Barnstable County License Plate Grant Program 2025

The Cape Cod Commission (Commission), on behalf of Barnstable County and the Barnstable County Economic Development Council (BCEDC), is seeking proposals from local or regional governmental or nonprofit agencies for projects that support the area’s economic resiliency and advance the goals and actions of the 2024 Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS). Approximately $300,000 has been allocated for the grants. Grants will be available in two categories; Micro Grants for projects of $25,000 or less and Major Grants for projects of up to $150,000. Submitted proposals should advance at least one of the ten key actions of the 2024 CEDS, which are summarized as follows (see the CEDS for the complete description of each): Incentivize Year-round Housing: Encourage year-round safe, stable, and affordable housing available for current and future residents and employees. Simplify Appropriate Housing Development: Pursue opportunities to simplify the housing development and redevelopment process in appropriate locations through zoning changes, pre-approved plans, and other strategies outlined in the Regional Housing Strategy. Provide Opportunities for Organizations and Entrepreneurs to Pilot Ideas: Continue to expand entrepreneurial support programs, increase access to funding, and provide spaces for new businesses to pilot their ideas, ensuring long-term success and continuity. Support Year-round Community Activity and Civic Engagement: Promote greater awareness about the year-round offerings of the region and leverage opportunities to create greater year-round activity. Develop and Connect Students and Workforce to Educational and Training Opportunities: Align the region’s educational and vocational training programs with business needs and improve awareness and accessibility for diverse participants, targeting both existing and emerging industries. Identify and Support Growing Industries in the Region: Continue to support growing industries, identify emerging sectors and align workforce training and incentives to attract and sustain these industries. Invest in Water Quality and Wastewater Infrastructure: Secure funding for water quality and wastewater infrastructure projects that support housing and other development in more compact, walkable, active areas, and to remediate the region’s water quality impairments.