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EEA explains new grants portal, application timeline and common applicant questions for MVP 2.0
Summary
EEA staff explained that MVP 2.0 applications will be submitted through the Grants Management System (My Mass Gov), outlined sign-up and documentation steps, clarified that applications are due in December, and answered applicant questions about regional applications, translation funding and funding restrictions (for example, grants cannot pay municipal staff).
Bill Hinckley, whom Kara Runsten introduced as her colleague, explained the application mechanics: the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs will accept MVP 2.0 applications through its Grants Management System accessed via My Mass Gov, a single sign-on service. "If you've already used this system for a different grant application, no further action is needed at this time," Hinckley said, and he pointed applicants to user guides and an instructional playlist hosted by the agency.
Hilary King, Central Regional Coordinator for the MVP grant program, moderated the Q&A and led a series of clarifications important to applicants. On planning vendors she reiterated that the planning vendor functions as a consultant and project manager for the core team—"they're sort of the project manager, if you will, that would be shuttling folks through the process and gathering the core team"—but that the community retains decision-making authority over priorities.
Panelists clarified portal mechanics: the GMS/My Mass Gov portal is the same portal used for full ECO One Stop applications (expressions of interest were a separate, now-closed step). Runsten and coordinators said the RFR and application materials would be posted in the coming days, applications would likely be due in December (roughly six weeks after posting) and awarded projects would run through December 2027.
Applicants asked about funding, translation, and regional approaches. Panelists confirmed a baseline of $50,000 for the planning phase and $50,000 for the seed project; translation and interpretation costs may be requested on the application. Emma Sass, regional coordinator for the Berkshires and Hilltowns, noted regional projects can receive additional planning budget and that multiple towns may pool capacity or have a regional planning agency submit on their behalf. On budget limits, staff said MVP capital funds cannot be used to pay municipal operating staff.
The panel closed by encouraging applicants to submit questions via CommBuys or email (mvp@mass.gov), to work with regional coordinators for local questions and to review posted user guides and sample budgets once the portal materials are published.
