MassDEP Air Sensor Grant
MassDEP Air Sensor Grant supports Massachusetts community organizations and municipalities with sensors to monitor outdoor fine particulate matter, build air-quality awareness, and identify mitigation needs.
Funder: Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
Due Dates: Rolling (first-come, first-served until funds are spent)
Funding Amounts: 1–5 PurpleAir Flex sensors at no cost, not cash; approximately $128,567 allocated program-wide; at least one year of monitoring
Summary: Supports community monitoring of outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5) to build air-quality awareness and identify potential mitigation needs.
Key Information: Sensors must operate outdoors in Massachusetts with electricity, 2.4 GHz Wi-Fi, and publicly visible data.
Description
The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) provides PurpleAir Flex sensors to eligible Massachusetts tribal organizations, nonprofits, community-based organizations, and municipalities. The program supports monitoring of outdoor fine particulate matter (PM2.5), a pollutant associated with aggravated asthma and other respiratory and cardiopulmonary illnesses. Recipients can work with residents, schools, businesses, and community groups to assess local pollution and increase public understanding of air quality and its health effects.
Sensors report real-time readings to the PurpleAir Map, with data also available on EPA’s AirNow Fire & Smoke Map alongside regulatory monitoring data. Community projects can use these readings to explore pollution trends, obtain hyperlocal information during smoke or pollution events, and identify areas where mitigation may help protect public health.
