All projects funded through this program must reach substantial completion before December 31, 2026. Learn more and Apply Online.
| | | Housing and Community Development-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
HUD Continuum of Care Program
Application Deadline: January 14, 2026
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is accepting applications for the Continuum of Care Program (CoC). CoC provides funding to eligible entities (including local governments, states, and non-profit organizations) to end homelessness.
The program funds a variety of housing types and services. Learn more and apply through Grants.gov.
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Economic Development Administration (EDA) FY25 Disaster Supplemental Grant Program
Application deadline: March 3, 2026
The U.S. Economic Development Administration makes $1.45B available to support economic recovery activities in major disaster declaration areas because of hurricanes, wildfires, severe storms and flooding, tornadoes, and other natural disasters that occurred in 2023 and 2024.
Read the Notice of Funding Opportunity and visit the Program Webpage to learn more. Apply through Grants.gov.
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Urban Act Grant Program
Application deadline: Rolling basis
Connecticut municipalities that are designated as economically distressed, public investment communities, or urban centers are eligible to apply for the Urban Act Grant Program. This program seeks to promote community conservation and development and improve the quality of life for urban residents. A wide range of projects are eligible, including economic and community development; transportation; housing; recreation development; solid waste disposal; public safety; and social services-related projects. Learn more.
Complete the Application and submit it, per instructions, to the CT Department of Economic and Community Development.
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Connecticut Department of Housing Funding Opportunities
Application deadlines vary by program.
The State of Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) has numerous discretionary grant programs available that support agency initiatives such as Affordable Housing Development and Preservation, Housing Affordability initiatives, Community Development, and Individual & Family Support.
Visit the DOH Programs and Initiatives page to see a list of opportunities and learn how to apply.
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HUD Discretionary Funding Opportunities
Application deadlines vary by program.
HUD has over 20 competitive grant programs available that support agency initiatives such as Affordable Housing Development and Preservation, Community and Economic Development, Environment and Energy, Fair Housing, Homelessness, Homeownership, Rental Assistance, Supportive Housing and Services:
More information is available on Grants.gov or HUD's Grant Information webpage.
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Connecticut Children's Healthy Homes Program
Applications accepted on a rolling-basis.
The Connecticut Children's Healthy Homes Program, developed with support from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and the Connecticut Department of Housing (CT DOH), offers grants to improve the well-being of children.
Funds can be used to address the toxins and hazards often found in older or poorly maintained homes. Homeowners and tenants of all income levels are eligible. Although funding may no longer be available at this time, more may become available in the future. Interested applicants are encouraged to contact the CT DOH to learn when more funding is available. Learn more and apply.
You may also be interested in HUD's Healthy Homes Program and other efforts in the State of Connecticut to address lead poisoning, like the CT Department of Public Health Childhood Lead Poisoning Prevention Program.
| | | Recent Awards and Upcoming Opportunities | | | |
U.S. DOT SS4A Awards
CRCOG is pleased to share that we have been selected to receive $2.3M from the FY 2025 U.S. Department of Transportation Safe Streets and Roads for All Program (SS4A) for the Connecticut Capitol Region Prehospital Transfusion Demonstration Project. The project is an exciting opportunity to save lives in our region, offering whole blood transfusions in the field to trauma victims, an important aspect of post-crash care.
Congratulations to the Town of Suffield for also being selected for an SS4A award - $2.4M in Federal funding to update an Action Plan to address road safety issues.
Another round of funding from the SS4A program is anticipated this Spring.
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CT DEEP Housing Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan and Grant Fund
Anticipated Launch: Late 2026
Governor Ned Lamont and the State Bond Commission have approved $18M in bond funding to establish the Housing Environmental Improvement Revolving Loan and Grant Fund, a new statewide program created to support energy efficiency and environmental upgrades in existing homes. The program will be administered by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP).
Loans and grants will be available to help homeowners reduce energy costs, improve building performance, and enhance housing sustainability. Expected eligible upgrades include insulation, heating and cooling systems, building envelope improvements, and related efficiency measures. DEEP is currently developing program guidelines and plans to recruit implementing entities in early to mid-2026, with the goal of launching the program by the end of 2026.
CRCOG will share more about this program and the application process once available from DEEP.
Review Program Updates and Announcements and read the Governor’s Announcement.
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Transition to Release Based Cleanup Regulations - In March 2026, new laws will go into effect related to brownfields. To educate about this transition, Robinson + Cole has published a podcast entitled "The Release Report."
- The University of Connecticut Technical Assistance to Brownfields Program (UCONN TAB) has several resources available related to brownfield identification and redevelopment in CT: UCONN TAB CT Resources.
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Visit CRCOG's BIL Webpage for more information about many of the grants and funding opportunities featured in this newsletter.
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Federal Competitive Grants Awarded in the CRCOG Region
Learn more about grant awards coming to our region. CRCOG's GIS Team has developed an Interactive Online Map of Federal Competitive Grant Awards. This map is updated quarterly with available information about awards in our region.
As of July 2025, $66.4M has been awarded to CRCOG and its Member Municipalities. Additional funding has been awarded to non-municipal entities.
More information about these grant awards is available on the map and the related Dashboard.
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CT DEEP's Broadband Infrastructure Improvements for Multi-Dwelling Units
Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection's (CTDEEP’s) Bureau of Energy and Technology Policy (BETP) is seeking input from representatives of distressed municipalities and multi-dwelling units (MDUs) to promote equitable broadband infrastructure and service across Connecticut for the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program. Complete the Multi-Dwelling Unit Survey to identify MDUs within distressed municipalities that could benefit from broadband infrastructure improvements. More information about this grant program is provided below.
For this program, the following CRCOG Member Municipalities are identified as "distressed":
- East Hartford
- Hartford
- Mansfield
- New Britain
- Enfield
The survey is also included on DEEP's ConneCTed Communities webpage along with this map of underserved locations in CT that are eligible for funding under this program.
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Governor Lamont's Funding Survey
Governor Lamont has released an online reporting tool for municipalities, nonprofits, and businesses to report impacts of federal funding cuts. The state aims to compile a central database to provide lawmakers with a better understanding of how federal directives are affecting various groups, geographical regions and sectors of the economy.
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Share Your Concerns About Federal Funding with Congressman Joe Courtney
Representative Joe Courtney has developed a survey that people can use to share their concerns about Federal funding attempted pauses.
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350 Church St., 3rd Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
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