Municipal Grants & Funding
Agricultural Enhancement Grant (formerly Farm Viability) - The Agricultural Enhancement (C.G.S. Sec. 22-26j) is a competitive matching grant program open to municipalities, regional planning organizations, associations of municipalities, and agricultural non-profits. Please be aware this is a reimbursement grant. Other Department of Agriculture grants available to municipalities.
Community Connectivity Grant Program (CTDOT) - An infrastructure improvement initiative that provides funding for local projects that improve safety and accessibility for pedestrians, bicyclists, and transit users in urban, suburban, and rural communities.
Community Development Grants (DECD) - Opportunity Zones, Brownfields Redevelopment, Transit-Oriented Development, Downtown Revitalization, Capital & Infrastructure Grants, Liability Relief Programs, Contract & Project Assistance, Pre-Funding Assistance.
Digital Equity Competitive Program - Apply for funding through the federal Digital Equity Competitive Program to help close the digital access and skills divide. To help you prepare, the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) will host an informational Webinar on Wednesday, August 14 at 11:00 AM. The DAS Digital Equity Team will provide an overview of the State plan, and federal program officers from the National Telecommunications and Infrastructure Administration (NTIA) will cover all the details of the Digital Equity Competitive Program. Register here
Local Bridge Program (CTDOT) - This program provides for State grants to municipalities for the removal, replacement, reconstruction or rehabilitation of local bridges. Applications are open on an annual basis from April 1 - May 31.
Local Capital Improvement Program (LoCIP) - LoCIP distributes formula-based funds to municipalities for eligible local capital improvement projects such as road, bridge or public building construction activities. The program encourages municipalities to develop a five-year Local Capital Improvement Plan (CIP).
Local Transportation Improvement Program (LoTCIP) - Provides State funds to urbanized area municipal governments in lieu of Federal funds otherwise available through Federal transportation legislation. Bike and pedestrian projects are eligible.
Open Space & Watershed Land Acquisition Program - The Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) Grant Program provides financial assistance to municipalities and nonprofit land conservation organizations to acquire land for open space, and to water companies to acquire land to be classified as Class I or Class II water supply property.
Recreational Trails Program - Provides funding to any private nonprofit organizations, municipalities, state departments and tribal governments in support of trail projects, including planning, design, land acquisition, construction, construction administration, and publications for bikeways, walkways, and greenways, as well as for equipment and trail amenities, such as parking lots, toilet buildings, signs, and benches.
Small Cities Community Development Block Grant - Connecticut’s Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program, also known as the Small Cities Program, provides funding and technical support for projects that achieve local community and economic development objectives (in accordance with state plans and HUD regulations). The Small Cities Program principally benefits low-and moderate-income persons. This program is only available to Connecticut towns and cities with populations of less than 50,000. Certified Grant Administrator training on CBGD Small Cities Program requirements is available through CT DOH.
Small Town Economic Assistance Program (STEAP) - STEAP funds economic development, community conservation and quality-of-life capital projects for localities that are ineligible to receive Urban Action bonds. This program is managed by the Office of Policy and Management, and the grants are administered by various state agencies. Municipalities will be notified when the application process is open for the intake of new applications.
Sustainable CT Community Match Fund - A match granting program that is eligible to anyone in a Sustainable CT registered municipality. Any resident, town staff, or other not for profit organization in a registered municipality is eligible to apply for the Community Match Fund. The program matches $1 to $1 up to $7,500 for a total of $15,000 for projects that align with at least one of the actions outlined in our action roadmap. There are additional funds for climate projects that promote energy efficiency, renewable energy, and greenhouse gas reductions, projects determined eligible for this fund can crowdfund up to $15,000 with a $1 to $1 match for a total budget of $30,000. The Community Match Fund is meant to be a low barrier granting program that relies on community buy in and fundraising, there are no formal applications, deadlines, or lengthy reporting processes.
Trees for Communities Grant Program - The Trees for Communities Grant Program at CT DEEP addresses the uneven distribution of tree canopy across Connecticut by providing financial support for urban forestry projects in communities of need. Projects must increase tree cover or contribute to other urban forestry objectives, such as improvement of forest health or utilization of urban wood. The maximum individual award is $200,000. The deadline to apply is August 31 at 5:00 PM.
Urban Act Grants - The Urban Act grant program is open to all municipalities designated as economically distressed, public investment communities or urban centers. Funds are provided to improve and expand state activities which promote community conservation and development and improve the quality of life for urban residents of the state.
Urban Green & Community Garden Grant Program - Administered by DEEP, this program provides funding assistance to develop or enhance urban green spaces for public enjoyment and/or environmental education. Promotion of open space in an urban setting may include, but may not be limited to, the development of a community garden or reclaiming and enhancing existing open space for the public's use.
USDA Rural Development - CT, RI, MA - Summary of Programs to assist communities in addressing water, wastewater, housing and economic development.
Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations - The Watershed and Flood Prevention Operations program, which is administered by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, provides planning, design and construction of measures that address resource concerns in a watershed through technical and financial assistance.
