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Funding Opportunities for
Municipalities
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- Execute Your Grant Agreements
- ARPA Reminder
- Requests for Your Input
- FHWA Electric Vehicle Charging Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program (EVC-RAA)
- U.S. DOT Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
- FHWA Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT)
- CT DOT Transportation Rural Improvement Program (TRIP)
- NHTSA 2025 Road to Zero Community Traffic Safety Grants
- CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
- U.S. DOT Financing Programs - TIFIA, RRIF
- U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program
- CT DEEP ConneCTed Communities Program
- U.S. DOE Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas
- New England Environmental Justice Grants
- USDA Solid Waste Management Grant Program
- U.S. EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Program
- U.S. EPA Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program
- Brownfields Redevelopment
- CTDEEP Climate Resilience Fund
- CTDECD Community Investment Fund (CIF)
- HUD Discretionary Funding Opportunities
- Connecticut Children's Healthy Homes Program
- Discretionary Grants Awarded in CRCOG
- Tools & Resources
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CRCOG is here to help by providing technical assistance for your grant applications. Let's work together for 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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Reminders and Upcoming Deadlines | | |
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Execute Your Grant Agreements - Reach out for help
A reminder to execute any outstanding Federal grant agreements as soon as possible (or before January 20). Fiscal uncertainty and a change in leadership at the Federal level may put unobligated funds at-risk of loss or delay.
If you would like help executing your grant agreement(s), please contact Elizabeth Sanderson.
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ARPA Reminder - Obligate Funds by December 31, 2024
Time is running out to obligate and spend ARPA funds. The U.S. Department of Treasury Interim Final Rule of the Coronavirus State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds (SLFRF, a.k.a. ARPA Funds), published on September 20, 2023, expanded eligible uses to include:
- Emergency relief from natural disasters;
- Projects eligible under certain Surface Transportation Projects; and
- Projects eligible under Title I of the Housing and Community Development Act of 1974.
Read CRCOG's Summary for more information.
Restrictions and timelines apply. See also U.S. Treasury's SLFRF Webpage and YouTube Channel.
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CT DOT's Active Transportation Plan
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) is seeking input for their recently launched Active Transportation Plan. The Plan will guide future improvements on state routes for a functional, equitable, and safety-focused active transportation network and supportive programs and policies. The survey will measure preferences towards active transportation. Learn more.
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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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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 the State's 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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Transportation-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
"Free" Money - Do You Qualify?
Earlier this year, CRCOG was selected to receive a grant through the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Electric Vehicle Reliability and Accessibility Accelerator Program (EVC-RAA). This funding is available to repair electric vehicle charging stations that are identified on this list, which includes potentially eligible projects in the following municipalities:
- Bloomfield
- East Hartford
- Ellington
- Glastonbury
- Granby
- Hartford
- Mansfield
- Newington
- Simsbury
- Windsor
Contact Elizabeth Sanderson if you are on this list and are interested in using Federal funds to improve access to EV chargers in your community.
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U.S. DOT Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE)
Application Deadline: January 30, 2025
The U.S. Department of Transportation has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the 2025 RAISE (Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity) Grant Program. This year, $1.5B is available to fund transportation projects that will enhance sustainability, equity, and safety through both Planning and Capital Projects. The program supports infrastructure improvements in urban and rural communities, with emphasis on projects that benefit disadvantaged populations.
State and local governments, tribes, and nonprofit organizations are eligible to apply. Applicants with projects that improve access to jobs, promote cleaner transportation options, and foster long-term economic growth are encouraged to apply.
For further details, visit CRCOG's Summary Webpage, U.S. DOT's Program Webpage, and read the NOFO.
If you are struggling to prepare a Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool (required for capital projects, but not for planning grants), consider contacting CRCOG's On-Call List of economic analyses consultants, available here. For general help preparing your application, contact Elizabeth Sanderson.
Apply through Grants.gov.
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U.S. DOT FHWA PROTECT
Application Deadline: February 24, 2025
The U.S. Department of Transportation (U.S. DOT) Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) has issued a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for the Promoting Resilient Operations for Transformative, Efficient, and Cost-Saving Transportation (PROTECT) Discretionary Grant Program.
PROTECT makes $876M available to make transportation infrastructure and service more resilient to climate change and extreme weather events. There are four funding categories:
- Planning
- Resilience Improvement
- Community Resilience and Evacuation Route
- At-Risk Coastal Infrastructure
CRCOG, in partnership with three other CT COGs, was awarded $1.2M in the first year of PROTECT to complete a Regional Resilience Improvement Plan. Applications are now being accepted online for FY2024 & 2025 funds. Applications will be accepted for FY2026 from October 27, 2025 - February 24, 2026.
