Commonwealth of Massachusetts

EXECUTIVE OFFICE OF ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT

ONE ASHBURTON PLACE, ROOM 2101

BOSTON, MA 02108

Community One Stop for Growth

An EOED initiative, in partnership with the Executive Office of Housing & Livable Communities and the Massachusetts Development Finance Agency

Notice of Funding Availability

FY2027

Full Application Open Date: January 23, 2026

Virtual Information Sessions

Webinar 1 - One Stop Overview: Feb. 2, 2026 Webinar 2 - Application Guidance: Feb. 4, 2026 Webinar 3 - Technology Webinars: Feb. 5, 2026 (Prerecordings to be posted online) Individual Program Webinars: Feb. 12, 2026 (Prerecordings to be posted online)

Full Application Submission Period: May 4, 2026 – June 3, 2026

Full Application Deadline: June 3, 2026 at 11:59 p.m.

Email Questions to: onestop@mass.gov mailto:onestop@mass.gov

Community One Stop for Growth – FY2027 NOFA

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Table of Contents

I. ABOUT THE ONE STOP

A. Introduction B. What’s New in FY2027

II. OVERVIEW OF THE ONE STOP PROCESS

A. Programs Integrated into the One Stop B. MBTA Community Compliance Requirement C. The Development Continuum D. Expression of Interest E. Full Application F. One Stop Process Steps G. Timeline

III. DEVELOPMENT CONTINUUM DETAILS

IV. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS AND FULL APPLICATION DETAILS

A. Eligible Applicants B. Structure of the Full Application

V. APPLICATION EVALUATION

A. Core Review Criteria

VI. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Submitting Questions B. Notes about Application Submission

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I. ABOUT THE ONE STOP

A. Introduction The Executive Office of Economic Development is pleased to announce the availability of grant funds for the FY2027 round of the Community One Stop for Growth (One Stop). The One Stop is a single application portal and collaborative review process that allows applicants to access a series of grant programs that support community economic development. The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) partners with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment), to make targeted grant investments based on a Development Continuum.

This coordinated process is designed to provide a more streamlined experience for applicants and to make the programs more accessible to all types of organizations, large and small, in all regions of the state. The partner agencies have a long-standing and successful history of providing funding, through multiple programs, that support various stages and/or phases of economic development projects. The One Stop gives communities the ability to pursue, and in some cases stack, state resources in a more timely and strategic manner based on what stage they are at and how ready they are to implement a project. The goal of the One Stop is to support more efforts that result in economic growth for all cities and towns across the Commonwealth.

B. What’s New in FY2027 The first five rounds of the One Stop were met with positive reviews and, more importantly, have resulted in over 1,500 grants across 306 communities, totaling over $774 million in funding. Largely based on feedback received from applicants, several changes were made in preparation for the FY27 Round of the One Stop:

1. Development Continuum: Downtown Activation The Community Activation & Placemaking Development Continuum category has been rebranded as Downtown Activation. This category primarily supports two EOED programs: the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program and the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program. Grants in this category focus on activating downtowns and commercial districts by reducing vacancies and increasing visible economic activity. Eligible investments include targeted public improvements and incentives that encourage new storefront occupancy, enhance the pedestrian experience, and activate underutilized spaces with businesses, cultural uses, and public amenities. Collectively, Downtown Activation grants support vibrant, walkable, and welcoming centers that attract private investment, strengthen local districts, support small businesses, and advance equitable economic growth across communities of all sizes.

2. Expression of Interest: Enhanced EOI Tool Powered by AI The Expression of Interest (EOI) tool has been enhanced to provide more detailed, project-specific feedback delivered immediately on screen. Instead of selecting from predefined multiple-choice responses, users now submit a brief project description and respond to questions tailored to their project.

Based on these inputs, the tool identifies which Community One Stop programs may be a fit, explains the alignment, and offers guidance to strengthen a future application. Users also receive a PDF EOI Feedback Report by email with additional program information. When a project is not a fit for One Stop programs, the tool explains the reasons and, when applicable, refers users to other resources that may better support the project.

