Posted on January 16, 2026
BOSTON --- Municipal boards and commissions interested in becoming more effective in supporting affordable housing development in their communities can apply for a Mini-Boost grant from MHP.
This new, small-scale technical assistance program can fund short-term problem-solving and technical assistance projects that assist boards in capacity building. Technical assistance is provided by MHP-approved consultants. In some instances, Community Assistance staff may support a project.
Fifteen grants will be available in 2026 and 15 more in 2027. The application period opens in January. Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to attend MHP’s training series, “Strengthening local boards and commissions to support affordable housing,” available virtually in March 2026.
Application process
- Municipal boards or commissions, with support from the select board or chief executive, apply online for a grant. Proposals can be structured to seek one-time, short-term problem-solving assistance, training and or support on a specific affordable housing proposal or initiative. Note: We will not consider housing predevelopment work for this program.
- Applications are accepted on a rolling basis and MHP will review applications on a first-come, first-served basis. Time sensitivity may be considered when prioritizing applications.
- The projects must be completed within three to six months.
- After tentatively accepting an application for funding, MHP will meet with the applicant and an identified technical assistance provider to ensure the project is achievable within the program parameters.
- Once an award is made up to $2,000 of technical assistance, MHP will issue a grant agreement to the municipality including terms and agreed upon in scope of services. Consultants will be paid directly by MHP.
Examples of eligible technical assistance support for small projects:
- Prioritizing municipal parcels for affordable housing development
- Providing GIS mapping for possible municipal sites for affordable housing development
- Establishing a process for acquiring land or buildings for affordable housing development
- Identifying board goals and strategies
- Supporting a hearing process for an affordable housing proposal
- Navigating difficult conversations about affordable housing development
- Clarifying inclusionary zoning goals and parameters using MHP’s inclusionary zoning worksheet
- Training board members in affordable housing finance 101
- Facilitating collaborative conversations between zoning board of appeals, board of health and conservation commission
MHP’s Community Assistance team builds the capacity of municipalities to support policies, programs and development that increase housing diversity and open communities to people of all racial and economic backgrounds. Strengthening local boards is key to this effort.
Click here for information on the program and application process.
For more information about the mini grant program, contact Senior Program Manager Shelly Goehring.
For press inquiries, contact MHP Communications Manager Lisa Braxton.