Apply through Grants.gov.
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CT DOT TRIP
Application Deadline: January 29, 2025
CRCOG and the Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) have opened the second round of the TRIP (Transportation Rural Improvement Grant Program. $10M is available to fund infrastructure projects located on any roadway within the following eligible municipalities in CRCOG:
- Andover
- Bolton
- Columbia
- East Granby
- Marlborough
- Somers
- Tolland
- Willington
TRIP funds may be used to fund a variety of projects, including:
sidewalks and multi-use trails, roadway rehabilitation, and more. Read CRCOG's Summary Memo and visit CRCOG's Program Webpage for more information.
Apply online using this Application Form and emailing to Anaka Maher before 2 pm on the application due date.
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CT DOT Active Transportation Microgrant Program
Application Deadline: Rolling Basis
The Connecticut Department of Transportation (CTDOT) has created a new Active Transportation Microgrant Program to work in conjunction with the Safe Routes to School Program. The purpose of the program is to provide eligible applicants with up to $5,000 for non-infrastructure resources that advance safe, accessible, sustainable, and equitable walking, biking, and rolling.
Eligible applicants include schools, school districts, municipalities, and 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible items include bicycle helmets; bicycle locks; bicycle fleets; safety vests; bicycle maintenance training and materials; League Cycling instructors training; and programs, events, and materials for bicycle and pedestrian safety education.
$500,000 was available in 2024 with more anticipated to be available in 2025. The program will be administered and distributed by COGs until utilized. Applicants may apply for up to two grants per 12-month period. View the Program Guidelines.
Apply online using this Application Form and send to Mike Cipriano, CRCOG's Representative, once complete. 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
In addition to the numerous discretionary and formula funding programs, U.S. DOT offers flexible loan programs like TIFIA and RRIF 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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U.S. DOT Bridge Investment Program
Large Bridge, Bridge Project and Planning Grant Application Deadlines: Rolling-basis
The Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) Bridge Investment Program is an excellent opportunity for municipalities to improve existing bridges or culverts that are listed on the National Bridge Inventory. The goal of this program is to improve bridge condition and the safety, efficiency, and reliability of the movement of people and freight over existing bridges.
There are two funding categories in this program: (1) Planning; and (2) Bridge Project grants, each further described below.
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Planning Grants: Up to $80M is available for FYs 2023 through 2026. There is no maximum or minimum grant award amount; however, grant awards must not exceed 80% of total eligible project costs (a 20% non-Federal cost share is required).
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Bridge Project Grants: Up to $9.62B is available for FYs 2023 through 2026 for projects with total eligible costs of $100M or less. Minimum grant awards of $2.5 M, and maximum grant awards of 80% of total eligible project costs (a 20% non-Federal cost share is required).
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Large Bridge Project Grants: Funding available for projects with total eligible costs greater than $100M.
The Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) for Planning and Bridge Project Grants establishes a “rolling application” process. The schedule, requirements, and selection process for applications is provided for the remaining available amounts of BIP funding.
View CRCOG's three static maps and/or interactive online map depicting bridges rated in poor or fair condition based on data from the Connecticut Department of Transportation. Some of the bridges have been allocated funding through state or other programs, while others have not.
See CRCOG's Summary and FHWA's Program Webpage for more information. FHWA provides application templates (Planning and Bridge Project) and a Benefit-Cost Analysis Tool to assist applicants. CRCOG also has an On-Call List of consultants, available here, who are skilled in economic analyses.
Project bundling is encouraged. More information about this innovative practice is provided by FHWA More information about this innovative practice is provided by FHWA.
Applications will be accepted at Grants.gov on a rolling basis.
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Environment and Energy-Related Funding Opportunities
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CT DEEP ConneCTed Communities Program
Application Deadline: Rolling
Round two of the ConneCTed Communities Grant Program has $10M available for the construction and deployment of broadband infrastructure designed to support the goal of universal access.
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.
Apply online through CT DEEP.
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DOE- Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA)
Pre-Application Concept Paper (mandatory): February 27, 2025
Application Deadline: August 28, 2025
The Department of Energy (DOE) Office of Clean Energy Demonstrations (OCED) is offering grants of $2M or more to communities of 10,000 people or fewer. The Energy Improvements in Rural or Remote Areas (ERA) Program seeks to improve energy infrastructure in rural areas through grid upgrades and implementation of renewable generation. The award has a ceiling of $50M.
Learn more through the Program Webpage and read about past awardees.