3. New Program: Seaport Economic Council Grant Program The Seaport Economic Council Grant Program is now fully integrated into the Community One Stop for Growth. Grants are available to public organizations in all 78 of Massachusetts’ coastal communities and provide capital funding for planning and infrastructure projects that support economic development across the blue economy. Eligible investments include initiatives that advance maritime technology and innovation, as well as the construction, improvement, repair, maintenance, and protection of coastal assets critical to achieving these objectives.

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4. New Program: Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program EOED is pleased to introduce the Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program (MDI Capital) to the Community One Stop for Growth. Building on the original MDI Technical Assistance program, MDI Capital provides municipalities with planning and implementation grants to support the transformation of downtowns, village centers, and main streets into thriving, walkable, and inclusive destinations. These investments strengthen the economic and cultural vitality of communities across the Commonwealth by fostering vibrant, livable centers that attract residents, stimulate business activity, and advance equitable regional growth.

II. OVERVIEW OF THE ONE STOP PROCESS

A. Programs Integrated into the One Stop The One Stop allows applicants to apply to multiple grant programs at once with a standard application. The following programs are fully integrated into the One Stop application process:

Executive Office of Economic Development MassWorks Infrastructure Program Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program *New to the One Stop* Rural Development Fund Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program Seaport Economic Council Grant Program *New to the One Stop*

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities Housing Choice Grant Program Community Planning Grant Program HousingWorks Infrastructure Program MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund

MassDevelopment Brownfields Redevelopment Fund (Municipal Competitive Round only) Site Readiness Program Underutilized Properties Program TDI Equity Investment Program Real Estate Services Technical Assistance

Applicants may visit program websites for guidelines and program-specific versions of the One Stop Full Application template.

EOED, EOHLC, and MassDevelopment reserve the right to incorporate additional funding opportunities into the FY27 Round of the One Stop.

B. MBTA Community Compliance Requirement The receipt of grant funds is contingent upon the grantee being able to certify that it will comply with the Massachusetts General Laws, including G.L. c.40A, s.3A, the MBTA Communities Act. Compliance with the MBTA Communities Act is determined by the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC).

View the current compliance status of each MBTA community at: www.mass.gov/mbtacommunities.

C. The Development Continuum To help guide applicants, the One Stop uses a Development Continuum that describes how a typical economic development project moves from concept to reality within diverse communities.

https://www.mass.gov/massworks https://www.mass.gov/service-details/massachusetts-downtown-initiative-mdi https://www.mass.gov/service-details/rural-and-small-town-grants https://www.mass.gov/info-details/massachusetts-vacant-storefronts-program-mvsp https://www.mass.gov/info-details/seaport-economic-council-grant-program https://www.mass.gov/how-to/housing-choice-community-grant-program https://www.mass.gov/service-details/planning-and-zoning-grants https://www.mass.gov/how-to/housingworks-infrastructure-program https://www.mass.gov/how-to/mbta-communities-catalyst-fund https://www.massdevelopment.com/products-and-services/community-development/grant-programs/#brownfields-funding https://www.massdevelopment.com/products-and-services/community-development/grant-programs/#site-readiness-program https://www.massdevelopment.com/products-and-services/community-development/grant-programs/#underutilized-properties-program https://www.massdevelopment.com/products-and-services/community-development/grant-programs/#tdi-equity-investment-program https://www.massdevelopment.com/products-and-services/community-development/grant-programs/#real-estate-services http://www.mass.gov/mbtacommunities

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The One Stop requires applicants to think about their economic development priorities in the context of the Development Continuum, both to guide applicants towards best practices and strategies and to help applicants identify the types of projects that will support their economic development priorities. Applicants should consider this spectrum of activities as they prepare to submit applications to the One Stop, thinking fully about the steps necessary for progress in the development of a project.

