EOED Rural Development Fund Grant 2026

The Rural Development Fund (RDF) is a competitive grant initiative administered by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. The RDF is structured to support economic and community development in rural communities and small towns that often face unique challenges in accessing state-level resources. These communities are defined as those with a population density of 500 or fewer persons per square mile and/or a population under 7,000, based on 2020 U.S. Census data. The fund is part of the broader Community One Stop for Growth initiative, which consolidates various development-related funding programs into a streamlined application process designed to support targeted, high-impact investments across Massachusetts. The RDF’s primary aim is to improve infrastructure, planning capacity, and development readiness in eligible rural and small towns. Projects funded under this program can fall under multiple categories: Planning and Zoning, Site Preparation, Buildings, and Infrastructure. These categories encompass activities such as zoning updates, predevelopment studies, construction, public infrastructure improvements, ADA accessibility enhancements, and the rehabilitation of underutilized municipal properties. The fund prioritizes projects that align with local priorities, involve public engagement, and demonstrate potential for long-term economic development. Specific focus areas include housing, transportation, climate resiliency, and issues identified in the 2019 Rural Policy Plan issued by the Massachusetts Rural Policy Advisory Commission. Eligible applicants include municipal governments and other public entities such as public housing authorities, redevelopment authorities, water/sewer districts, and regional planning agencies, provided the project location meets the rural/small town criteria. Joint applications are permitted as long as all co-applicants are eligible entities. Ineligible projects include those submitted on behalf of non-public entities or those involving ineligible municipalities. The grants are reimbursable, and while matching funds are not required, applications that include at least 10% of the project cost in matching funds (cash or in-kind) receive additional consideration during evaluation. Applicants must apply through the Community One Stop for Growth platform using the IGX system. A Full Application is required and consists of three main sections: Applicant Information, Project Information, and a Certification of Application Submission Authority. While the Expression of Interest is optional, it is strongly encouraged as a way to receive early feedback from EOED. The FY27 application deadline is June 3, 2026, by 11:59 PM ET. Projects are expected to begin implementation by January 2027 and must be completed by June 30, 2028. Awards are anticipated to be announced in fall 2026. Evaluation of applications is based on five major criteria: Project Plan and Need, Project Readiness, Leadership and Capacity to Succeed, Budget, and Alignment with Rural Policy Focus Areas. Projects that are aligned with public priorities, demonstrate clear planning, and have committed leadership with relevant experience are more likely to receive funding. Additionally, projects that directly contribute to climate resilience, rural economic development, and shared municipal services will receive priority consideration. Award decisions are subject to EOED approval and the availability of annual appropriations. Successful applicants must enter into a formal grant agreement with EOED and are required to complete all work within the designated performance period. Grantees must also comply with reporting requirements and maintain accessible records for audit purposes for up to seven years after the project ends. All applications and documents submitted become part of the public record, and the program adheres to all applicable Commonwealth procurement laws and public record statutes.

Projects with at least 10% match, clear community support, and alignment with rural priorities are most competitive.