Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area Grant Program
Forecasted
The Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Area Grant Program funds science-based planning and regulatory projects to reduce nitrogen pollution in sensitive Massachusetts watersheds.
Funder: Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs
Due Dates (Anticipated): December 2026 (application deadline, projected)
Funding Amounts: Total program funding varies; typical awards and duration set per cycle. Award size and match requirements published in the official RFR each year.
Summary: Supports Massachusetts municipalities in planning and regulatory efforts to reduce nitrogen pollution in sensitive watersheds through science-based management strategies.
Key Information: For planning and regulatory activities only—construction/implementation projects are not eligible.
Description
This program, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection under the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs, is designed to help Massachusetts municipalities and other eligible local government units address nitrogen pollution in watersheds designated as Natural Resource Nitrogen Sensitive Areas. The grant exclusively funds planning and regulatory activities such as technical studies, nitrogen source analyses, stakeholder engagement, and the development of Watershed Management Plans and permit applications. The goal is to reduce nitrogen-driven cultural eutrophication in sensitive water bodies by supporting comprehensive, data-driven planning and regulatory strategies, rather than construction or infrastructure implementation.