This continuum separates economic development activities into two broad categories. The first, “Preparing for Growth,” includes the initial steps that typically need to occur before specific development projects can move forward, as well as downtown focused economic development activities. The second, “Catalyzing Specific Projects,” covers various forms of project-specific activities, particularly for projects that have private development identified.

D. Expression of Interest The Expression of Interest (EOI) is a component of the One Stop that gives prospective applicants the opportunity to receive guidance on priority projects before submitting a Full Application. The Expression of Interest is optional but highly encouraged.

Users provide a description of their project and answer a few follow-up questions to learn their projects are a fit for the funding opportunities within the One Stop. If so, the tool will indicate where the project falls on the Development Continuum, the program that best fits the project, tips on how to be competitive for the program, as well as important project budget and timeline considerations.

In other cases, the tool may tell the applicant that their project is not a fit for the programs offered through the One Stop. If a state program offered outside of the One Stop is a better fit for the project, the tool may provide a referral to the program.

It is important to note that any eligible applicant may submit a Full Application, regardless of whether they participated in the EOI process or not.

E. Full Application The Full Application is the form that applicants must complete and submit to formally apply for funding. The Full Application must be submitted via the IGX system.

Applicants may submit multiple projects for consideration but must submit one application per project. The number of project applications submitted is not limited, but it is recommended that communities prioritize their requests. The Full Application opens in January 2026 for applicants to begin working on their applications.

Applicants will be able to submit their application beginning May 4, 2026. The final submission deadline is 11:59 p.m. on June 3, 2026.

F. One Stop Process Steps The One Stop is an opportunity for the state’s economic development agencies to work with communities to define their objectives, submit applications and obtain funding for projects following a collaborative process:

Expression of Interest & Guidance

Full Application Submission

Review & Evaluation

Notification of Awards

Contracting and Reporting

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Step 1: Expressions of Interest & Guidance (Optional): The Expression of Interest (EOI) is an optional component that gives prospective One Stop applicants the opportunity to receive guidance on priority projects before submitting a Full Application. By submitting a brief project description and answering a few targeted questions, users receive immediate feedback identifying which programs may be a fit, an explanation why, and tips to strengthen their proposal. If a project is not a fit, the EOI clearly explains why and, when possible, directs users to more suitable resources outside the One Stop. In addition to the EOI, prospective applicants can attend the One Stop Virtual Office Hour sessions, with sessions dedicated to both the general One Stop process as well as individual programs and project categories. Finally, prospective applicants are encouraged to take advantage of the One Stop Webinars for information related to the One Stop process, submitting an application, program details, and using the technology.

Step 2: One Stop Full Application(s): After the guidance phase of the process concludes, the One Stop portal will open to accept applications. Applicants are able to submit multiple projects for consideration but must submit one application per project. The number of project applications submitted is not limited, but it is recommended that communities prioritize their requests to reflect the goals submitted in the Expression of Interest phase. Interested applicants will have full access to the online application from the launch of the One Stop in January until the final submission deadline in June. During this time, applicants may draft and work on applications, but submissions will only be accepted between May 4 and 11:59 p.m. on June 3, 2026.

Step 3: Review & Evaluation: The participating agencies will review all applications. The agencies may also request additional information or clarification about applications submitted. All grants will be reviewed on the criteria noted in the Review Criteria section and the additional review criteria noted in specific program guidelines.

Step 4: Notification of Award: The One Stop partners will review all applications and make determinations of grant amounts based upon availability of funds. All applicants will be notified of award decisions, and the contracting process for successful applicants will begin with the applicable partner agency. Reporting will be required.

Step 5: Contracting and Reporting: All grants in any category of funding are subject to appropriation. Once a project is approved, contracting for the project will be handled by the relevant partner agency including the specifications of the duration, scope and final budget. Routine reporting will be required by the agencies and will be specified at the time of contracting.

