Arlington Launches Grant Program Aimed At Providing Relief During Extreme Heat

ARLINGTON, MA —The town is launching a new mini-grant program aimed at helping local organizations and businesses serve residents during periods of extreme heat.

The Cool and Connected Mini-Grant Program will support Arlington organizations and local businesses serving as cooling centers and resource hubs with free public programming when the weather is especially hot. Small businesses, nonprofits, and civic or faith-based organizations are able to apply.

According to the Town, grant funds can be used to improve cooling space for public use, offer free goods and services, expand special programming, and train staff to meet demand during heat waves. The effort is funded by the Municipal Vulnerability Preparedness program. Arlington is one of 32 communities as well as one Tribe in Massachusetts selected to pilot the MVP 2.0 initiative.

“Weather events in the region have made it clear we are already experiencing the impacts of climate change locally,” Town Manager Jim Feeney said. “The Town is committed to supporting all residents to prepare for these impacts into the future.”

The Town said the mini-grant program was the result of two years of exploration and public engagement by community members, Town staff, and consultants. That work focused on identifying which climate change-related hazards are affecting residents most and how to support people considered most vulnerable. According to the Town, the team held public events to better understand the needs of low-income seniors and families, residents with limited English proficiency, especially immigrants, and individuals with disabilities.

Arlington residents were asked about priorities for helping community members adapt to climate change. Those priorities ranged from safe transportation during disasters to installing air conditioning units in affordable housing buildings. The "Cool and Connected" network was ultimately selected from those options.

Cool and Connected Arlington will establish locations around town where community members can get relief from the heat, and connect with one another and access other social services. In addition to mini-grant recipients, the Town said it is also seeking other local partners to participate in the program.

A total of $15,000 is available through the mini-grants. Applications are due Sunday, May 31, and awards will be announced on June 12. Applicants are asked to review the program guidelines and complete the online application form.

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