Community Clean Air Grant
The Air Pollution Control Commission’s Community Clean Air Grant program funds community-based projects that reduce air pollution and carbon emissions in Boston. Originally piloted in 2021, this program supports initiatives that improve public health and address climate change at the local level.
Applications are currently open! The 2025 grant cycle will close on May 15 at 4 p.m. (EDT).
The Air Pollution Control Commission (APCC) oversees programs that promote clean air and reduce pollution in Boston. This grant program supports nonprofit organizations leading community-based projects to improve air quality and reduce carbon emissions while raising awareness of environmental and public health challenges. Funded projects contribute to Boston’s goal of carbon neutrality by 2050 and deliver benefits to neighborhoods most affected by air pollution.
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Important DatesApplication Opened: Monday, March 17, 2025, 9:00 AM
Application Closes: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 4:00 PM
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Air Pollution in Boston
Air Pollution in Boston
DISPROPORTIONATE IMPACT
Air pollution in Boston affects us all. But it affects some of our communities more than others including:
- communities located near highways and other major transportation infrastructure, and
- socially vulnerable populations. These include people of color, older residents, children, and people with chronic illnesses.
HEALTH and ENVIRONMENT IMPACT
Air pollution contributes to higher rates of cardiovascular and respiratory diseases, among other health burdens. Some air pollutants, like methane and carbon dioxide, are also greenhouse gases, which increase the retention of heat in the atmosphere. The effects of climate change in Boston include:
- greater flooding
- more intense storms, and
- more frequent and intense heat waves.
WAYS TO IMPROVE
We can improve air quality at the local level in a variety of ways:
- eliminating local pollution sources
- shifting from polluting to clean energy sources
- improving indoor air quality via filtration
- education and awareness.
Application and Eligibility
Application and EligibilityThe Air Pollution Control Commission (APCC) seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations for community-based projects that reduce air pollution in the City of Boston. While partnerships with businesses, community groups, and other organizations are encouraged, a nonprofit organization must serve as the lead applicant and fiscal sponsor for all proposals.
The Community Clean Air Grant Program funds projects that directly address air pollution sources through mitigation, abatement strategies, or community education based on local air quality data. To maximize impact, we will not fund projects that already have multiple dedicated grant opportunities at the city, state, and federal levels.
Examples of project types that are not eligible for this grant include building decarbonization, e-bikes, and tree planting. Alternative funding sources for each of these project types are listed below:
- Building decarbonization:
- Equitable Emissions Investment Fund
- Community Power Accelerator
- BETA: Roadmaps
- BETA: Project Planning
- MA Green Bank Energy Saver Loan Program
- Commercial Property Assessed Clean Energy
- Clean Energy Group’s Technical Assistance Fund
- LEAN Deep Energy Retrofit Pathway
- Affordable Housing Decarbonization Grant Program
- Climate Ready Housing
- STAR Solar Program
- MassSave: Non-Residential
- MassSave: Residential
- MassSave: Rebates
- LISC Decarbonization Hub
- Boston Retrofit Resource Hub
- E-bikes:
- Tree planting:
If you are unsure whether your proposal qualifies for this grant program, please email apcc@boston.gov or schedule an appointment during our Weekly Office Hours.
PROPOSAL FOCUS
To be eligible for funding, proposals must serve at least one of the following purposes:
- Reduce or eliminate local sources of air pollution in Boston.
- Mitigate health impacts of air pollution exposure, with a focus on vulnerable populations.
- Enhance the capacity of communities or businesses to monitor, reduce, or prevent air pollution.
- Deliver measurable improvements in air quality or reductions in greenhouse gas emissions.
TIMELINE
Project timelines should ideally be completed within one year. However, proposals with a duration of up to two years may be considered if the extended timeline is justified by the project’s potential impact.
BUDGET
Grant awards will range from $2,000 to $200,000. Funding requests should align with the scale and impact of the proposed project. The evaluation committee may consider proposals at the higher end of this range based on demonstrated need and potential benefits.