G. Timeline One Stop Official Launch of Full Application Jan. 23, 2026

Expressions of Interest (EOI) Period Jan. 23, 2026– June 3, 2026

Webinar 1: One Stop Overview Webinar Feb. 2, 2026

Webinar 2: One Stop Application Guidance Webinar Feb. 4, 2026

Webinar 3: Prerecorded Technology Webinars Feb. 5, 2026 (Prerecorded and posted online)

Individual Program Webinars Feb. 12, 2026 (Prerecorded and posted online)

One Stop General Guidance Office Hours February – April, 2026

Program Office Hours April 2026

Full Application Submission Period May 4, 2026– June 3, 2026

Review & Evaluation June-September, 2026

Notification of Awards October 2026

Anticipated Contracting October/November 2026

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III. DEVELOPMENT CONTINUUM DETAILS

Categories Related to Preparing for Growth The development of certain districts, sites or the advancement of certain economic development initiatives requires a series of initial steps by applicants to attract and guide private investment. Recognizing that these initial steps are applicable for almost all communities, whether a strong or weak market, grants associated with “Preparing for Growth” help support activities related to:

A. Continuum Detail – Planning & Zoning Applications for projects in the Planning & Zoning category represent an early-stage project that requires a guiding plan, study, or assessment of project needs, prior to any construction or site preparation. These are planning grants and projects that produce a planning document or zoning revision.

Eligible Applicants:

• All Public Entities Programs in this Category:

• Community Planning Grant Program

• Real Estate Services Technical Assistance

• Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program

• Seaport Economic Council Grant Program

• Rural Development Fund

• Housing Choice Grant Program Type/Focus of Projects Supported:

Community Plan

• Comprehensive Plan

• Regional Plan

• Other Community Plan

Zoning Revision

• Zoning Revision to Comply with Section 3A of MGL c.40A

• Zoning Revision related to Accessory Dwelling Unit to comply with revisions to MGL c40A section 3

• Zoning Revision to adopt pro-housing revisions that qualify for simple majority voting threshold

• Comprehensive Zoning Review & Revision

• Other Zoning Revision

Planning for Housing

• Housing Production Plan

• Housing Plan Alignment with State Housing Plan/Regional Goals

Planning for Economic Growth

• Downtown/Village Center Improvement Plan

• District Management Implementation Plan

• Commercial District Redevelopment Technical Assistance

• Local Maritime Economic Development Planning Grants

Example Projects:

• Create a housing production plan to better understand housing needs of the community and identify strategies to reduce gaps in existing housing relative to identified needs.

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• Study the area with a ½ mile of a commuter rail station and create strategies to intensify development in that area.

• Prepare a corridor study of a commercial area that runs through multiple towns and seeks land use alternatives to promote multi-modal access, introduce mixed-use and achieve more compact commercial development.

• Review current zoning to identify and remove language that excludes certain housing types.

• Create a district redevelopment plan for a commercial area that includes underutilized and public surplus properties.

B. Continuum Detail – Downtown Activation Applications in the Downtown Activation category support near-term investments that reduce vacancies and increase visible economic activity in downtowns and commercial districts. Grants fund targeted public improvements and incentives that activate vacant spaces, enhance walkability, attract private investment, support small businesses, and advance equitable economic growth across communities of all sizes.

Eligible Applicants:

• All Public Entities Programs in this Category:

• Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program

• Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program

• Rural Development Fund Type/Focus of Projects Supported:

Downtown Improvements to Support Growth

• Streetscape Improvements

• Wayfinding/Signage Improvements

• Public Facilities and Gathering Spaces

Incentivize Business in Vacant Downtown Storefronts

• Access Tax Credits for Business to Occupy Vacant Storefronts

Example Projects:

• Request by a municipality for access to tax credits to be used as an incentive to attract a business to a prominent downtown storefront that has been vacant for several years.

• A community installs branded gateway features and a coordinated wayfinding system to improve navigation, reinforce downtown identity, and support local businesses.

C. Continuum Detail – Site Preparation This category includes funding for an applicant working to progress a key site toward development; a final developer or end use is not necessarily identified at this phase.

