DOER PON-ENE-2026-001 Green Communities Competitive Grant Program Opportunity Notice

The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources (DOER) is soliciting competitive grant applications through the Green Communities Competitive Grant Program (PON-ENE-2026-001) for fiscal years 2026 and 2027. This procurement opportunity offers funding for energy efficiency and renewable energy projects targeted at municipal communities, with applications being accepted in four blocks between October 2025 and April 2027. Eligible projects include prescriptive measures such as variable frequency drives, LED lighting, electric vehicle charging stations, building envelope improvements, HVAC upgrades, water heaters, battery energy storage systems, and renewable energy system repairs. Deliverables must demonstrate tangible energy and greenhouse gas emissions reductions, with comprehensive documentation required including energy audits, specification sheets, project narratives, and cost breakdowns. Evaluation criteria emphasize projects benefiting Environmental Justice communities and vulnerable populations, with a strict application deadline of April 9, 2027. Applicants must provide detailed project implementation plans, utility incentive information, and certification from the municipality's chief executive officer.

The grant program is exclusively available to designated Green Communities within Massachusetts, with specific provisions for Climate Leader Communities and specially eligible municipalities. Municipal applicants must provide a community match of 25% (reduced to 10% for Environmental Justice community projects), and are limited to one competitive grant per fiscal year. Total program funding reaches up to $30 million, with individual project awards ranging from $250,000 for standard projects to $500,000 for building decarbonization initiatives. Communities receiving a building decarbonization grant will be ineligible to apply for competitive grants for two subsequent years. Administrative funding is capped at 10% of the grant award or $10,000, whichever is higher. Notably, the program allows communities to leverage additional utility incentives and provides flexible funding options across multiple project categories. Project completion is required within three years of grant contract execution, with a focus on supporting municipal energy transformation and decarbonization efforts.