Application Translation
If you need to translate the application on WizeHive, we recommend using Google Chrome's built-in translation feature. To do so, right-click anywhere on the application page and choose "Translate to [Language]".
VENDOR IDTo apply, you need to become a registered vendor with the City of Boston and have received your vendor ID. You can sign up for a Vendor ID through these instructions:
If you would like to receive formal feedback on your proposal from APCC prior to the application deadline, please submit a preliminary proposal using this template. Make a copy of the template document, complete all sections, and email your submission to apcc@boston.gov by April 15, 2025, 11:59 PM. Please include “Community Clean Air Grant Preliminary Proposal” in the subject line. Proposals must include all requested attachments, including the budget attachment. Only complete submissions will be reviewed and will receive feedback by May 1, 2025.
You will receive an email confirmation within one business day of your submission. If you do not receive a confirmation, please follow up to ensure your proposal was received.
For any questions, contact apcc@boston.gov.
AIR POLLUTION IMPACT
Air pollution in Boston affects some of our communities more than others. Below are helpful resources to identify the impact of air pollution in your proposals area of focus.
- Massachusetts Environmental Justice Viewer
- Centers for Disease Control and Prevention - Asthma Rates Map
Partnerships
To encourage collaboration among potential applicants with complementary knowledge, skills, and expertise, interested parties may add their contact information to a publicly available list.
Information Sessions and Office Hours
Information Sessions:
- Information Session #1: March 25, 5:30 p.m.
- Information Session #2: April 4, 10:00 a.m.
Office Hours:
- Weekly Office Hours: Wednesdays from 3 - 5 p.m.
If you were unable to attend the information sessions, you can view the presentation slides here and read an aggregated FAQ document compiled from both sessions here.
Need translation services? Email us at apcc@boston.gov at least one week in advance!
Review process
You will receive an email confirmation after your submission has been received.
After reviewing your application, you will be updated on your applications status.
AWARDINGA nonprofit organization may submit more than one proposal. However, any given nonprofit will be awarded funding for a maximum of one project per fiscal year.
Who? The committee makes the final recommendation on who is awarded grants. Evaluation committee members include staff from the Environment Department as well as representatives from other City departments to ensure a well-rounded review process.
2021 Community Clean Air Grant Recipients
2021 RecipientsProject Name: East Boston Home Daycare Air Purification
Total Awarded: $51,764
Project Description:
Mother’s Out Front is a volunteer-driven grassroots organization. They used a Clean Air Grant to install HEPA air filters and sensors in 27 home daycare centers in East Boston, benefiting over 250 children under the age of 5.
This project aimed to have measurable positive impacts on children's health by improving indoor air quality. The project was successfully completed in December 2022.
Project Name: Breathe Easy with Induction Cooking
Total Awarded: $38,420
Project Website External Link
Project Description:
HEET is a small woman-owned nonprofit organization. As a Clean Air Grantee, they will supply over 100 electric portable induction cooktops to participants of the Breathe Easy at Home Program.
This initiative aims to provide an alternative non-emitting cooking method that reduces indoor air pollution as well as energy costs for households and individuals with asthma. The project is underway, with all work to be completed by July 2023.
Project Name: B-Eastie Air Conditions
Total Awarded: $50,000
Project Description:
The Neighborhood of Affordable Housing is a community development corporation and nonprofit. They are partnering with East Boston Social Center to deploy and install HEPA filters in community hubs and vulnerable households in East Boston.
The goal of this project is to raise awareness and education about the impacts of indoor air pollution and to better indoor air quality for our most at-risk populations. This project is underway, with all work to be completed by September 2023.
Related resources
Related resourcesWho's Involved:
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Important Dates
Application Opened: Monday, March 17, 2025, 9:00 AM
Application Closes: Thursday, May 15, 2025, 4:00 PM
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Stay Connected