Eligible Applicants:

• All Public Entities

• Non-Profit Organizations Programs in this Category:

• Site Readiness Program

• Brownfields Redevelopment Fund

• Real Estate Services Technical Assistance

• Community Planning Grants Program

• Rural Development Fund

• Housing Choice Grant Program Type/Focus of Projects Supported:

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Municipal Surplus Property Disposition

• Municipal Surplus Property Disposition Study

Site Design & Analysis

• Site Design and Analysis for Housing Development o Site Due Diligence o Site Plan Design o Market Study o Civil Engineering o Site Acquisition, related tasks o Pre-Permitting/Permitting

• Site Design and Analysis for Mixed-Use, Commercial, or Industrial Development o Site Due Diligence o Site Plan Design o Market Study o Civil Engineering o Site Acquisition, related tasks o Pre-Permitting/Permitting

Brownfield Site Clean Up

• Brownfields Site Assessment

• Brownfields Remediation

Site Improvements to Unlock Development

• Construction to Prepare a Site for Housing Development o Demolition o Construction of site related upgrades

• Construction to Prepare a Site for Mixed-Use, Commercial, and Industrial Development o Demolition o Construction of site related upgrades

Example Projects:

• The demolition of a structurally unsafe building to ready the site for new housing development.

• The remediation of a brownfield site to prepare it for the development of a new industrial complex for businesses

• Conduct a feasibility analysis to determine how a vacant historic city owned property may be reused.

Categories Related to Catalyzing Specific Projects In areas where “Preparing for Growth” activities may have already occurred, certain projects within a community may be ready for implementation by public and private investment. Grants associated with “Catalyzing Specific Projects” will be used to incentivize and leverage private commercial, industrial, and/or residential investment projects that further the community vision.

D. Continuum Detail – Buildings (Vertical)

Funding is available for predevelopment activities and capital improvements that are essential to the occupancy of a blighted and/or underutilized property, with additional opportunities to activate underperforming commercial space within a Transformative Development Initiative (TDI) district. Funding in this category is limited to projects with a strong public purpose and benefit. Projects in this category must have the building secured with building and/or site control, an identified end use, and a clear public purpose.

Eligible Applicants:

• All Public Entities

• Non-Profit Organizations

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• For-Profit Organizations Programs in this Category:

• Underutilized Properties Program

• TDI Equity Investment Program

• Rural Development Fund

• Housing Choice Grant Program Type/Focus of Projects Supported:

Underutilized Property Rehabilitation

• Underutilized Property Pre-Construction o Building Condition Study o Development Feasibility Study o Code Compliance Study o Architectural or Engineering Plans

• Underutilized Property Construction o Code Compliance o Building Accessibility Improvements o Building Stabilization and/or Shell Repair o Interior Demolition or Remediation

Revitalize Commercial Space in a TDI District (Only available for projects within an established TDI District)

• Activation of Underutilized Commercial Space

Example Projects:

• A request to support architectural and engineering work to rehabilitate a vacant mill building into a mixed-use development.

• A request to make capital improvements, including interior walls, electrical updates, HVAC improvements, and window and door repairs, to allow a vacant downtown structure to become a productive commercial property.

• A request to convert a storefront from a production-only space to an active storefront with a café and retail sales.

E. Continuum Detail – Infrastructure (Horizontal) The Infrastructure category supports improvements to land and infrastructure that leverages and supports private investment in the community. These are predevelopment and implementation grants for projects that improve infrastructure such as roadways, streets, bridges, culverts, water/sewer, other utilities, etc. Coastal communities can also request funding to support infrastructure projects that enable economic activity in all sectors of the blue economy. Investments will be targeted to projects that require the infrastructure improvements or expansion to support and/or facilitate new growth or address road safety issues.

