Climate Service Corps

4. Is this funding at risk due to shifting priorities at the federal level?

No. This state-funded program should not be subject to federal funding changes.

5. When will the next round of this funding be available? If awarded a planning grant, when would applications open for implementation?

The pool this funding comes from is secured for multiple years, and the next call for proposals should be issued in the next 6-9 months.

6. We are a municipality, which is not called out in the RFP as an eligible entity to apply. Can we apply for these funds?

Yes, municipalities may apply for this grant.

7. Can this funding be used for equipment and infrastructure?

Yes. This funding can be applied to equipment and infrastructure necessary for the operations of a high-quality program but not for general operating support.

8. Can funds cover program staff costs? Is it an expectation that program staff hired specifically to deliver the program be retained after the term of the grant?

Yes, funds can be used to cover the salaries and benefits of staff delivering services related to the program. While it is not a specific requirement for a grantee to retain staff brought on for the program after the grant term, applications that include plans to leverage other resources to sustain the program following the grant term may score more favorably.

9. What does it mean to braid funding, and where should additional funds be acquired?

Braiding funding combines funding from multiple sources to achieve one overarching goal. Each line of funding is acquired, tracked, and reported separately but combined for the success of one project or initiative. Some aligned funding sources include YouthWorks, WIOA, AmeriCorps, or JobCorps, but there are many other public and private funding sources whose goals could overlap with those of this RFP. Other MassCEC funding cannot be used as braided funding, but there are no other restrictions on braided funding sources.

10. Why is braided funding required for implementation applications?

Braided funding is required for implementation applications to ensure the longevity and sustainability of the initiative. Braiding funds allow programs to serve other participants that the Climate Service Corp grant may not cover.

11. What are some examples of technical assistance offered?

Internal MassCEC team members and external consultants offer individual Technical Assistance meetings/check-ins, consistent email communication, monthly Communities of Practice, and two in-person convenings annually.

12. Can MassCEC help applicants find potential partnerships?

The Workforce Development team has a public-facing partnerships list located at www.masscec.com/workforce. This list is updated monthly and can be a good opportunity to network with potential applicants, build community, and learn about other workforce development programs.

13. Is the focus of the program career awareness or technical skill building?

Both. Program curricula should include clean energy career awareness, durable career skills, and technical skills in the clean heating and cooling sectors.

14. Can programs serve participants who are not in Massachusetts? Additionally, are training providers required to be based in Massachusetts, or is this requirement applicable only to the lead applicant?

The Climate Service Corps funding must be directed to organizations and residents in Massachusetts. Partners can be out of state; however, participants must be residents, and the lead applicant must be in Massachusetts.

15. Can this grant support work to develop awareness of clean energy careers for K-12 students?

This grant is limited to Climate Service Corps programs for young adults ages 18-24 in energy efficiency and clean heating and cooling. A general funding opportunity for students and young adults will be available in the coming weeks.

16. Can this grant support agriculture work?

No—this grant is exclusively focused on energy efficiency, and clean heating and cooling.

17. Can our Climate Service Corps program collaborate with other programs for youth that are not focused on clean energy?

Yes—collaborating with related programs or programs that may serve young people who are a target recruitment population for promotion and recruitment is acceptable.

18. Will participants in Climate Service Corps have any connection to one another? Will there be unifying branding, events, or participant communities?

Yes. While the exact statewide activities of the Corps are to be determined, there will be unifying activities and materials for all programs.

19. Are there any limits or restrictions on types of wraparound support services?

No, there are no specific limits on the types of wraparound support services that can be provided. Working with marginalized and underrepresented communities often requires comprehensive and holistic support services to ensure success, so those proposals with thoughtful wraparound support service plans will likely score more favorably.

20. What is the difference between a partner organization and supporting organization?

Partnerships have some exchange of funds involved, while supporting organizations do not have any sort of financial involvement in the program.

21. We are looking for organizations to partner with. Do you have suggestions?

On the MassCEC Workforce Development site you can find a list of organizations willing to partner and sign up your organization as well. If you're looking for energy efficiency/clean heating and cooling employers, check out the Clean Energy Lives Here list of installers.