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Funding Opportunities for
Municipalities
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- CT DECD Brownfields Funding
- CT Main Street Center EmPOWER Main Street Fund
- U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program
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CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
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Build America Bureau - Technical Assistance and Financing Programs like TIFIA and RRIF
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CT Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
- CT DEEP
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Urban and Community Forestry Program Trees for Communities Grant
- ConneCTed Communities Program
- Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership Program
- USDA Rural Development Emergency Community Water Assistant Grant
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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
- Recent Awards
- 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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CT DECD Brownfields Program
Application Deadline: September 10, 2025
The State of Connecticut Office of Brownfield Remediation and Development (OBRD) of the Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) is accepting applications for financial assistance available through four brownfield programs:
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Municipal Brownfield Program - Remediation and Limited-Assessment (Funding Announcement; Application Form; maximum grant award: $6M)
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Municipal Brownfield Program - Assessment-only Grant (Funding Announcement; Application Form; max. grant award: $200,000)
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Targeted Brownfield Development Loan (Funding Announcement; max. loan amount: $6M)
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Brownfield Area-wide Revitalization Planning Program (Funding Announcement; max. grant award: $200,000)
Up to $25M in funding is available for this round (Round 22).
To further incentivize brownfield redevelopment, the prevailing wage legislation was recently amended. Effective July 1, 2025, projects that accept $1M or more in brownfield funding need to pay prevailing wage rates only for the cleanup phase (not the entire redevelopment/vertical construction phase), unless additional DECD financial assistance is also accepted.
More information about each program and their individual Application Form are available on the Program Webpage. If you plan to apply by uploading application materials to SharePoint, then please a request to brownfields@ct.gov by September 8, 2025.
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Connecticut Main Street Center's EmPOWER Main Street Fund
Application Deadline: November 14, 2025
Connecticut Main Street Center (CMSC), in partnership with United Illuminating (UI), Connecticut Natural Gas (CNG) and Southern Connecticut Gas (SCG), has $25,000 in grant funding available to support main street projects.
Projects that contribute to main street vibrancy may receive grant awards ranging from $2,500-$10,ooo. You must be a CMSC member in good standing to apply, have completed a CMSC Main Street Management Assessment within the past year, and be located in a UI, SCG, or CNG territory.
Learn more and apply now.
| | | Transportation-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
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, due by August 1, 2025;
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Bridge Projects - total eligible project costs less than or equal to $100M, due by November 1, 2025;
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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, due by October 1, 2025.
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.
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 until the deadlines noted above.
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CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
Application Deadline: Rolling Basis
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) Active Transportation Microgrant Program works in conjunction with the state's Safe Routes to School Program to fund non-infrastructure resources that advance safe, accessible, sustainable, and equitable walking, biking, and rolling. Eligible applicants may receive awards of up to $5,000.
Schools, school districts, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply for funds to purchase 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.
The program will be administered and distributed by CTCOGs until funds are exhausted. Applicants may apply for up to two grants per 12-month period. View the Program Guidelines.
Email the completed Application Form to Mike Cipriano, CRCOG's Representative. Since this is a rolling application process with limited funds available, applications will be reviewed on a first-come, first-served basis.
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U.S. DOT Financing Programs - TIFIA, RRIF
U.S. DOT offers flexible loan programs through the TIFIA and RRIF programs to finance large transportation projects. Funding for Transit-oriented Development (TOD) projects is now also available for eligible areas. The TOD Eligibility Map for TIFIA and RRIF identifies the following CRCOG municipalities as eligible: Berlin, Rocky Hill, Glastonbury, Hartford, Windsor, Windsor Locks, and Enfield.
Important to note: the map does not identify all potentially eligible TOD areas in our region. Just because your municipality is not listed above or highlighted on the map does not mean you cannot pursue this loan program.
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Environment and Energy-Related Funding Opportunities
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CT DEEP Urban and Community Forestry Program's Trees for Communities Grant
Application Deadline: August 31, 2025
With support from the U.S. Forest Service, the CT Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) is accepting applications for the Trees for Communities Grant Program. The program provides financial support for urban forestry projects in communities of need, as identified in DEEP's Urban and Community Forestry Grant Eligibility Tool, which includes portions of the following CRCOG Member Municipalities:
- Avon
- Berlin
- East Hartford
- East Windsor
- Enfield
- Farmington
- Hartford
- Manchester
- Mansfield
- New Britain
- Newington
- Plainville
- Southington
- Vernon
- West Hartford
- Wethersfield
- Willington
- Windsor
- Windsor Locks
Projects must increase tree cover or meet other urban forestry objectives. Eligible activities include tree planting; urban forest planning and planting; workfroce development; invasive species management; urban wood utilization; and impervious surfaces removal to create space for tree planting.
View the Request for Applications and complete the online Grant Application. Visit the Program Webpage for additional resources and contact CTDEEP with questions.
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CT DEEP ConneCTed Communities Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
The ConneCTed Communities Grant Program has $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.
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CT DEEP Land and Water Conservation Fund Outdoor Recreation and Legacy Partnership Program
Application Deadline: September 1, 2025, for November submission
CT DEEP is seeking proposals for land acquisitions or improvements that will provide or significantly improve recreational opportunities in underserved communities. If your project is chosen for submission, DEEP will provide constructive feedback and allow time for applications to be improved prior to submission to the NPS, increasing the chances of being selected for funding. Funding is available for up to a 50% match.