Obtain the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) and apply through the OCED Funding Opportunity Exchange.
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USDA – Solid Waste Management Grant Program
Application Deadline: December 31, 2024
The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Solid Waste Management (SWM) Grant Program is providing $4M in grants for technical assistance and/or training programs to improve the planning and management of solid waste sites. The program seeks to reduce or eliminate pollution of water resources in rural areas and improve planning and management of solid waste sites in rural areas. There is a ceiling of $1M per grant.
Learn more on the Program Webpage and read the Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO).
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U.S. EPA Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling (SWIFR) Program
Application Deadline: December 20, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency is accepting applications for the Solid Waste Infrastructure for Recycling Grant Program (SWIFR) to strengthen America’s recycling infrastructure and advance the circular economy to promote a more sustainable future. $58M is available to communities for projects that will improve collection, transport, systems, and processes related to post-use materials that can be recovered, reused, recycled, repaired, refurbished, or composted. Awards are expected to range from $500,000 to $5M each.
The Recycling Education and Outreach (REO) Grant Program is also open, but is designed to award $39M to one coalition to develop a national consumer wasted food reduction campaign, focused on expanding the market for sales of compost, and increasing education and outreach to households on composting. As this is a national campaign, CRCOG will not apply for the REO grant, but will continue to follow its development.
Learn about past recipients here to get inspired, and apply for SWIFR online through Grants.gov.
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U.S. EPA Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program
Application Deadline: December 30, 2024
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) is accepting applications for the Reducing Lead in Drinking Water Grant Program. $35M is available for applications that one of the following National Priority Areas:
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Reduce lead in drinking water in disadvantaged communities through full lead service line replacements or treatment improvements, such as corrosion control practices; or
- Reduce children’s exposure to lead in schools and childcare facilities in disadvantaged communities through removal and/or replacement of lead-containing drinking water fixtures, fountains, outlets, and plumbing materials.
Visit the Program Webpage to learn more and apply online through Grants.gov.
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Brownfields Redevelopment
Application Deadline: Varies
Congratulations to Canton, Enfield, Hartford and West Hartford for being selected to receive awards from the State Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD) Brownfield Remediation and Development Program! Assessing, remediating and/or abating pollution are necessary steps to redeveloping brownfields. These investments will catalyze redevelopment of these vacant or underutilized properties, helping bring them back in to productive reuse.
In Connecticut, a brownfield is defined as “any abandoned or underutilized site where redevelopment, reuse or expansion has not occurred due to the presence or potential presence of pollution in the buildings, soil or groundwater that requires investigation or remediation before or in conjunction with the redevelopment, reuse or expansion of the property.”
Such properties are common in Connecticut, due to our long-history and industrious roots. Brownfields are common contributors to blight, and it is important to take action to assess environmental conditions, identify pollutants, and establish a plan to remediate them so that these opportunity properties can return to productive re-use. Federal, State, and local programs exist to incentivize redevelopment.
Let's talk about options that may be available to address blight and pollution in your community.
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CT DEEP Climate Resilience Fund
Another round of funding is coming soon!
The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (CT DEEP) is preparing for a second, expanded round of its Climate Resilience Fund Program (DCRF). DCRF seeks to make Connecticut more resilient to the impacts of climate change and extreme weather through the following potential solutions:
- stormwater parks,
- resilience hubs that serve as cooling and warming centers,
- microgrids and clean backup power and storage, and
- establishing stormwater authorities.
CRCOG will provide more information about CTDEEP's newly expanded Climate Resilience Fund, including a new Climate Resiliency Revolving Loan Fund, in the coming weeks.
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Housing and Community Development-Related Funding Opportunities | | |
CTDECD Community Investment Fund
Application Deadline: December 13, 2024
The Community Investment Fund (CIF) has $175M available for the fiscal year. Grants are available for: Capital improvement programs, such as brownfield remediation, affordable housing, infrastructure, clean energy development, and home or public facility rehabilitation; as well as planning for capital projects including activities such as community engagement processes, feasibility studies, development of project plan and construction budget.
Learn more on the Program Webpage and read the Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA).
Begin the application online through the program website by requesting a SharePoint folder.
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HUD Discretionary Funding Opportunities
Application deadlines vary by program.
HUD has over 20 discretionary 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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Discretionary Grants Awarded to the CRCOG Region
Learn more about discretionary grant awards coming to our region. CRCOG's GIS Team has developed an Interactive Online Map of Federal Discretionary Grant Awards. This map is updated quarterly with available information about awards in our region.
As of October 1, 2024, over $62M 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.
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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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