Overview
The Cape Cod License Plate grant program focuses on regional priorities for economic development that support the area’s economic resiliency and advance the goals and actions of the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS).
This program is available in two categories: Micro Grants for projects of $25,000 or less and Major Grants for projects up to $150,000. Approximately $300,000 has been allocated for grants for the FY25 round. Micro Grants should be completed within one year, and Major Grants within three years.
These grants support regional priorities for economic development and long-term economic diversity and sustainability. Projects proposed should align with and advance implementation of at least one of the 10 key actions in the 2024 CEDS:
- Incentivize Year-round Housing
- Simplify Appropriate Housing Development
- Provide Opportunities for Organizations and Entrepreneurs to Pilot Ideas
- Support Year-round Community Activity and Civic Engagement
- Develop and Connect Students and Workforce to Educational and Training Opportunities
- Identify and Support Growing Industries in the Region
- Invest in Water Quality and Wastewater Infrastructure
- Invest in Broadband Infrastructure
- Advocate for Replacement of the Canal Bridges
- Advance Climate Change Resiliency
More about the FY25 grants awarded can be found here.
County and Commission Roles
The BCEDC is responsible for determining grant priorities, reviewing grant proposals, and making funding recommendations to the Barnstable County Commissioners for grant awards.
Commission staff support the grant program, providing administrative support to prepare the request for proposals and application forms, advise applicants of process, coordinate grants committee meetings and grant approvals through the Barnstable County Commissioners, and correspond with applicants regarding the award decisions and with grant recipients regarding disbursement of funds and progress reporting.