Eligible Applicants:

• All Public Entities Programs in this Category:

• MassWorks Infrastructure Program

• HousingWorks Infrastructure Program

• Seaport Economic Council Grant Program

• Rural Development Fund

• Housing Choice Grant Program

• MBTA Communities Catalyst Fund

Type/Focus of Projects Supported:

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Infrastructure to Support Housing Growth (Residential Only)

• Pre-Construction - Design / Engineering Documents Only

• Construction o Roadway / Streetscape Improvements o Bridge / Culvert Repair or Replacement o Water / Sewer Infrastructure o Public Utility Project (Gas, Electric, etc.)

Public Infrastructure to Support Mixed-Use, Commercial, or Industrial Development

• Pre-Construction - Design / Engineering Documents Only

• Construction o Roadway / Streetscape Improvements o Bridge / Culvert Repair or Replacement o Water / Sewer Infrastructure o Public Utility Project (Gas, Electric, etc.)

Costal Infrastructure to Support the Blue Economy

• Pre-Construction - Design / Engineering Documents Only

• Construction

Small Town Road Improvements to Enhance Public Safety (aka STRAP)

• Construction of Road Improvements to Enhance Public Safety

Example Projects:

• A request for water and sewer upgrades to a previously used site that will now be made into market rate housing.

• A request to update a culvert under a roadway leading to new private development for mixed use that creates new industrial space and rental housing.

• A request to repair at-risk municipal bridges that affect evacuation routes and/or access to commercial centers or transportation nodes.

Applications from Housing Choice Communities and Rural/Small Towns The One Stop provides additional opportunities exclusively for Housing Choice Communities through the Housing Choice Grant Program and Rural and/or Small Towns through the Rural Development Fund. Only communities with current Housing Choice and/or Rural & Small Town designation are eligible for funding by the respective programs.

The Housing Choice Grant Program and Rural Development Fund may consider granting applications requesting funding through the following Development Continuum categories: Planning & Zoning, Site Preparation (excluding Brownfields Assessment and Brownfields Remediation projects), Building (excluding Revitalize Commercial Space in a TDI District projects), and Infrastructure.

Applicants submitting a project that is eligible for review by the Housing Choice Grant Program will be asked would like the application to be reviewed by the program. If so, the applicant must complete the Housing Choice Certification.

IV. ELIGIBLE APPLICANTS AND FULL APPLICATION DETAILS

A. Eligible Applicants

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All types of public entities are welcome and encouraged to submit a One Stop application. Municipalities and other public entities, such as local housing or redevelopment authorities, will have access to all grants administered through the One Stop process. Non-municipal public applicants are encouraged to open a discussion with their municipal leadership to ensure coordination and local support.

Non-public entities may submit an application jointly with a public entity or with the written letter of support of the public entity and will be considered for funding only under those programs that allow for financial assistance to non-public entities. Non-public entities are not eligible for funding through the following categories:

Downtown Activation, Planning & Zoning, and Infrastructure. Non-public entities should partner with their municipality to submit applications in those categories.

Non-profit entities are eligible to apply through the Site Preparation category, for consideration by the Site Readiness Program, as well as the Building Development Continuum category, for consideration by the Underutilized Properties Program and the TDI Equity Investment Program.

For-profit entities are only eligible to apply to the Building category, for consideration by the Underutilized Properties Program and the TDI Equity Investment Program. For-Profit entities must demonstrate a public benefit or purpose for the grant.

All applications should include a letter of support from the chief executive officer of the municipality in which the project is located or, if not available, an explanation of why the municipal letter was not included.

B. Structure of the Full Application The One Stop Full Application is organized into the following forms:

Form 1. Applicant Information/Background This form is where the applicant identifies information about the organization, including the organization type, contact information, and other organization details.

