The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) offers funding through the Catalyst Program, which is designed to stimulate economic growth and foster partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across its four-state service region: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont. The program encourages projects that address economic needs or opportunities, alleviate economic distress, and contribute to the region's economic growth. This includes projects such as modernizing public water and wastewater services, revitalizing transportation infrastructure, developing workforce programs, and expanding access to healthcare and childcare facilities.

Applicants must first submit a required pre-application, which is reviewed by the state’s designated NBRC Program Manager, who provides feedback to guide the development of the final application. Applications are invited only after the pre-application is reviewed, ensuring that projects meet program criteria and align with state and regional priorities. The application process follows a structured timeline, and all documents must be submitted via the NBRC Grants Management System.

The NBRC service area comprises 60 counties across the four states, and projects must be located within this area to be eligible for funding. If the project is in a county that is designated as "Attainment," the application may still be eligible under certain conditions, such as if the project is located in an Isolated Area of Distress or part of a multi-county project. Special exceptions are also possible if the project brings significant economic benefits to the region, even if it falls outside the designated distressed areas.

The Catalyst Program specifically targets rural communities with fewer than 5,000 people and underserved areas. The program prioritizes projects that demonstrate readiness, have a direct impact on local economies, and address multiple community needs. Notably, the program also gives preference to projects that enhance resilience to extreme weather-related disasters. Applicants are encouraged to refer to their state's economic development strategy to ensure their projects align with regional goals and priorities.

The application deadlines are clearly set, with pre-applications due by March 7, 2025, and final applications due by April 18, 2025. These dates are firm, and all materials must be submitted before 5:00 PM EST on the respective deadlines. Applicants are encouraged to consult with their state program managers for guidance during the process and can use the Project Interest Form to receive feedback and maximize their chances of success.

For detailed guidance on how to submit pre-applications and applications, applicants can consult the Catalyst Program Manual. The scoring and selection process for funding will be based on the alignment with both NBRC and state priorities, as well as the projected economic benefits. The program also emphasizes feedback from state program managers and self-evaluation using the scoring criteria.