Massachusetts opens FY27 grant window for seasonal communities

Massachusetts has opened the FY27 application window for a state grant program that allows eligible seasonal communities to seek funding for housing planning, zoning, development preparation and related infrastructure.

Applications for the Seasonal Communities Grant Program opened by noon Eastern on August 3, 2026, and are due by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on August 28. The state’s FY2027 Capital Investment Plan lists a $2 million statewide capital allocation for the program.

The money has not yet been awarded. Municipalities must submit project proposals, and the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities will review the applications before making funding decisions.

Who can apply

The program is limited to municipalities that are eligible for the Seasonal Communities designation, meet EOHLC guidance issued Dec. 12, 2024, accept the designation through a vote of the local legislative body and notify EOHLC by 5 p.m. Eastern on July 30, 2026.

That means the application window is not open to every Massachusetts city or town. State law requires the designation for all municipalities in Dukes and Nantucket counties, municipalities with more than 35% seasonal housing units in Barnstable County and municipalities with more than 40% seasonal housing units in Berkshire County, as determined under the law. EOHLC may designate additional municipalities based on factors including short-term rentals, seasonal visitor growth, housing affordability pressures, the share of housing used seasonally and fluctuations in employment.

A municipality designated by EOHLC must accept or deny the designation by a vote of its legislative body. For FY27 funding, an eligible municipality also had to notify EOHLC by the July 30 deadline.

State law defines year-round housing as housing occupied as a principal residence for at least 10 months a year. It defines attainable housing as housing affordable to year-round residents under an income level set by the state.

What the grants can support

Eligible work can include housing needs assessments, planning and zoning activities, zoning or bylaw revisions, and planning, design and engineering for housing development.

Municipalities also may propose affordable or attainable housing projects, support or initial funding for a Year-Round Housing Trust, and infrastructure connected to eligible housing and community-development initiatives.

The program is broader than a construction grant. A town could use the money to prepare a housing project, revise local rules, evaluate its housing needs or build planning and infrastructure capacity needed for future development.

How the money is distributed

SCGP awards are formula-based rather than awarded through a single statewide competition. The program materials describe a formula that includes a minimum award for eligible communities, an additional allocation based on 2020 Census year-round population and a maximum award amount.

Eligible municipalities may submit separate applications for multiple projects, provided their requests do not exceed the total amount available to them under the grant formula.

The state’s FY2027 capital record lists $2 million in state bond-cap funding for Seasonal Communities grants and identifies the program’s location as statewide. The record describes the purpose as supporting locally identified initiatives involving planning and zoning, site preparation for development, housing development and infrastructure.

The statewide $2 million figure is the total program allocation, not an amount each municipality will receive. Officials should use the FY27 Notice of Funding Availability in COMMBUYS to confirm each municipality’s formula-based amount and the detailed eligible-use rules before submitting proposals.

Why the program matters to residents

Seasonal communities often face large swings in visitors, employment and housing demand during the year. Those changes can make it harder for year-round residents and local workers to find housing and can complicate staffing for schools, public works, public safety and other municipal services.

State law allows designated communities to pursue year-round housing occupancy restrictions, housing for essential municipal employees, housing-needs assessments and year-round housing trust funds. Grant-funded planning or infrastructure work could help communities prepare those efforts, although the program does not guarantee new housing, lower rents or an immediate reduction in workforce shortages.

For residents, the near-term question is which local proposals officials choose to submit. Projects supported through the program could affect future zoning decisions, housing development plans, infrastructure priorities and the use of local housing trust funds.

Key deadlines and contacts

Application window: Opened by 12 p.m. Eastern on Aug. 3, 2026.
Application deadline: 11:59 p.m. Eastern on Aug. 28, 2026.
Optional feedback form: Available through Aug. 21, 2026, for eligible communities seeking general EOHLC feedback on proposed projects.
Submission method: Eligible municipalities must complete the FY27 SCGP Project Proposal Application Form. Separate submissions are allowed for multiple projects within the municipality’s formula-based amount.
Program contacts: McKenzie Bell at mckenzie.bell@mass.gov or EOHLCSeasonalCommunities@mass.gov.

EOHLC says communities should review the full FY27 Notice of Funding Availability before applying. The application period now underway is the request stage; final FY27 awards will be announced later.

Sources

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