The Massachusetts Healthy Aging Collaborative is pleased to promote the following funding opportunities that support inclusive age- and dementia friendly communities:
- MassTrails, MassDOT and Department of Conservation & Recreation (applications due Feb. 2, 2026)
MassTrails provides matching grants to communities, public entities, Native nations, and non-profit organizations to plan, design, create, and maintain the diverse network of trails, trail systems, and trails experiences used and enjoyed by Massachusetts residents and visitors. Applications are accepted annually for a variety of well-planned trail projects benefiting communities across the state.
The award maximum depends on the project type and needs and is generally $100,000 for recreational trails projects and up to $500,000 for shared-use path projects demonstrating critical network connections of regional or statewide significance.
Eligible grant activities include project development, design, engineering, permitting, construction, and maintenance of recreational trails, shared-use pathways, and the amenities that support trails.
MassTrails grants are REIMBURSEMENT grants, meaning grantees must first pay for expenditures and then submit for reimbursement using the required documentation.
MassTrails grants are MATCHING grants and require that proponents provide a minimum of 20% of the total project cost.
Eligible projects require documented land owner permission submitted with the application and are subject to all applicable local, state, and federal laws and regulations.
MassTrails grants are reviewed and recommended by the Governor’s Inter-Agency Trails Team and the Massachusetts Recreational Trails Advisory Board (MARTAB).
More info and the online application are available here.
- Community Transit Grant Program – Vehicle Cycle, MassDOT (applications due Nov. 21)
Transit authorities, municipalities (including Councils on Aging), and nonprofits are eligible to apply for fully accessible vans to enhance mobility for older adults and people with disabilities. These vans must be used to meet the specific needs of older adults and people with disabilities. Vehicles used in fixed-route service are not eligible for this funding stream.
Applicants are encouraged to explore all options before applying, such as connecting with local partners to explore sharing a van, or purchasing transportation services. To best meet riders’ needs and use public resources wisely, MassDOT prioritizes coordinated models that bring partners together, fill gaps in the transportation network, and avoid duplication of service.
If you are awarded a van, MassDOT covers 85 percent of the cost, and you cover the remaining 15 percent. Transit authorities can get their vehicles fully covered, so if you are a municipality that is a member of a Regional Transit Authority (RTA), reach out to your RTA to see about partnering. If you wish to add additional features beyond the base model, you will need to cover the full cost of those options.
If you receive a vehicle, your drivers will need to participate in mandatory driver training.
To fund these awards, we use Federal Transit Administration Section 5310 funds as well as state Mobility Assistance Program (MAP) funds. Both funding streams support enhanced mobility for older adults and people with disabilities.
More information is available here.