Awards will range from $300,000 to $15M. Learn more.
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USDA Rural Development Emergency Community Water Assistant Grant
USDA's Rural Development Emergency Community Water Assistance Grant Program is accepting applications to help eligible communities prepare, or recover from, an emergency that threatens the availability of safe, reliable drinking water. Rural areas and towns with populations of 10,000 or less are eligible to apply (verify your project's address).
Contact CT's Rural Development Office to learn more and to apply.
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CT Hazard Mitigation Grant Program
Application Deadline: August 2025
Connecticut's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security is accepting applications and letters of intent for all FEMA Mitigation Grant programs. These programs fund projects aimed at reducing the impact of natural disasters.
Contact DEMHS.HMGP@ct.gov to learn more.
| | | Housing and Community Development-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
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:
FY2023 and FY2024 Authority to Accept Unsolicited Proposals for Research Partnerships
Deadline: June 30, 2025
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, 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. This program is eligible to homeowners and tenants of all income levels. 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.
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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 January 31, 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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- Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) offers many funding opportunities each year. Explore CTDEEP's grants portal, signup to receive municipal updates from DEEP, and subscribe here to receive the Municipal Connection and other DEEP newsletters and updates.
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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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Capitol Region East Coast Greenway Study
The Final Draft Plan for the Capitol Region East Coast Greenway Study is complete and available for review and comment. The East Coast Greenway (ECG) is a 3,000-mile walking and biking route that connects Maine to Florida. CRCOG's study identifies the Preferred Alignment for a portion of the ECG through Simsbury, Bloomfield, Hartford, and East Hartford. The Preferred Alignment seeks to expand the off-road biking and walking network, improve safety along the greenway, and showcase some of the region's greatest assets, like the historic Farmington Canal, Connecticut State Capitol, and the Connecticut River.
Visit CRCOG's project website to learn more, and share your feedback here or email Caitlin Palmer by August 8.
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Capitol Region Stormwater Survey
CRCOG is exploring the feasibility of creating a regional stormwater utility to address stormwater-related issues in the region. In collaboration with several member municipalities, we are collecting your input.
Take the stormwater survey! To better understand public knowledge and sentiment about stormwater management, the project consulting team created a survey which is available in English and Spanish. Learn more.
One lucky respondent will win a $100 gift card!
The survey closes August 1.
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CRCOG's Transportation Safety Action Plan/Vision Zero Survey
Your safety matters, and CRCOG wants to hear from you! CRCOG has been awarded a USDOT Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) grant to enhance our region's Regional Transportation Safety Plan. The new SS4A grant program aims to strengthen local safety planning through the Safe System approach and its Comprehensive Safety Action Plan.
YOU can help shape the plan by sharing your feedback! Use our interactive map and survey to pinpoint safety concerns in the Capitol Region. Together, let’s make our roads safer for everyone.
Please also visit us at events happening in your community. The project team attends various events - learn more on the project webpage or contact CRCOG's Project Manager, Roger Krahn.
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Office of Policy & Management-Criminal Justice Policy & Planning Division (CJPPD)
Connecticut's Office of Policy & Management Criminal Justice Policy & Planning Division (CJPPD) is accepting your feedback! Your input will guide the allocation of project funds in our the next allocation cycle for the Byrne Justice Assistance Grant (Byrne JAG).
The survey is seeking insights into the current needs of your organization as they relate to the Department of Justice's Byrne JAG permissible funding areas. These areas are as follows:
- Law enforcement programs
- Prosecution and court programs
- Prevention and education programs
- Corrections and community corrections programs
- Drug treatment and enforcement programs
- Planning, evaluation, and technology improvement programs
- Crime victim and witness programs (other than compensation)
- Mental health programs and related law enforcement and corrections programs
Your input will be instrumental in shaping funding priorities and ensuring that future investments align with local and statewide priorities. For more insights into how Byrne JAG funds are being utilized, please refer to this strategic plan.
Please complete the survey by July 31, 2025.
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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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State Data Plan
The Data and Policy Analytics (DAPA) unit of the State Office of Policy & Management (OPM) is updating the State Data Plan for 2025-2026, and requests feedback.
Municipal employees, contractors, and other stakeholders who use State data are encouraged to participate in this survey. This is a great opportunity to help identify barriers and share your concerns and pain points in accessing and using the data.
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CRCOG Brownfields Program
EPA awarded $750,000 in supplemental funding to CRCOG's Brownfield Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) Program. This summer we will be developing application documents, and expect to share more information in the coming months. Visit CRCOG's brownfields webpage to learn more about brownfield redevelopment.
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CRCOG and UCONN TAB's Event - Greenlight for Brownfields: A Foundational Forum to Catalyze Brownfield Redevelopment in the CRCOG Region
On May 16, representatives from the University of CT Technical Assistance to Brownfields Program (UCONN TAB), U.S. EPA, CT DECD, CT DEEP, CT SHPO, Grow America, Sustainable CT, CRCOG and more shared information about available funding, services, and success stories related to redeveloping brownfields. Special thanks to everyone who presented and shared information, especially Amber Wakley of Town of Stafford and Chris Edge of Town of Berlin for sharing about their experiences redeveloping brownfields in the CRCOG region!
Did you miss the event? View the presentation materials or contact Elizabeth Sanderson with questions.
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350 Church St., 3rd Floor
Hartford, CT 06103
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