The Northern Border Regional Commission’s (NBRC) fall 2026 grant cycle is open. Local governments, secondary and career technical centers, nonprofits, federally recognized and Indian Tribes are eligible to apply. These eligible entities and their partners are encouraged to explore this grant opportunity, which is available each spring and fall. For-profit entities, LLCs and other entities that are not 501(c) are not eligible.  

NBRC is a Federal-State partnership for economic and community development that certain counties in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York are eligible to participate in. This partnership was created to address economic transitions through strategic investments. Lincoln County entities became eligible to apply for NBRC funding in 2025, following the congressional reauthorization of the program. In the first year of eligibility, the towns of Boothbay Harbor and Waldoboro received grants for municipal water improvement projects. For this round of grants, eligible entities in Damariscotta, Dresden, Jefferson, Somerville, and Whitefield are required to provide at least a 20% match of the full grant amount, while entities in all other municipalities require at least a 50% match.

“By investing in projects that address shared regional challenges and common opportunities, the NBRC plays a critical role in helping rural communities retool their economies for the future. The Northern Border region is poised for economic revitalization if it can modernize itsinfrastructure, invest in business and workforce development, and build its capacity for community economic development. The NBRC is uniquely positioned to make these pivotalimprovements possible,” according to the NBRC website. 

“NBRC grants offer a unique opportunity for Lincoln County to grow our economy by funding strategic economic development projects and planning efforts. I welcome interested and eligible entities to reach out to discuss the scoping, timing, and funding strategy of potential projects," said Alex Zipparo, Lincoln County Regional Planning Commission’s (LCRPC) Economic and Community Development Planner. To learn more about NBRC, including details about previously funded grant projects, visit their website: https://www.nbrc.gov/

The three categories of grants available include Catalyst Program, Forest Economy Program, and Timber for Transit. Most projects within Lincoln County will likely fit into the Catalyst Program, which is a general economic development program that stimulates growth, encourages strategic partnerships, and fosters creative solutions.

Pre-applications are due Friday, Aug. 21. Those invited to apply must submit a full application by Friday, Oct. 16. As Lincoln County’s Local Development District, all interested applicants are strongly encouraged to coordinate with LCRPC before submitting a pre-application. Lincoln County entities that are interested in submitting a pre-application should reach out to Alex Zipparo at LCRPC to schedule a pre-application meeting as soon as possible via emailazipparo@lcrpc.org or phone (207) 882-5985