Communities across Massachusetts have several exciting funding opportunities available to help improve transportation, accessibility, community connections, and healthy aging initiatives. The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative has compiled a number of grants that align well with the work of Councils on Aging, municipalities, and community partners. If you have a project in mind, now is the time to explore these opportunities.

🚍 Helping Hand Mini Grants

Application Deadline: July 24, 2026

The Massachusetts Regional Transit Assistance Program (MArtap) is accepting applications for its Helping Hand Mini Grant Program, which provides grants of up to $1,000 (with a 10% local match) for transportation-related capital expenses. Rural and small urban transportation providers receive priority consideration.

➡️ Learn more and apply: Helping Hand Mini Grant Program

🚶 Shared Streets and Spaces Program

Application Deadline: August 7, 2026

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation's Shared Streets and Spaces Program helps municipalities create safer, more accessible public spaces through improvements to sidewalks, bus stops, plazas, parking areas, and streets. These projects enhance mobility while supporting healthier, more connected communities.

🚲 Complete Streets Funding Program

Application Deadline: August 7, 2026

MassDOT's Complete Streets Program provides municipalities with technical assistance and construction funding to create transportation networks that are safe and accessible for people of all ages and abilities. Construction grants are available up to $1 million, with technical assistance grants available for communities beginning their planning process.

🌱 ACL Cultivating Connected Communities Challenge

Application Deadline: August 26, 2026

The Administration for Community Living is inviting organizations to participate in the Cultivating Connected Communities Challenge. This national competition supports accessible community gardens and outdoor spaces that promote healthy eating, reduce social isolation, and increase inclusion for older adults and people with disabilities.

💙 OB3 Impacts Defense Fund – Mitigating Coverage Loss

The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation is offering grants of up to $60,000 per year for two years to support outreach, education, and enrollment efforts that help mitigate potential MassHealth coverage losses resulting from recent federal policy changes. Funding is targeted to organizations serving eligible counties across Massachusetts.

Learn More

The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative provides additional details, eligibility requirements, and application information for each funding opportunity.

➡️ Read the complete funding alert: Age-Friendly Funding Alerts from the Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative

These funding opportunities present valuable ways for Councils on Aging and their community partners to expand transportation options, improve accessibility, strengthen public spaces, and create more age- and dementia-friendly communities throughout Massachusetts. We encourage you to review these opportunities and share them with your municipal partners, planning departments, and community organizations.