The FY25 Municipal Fiber Grant Program is a funding opportunity administered by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts through a partnership between the Division of Local Services (DLS), the Executive Office of Technology Services and Security, and the Office of Municipal and School Technology. This program is designed to support Massachusetts cities and towns in developing and expanding municipal fiber infrastructure to enhance IT services, public access, and government efficiency.

The application window for this funding cycle opens on March 10, 2025, and closes on April 10, 2025. Applications must be submitted online using a special link provided to each community’s Chief Municipal Executive (Mayor, City Manager, Selectboard Chair, or Town Manager/Administrator) in the FY25 Community Compact Cabinet kickoff letter sent by Lt. Governor Driscoll in August 2024. Municipalities are instructed to contact their Chief Executive to access the application link. Only municipalities that did not receive awards in FY24 are eligible to apply for FY25 funding.

The application process includes a comprehensive, multi-step submission that asks applicants to provide detailed project information, including purpose, impact, benefits, budget, and sustainability. A 5% match is required, which can be provided through in-kind or local funds. Applicants must describe their fiber infrastructure needs, including the number of miles to be installed or upgraded and the number of municipal locations to be connected. Additional required documents include vendor quotes, supporting documentation, and a map of the proposed fiber deployment.

The grant will consider awards of up to $250,000 for individual municipalities and up to $500,000 for collaborative, multi-jurisdictional projects involving two or more eligible entities. Projects that demonstrate regionalization or shared services are encouraged and should submit a single joint application led by one designated municipality. Review criteria include the project’s alignment with program goals, cost-effectiveness, sustainability, impact on service delivery, and measures of success.

To apply, municipalities must complete and submit all required components via the provided application portal. Once submitted, applications cannot be edited or reviewed, and applicants will receive a confirmation email. Award announcements will follow after the application close date, though a specific notification date is not provided. For assistance, Sean Cronin, Senior Deputy Commissioner, is the designated point of contact and can be reached by email.