Form 2. Project Information The Project Information form is where the applicant provides all detail related to the project. This form is broken up as follows:

Project Core The Project Core includes the project information required by all programs in the One Stop. The applicant will identify the Development Continuum category, project type, and project focus that best fit the project in question 2.4, which will drive additional questions. The applicant will respond to questions about the grant funding request, community characteristics, the project implementation plan, and environmental considerations. This section also includes questions related to the project timeline and anticipated project outcomes. Applicants to the Site Preparation, Building, and Infrastructure categories must also complete the Site Information questions, which include identification of the specific site, ownership, and zoning, as well as a details about climate resilience, as applicable. If the project is located within an MBTA Community, the applicant will be asked additional questions related to the community’s compliance with Section 3A of MGL c. 40A.

https://www.mass.gov/info-details/multi-family-zoning-requirement-for-mbta-communities

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Additional Project Questions In addition to the Project Core, applicants applying through the Downtown Activation, Site Preparation, Building, or Infrastructure Development Continuum categories will be required to answer additional questions. The questions asked will vary depending on the Development Continuum, Project Type, and Project focus options selected in question 2.4.

Other/Optional Attachments This section allows applicants to submit other attachments to support the application, including other site images, partner letters or support letters. Please note that these items will generally not be scored or assessed as part of the formal evaluation of the proposal.

Form 3 - Certification of Application Submission Authority Signature page certifying the authority to submit the application on behalf of the applying entity and attesting that all responses are true and accurate.

All applications must be submitted electronically through the IGX system, however Microsoft Word (.docx) templates of the Full Application are available at www.mass.gov/onestop to allow applicants to draft their application(s) ahead of time. A separate application template is available for each project type supported through the One Stop. The online application portal, IGX, can be accessed at https://eohed.intelligrants.com.

V. APPLICATION EVALUATION

A. Core Review Criteria All applications submitted through the One Stop will be reviewed by program staff to determine which One Stop program is best suited to achieve the applicant’s objective. This review will include an initial screening based on statutory and regulatory eligibility requirements and program guidance. All applications will then be evaluated based on the following core review criteria, in addition to the criteria detailed in each respective program’s guidelines:

• Project Need and Impacts: Does the project address an identified community issue and/or opportunity?

Does the project lead to tangible results such as new jobs, housing units, or other economic activity?

• Strategic Alignment and Community Support: Does the project aligns with community goals? Does the project have strong local support, both from municipal leadership and the community at large?

• Financial Feasibility and Private Leverage: Is the project budget reasonable? Does it include contributions from the applicant and other non-state sources? Does the project leverage, or has it been designed to attract, private capital investment?

• Ability to Deliver: Does the applicant have the capacity to execute the project? Does the applicant have a history of successfully managing similar grants or projects?

• Project Readiness: Can the project be implemented quickly and competently? Does the project have a clear path forward, with site control and required approvals secured or imminent if needed?

VI. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

A. Submitting Questions If you have questions, please submit them in writing to OneStop@mass.gov with the subject line “One Stop for Growth Question.” The One Stop partners will review and aggregate responses and post them regularly on the One Stop website: www.mass.gov/onestop. EOED, EOHLC, and/or MDFA reserve the right to respond only to questions relevant to the participating programs.

B. Notes about Application Submission

• All Full Applications must be submitted electronically. The online application portal, IGX, can be accessed at https://eohed.intelligrants.com.

http://www.mass.gov/onestop https://eohed.intelligrants.com/ mailto:OneStop@mass.gov https://www.mass.gov/guides/community-one-stop-for-growth https://eohed.intelligrants.com/

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• All applicants must set up a user account on IGX in order to submit an application for the Full Application.

Staff reviews of user accounts may be conducted periodically to determine the accuracy of user access designations. If necessary, action shall be taken to change, revoke, or grant user access to reflect the appropriate designation.

• The application form template and link to the portal will also be available on the EOED webpage.

Applicants will have at least 12 weeks to review the application questions and prepare their project proposal.

• It is the responsibility of the applicant to be aware of all requirements and deadlines, and to ensure that their application is complete and submitted on time. All applications will be logged as to date and time received and kept on file as public record. Late submissions will not be considered.

• EOED reserves the right to request additional information from the applicant or external sources as may be necessary in order to complete the application review. EOED also reserves the right to recommend partial grant awards, as deemed appropriate.