Massachusetts has launched a new one-stop portal that all municipalities in the commonwealth can use to apply for multiple grant programs simultaneously.
The new portal works with the Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24) Community One Stop for Growth, which manages numerous economic development grant programs.
A press release from Gov. Maura Healey explained that the Community One Stop for Growth – first launched in January 2021 – is a streamlined application process that makes it easier for communities and entities to access a suite of economic development programs funded by the commonwealth.
In its first two rounds, the One Stop process resulted in grant awards for 532 projects across 205 communities, totaling more than $231.8 million in funding. For the latest edition of the portal, applications may be submitted for consideration between May 1 – June 2, 2023.
According to the governor’s office, the One Stop process not only helps to make grants programs more accessible to all communities, but also ensures the equitable distribution of resources across all regions of Massachusetts.
The One Stop Full Application is web-based application form designed for the preparation and submission of comprehensive project proposals, and the new process allows for the projects to be reviewed and considered by multiple grant programs through a single application. Gov. Healey’s office touts that this will reduce the burden on municipalities with limited resources when applying for grants.
“Over the past several years, the One Stop has allowed the Commonwealth to support hundreds of millions of dollars in economic development efforts for communities in all regions of the Commonwealth,” said Undersecretary for Community Development Ashley Stolba. “By giving municipalities and other entities a single, streamlined application to access these programs, we can work more efficiently with them to create economic growth, new housing and revitalized downtowns across Massachusetts.”
As part of the rollout, the governor’s office is hosting a three-part webinar series that will give an overview of the One Stop program, provide guidance on the new application portal, and address technology concerns and questions.
