Northern Border Regional Commission - Catalyst Program

    Funding agency
    Maine Department of Economic and Community Development (DECD)
    Program name
    Catalyst Program
    Status
    Future Rounds Anticipated
    Description

    The CATALYST PROGRAM stimulates economic growth and inspires partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. The Catalyst Program supports a broad range of economic development initiatives that modernize and expand water and wastewater systems; revitalize transportation infrastructure; establish workforce development programs and facilities; grow outdoor recreation infrastructure and economies; and construct new childcare and healthcare facilities.

    Contact
    Sarah Demers, sarah.demers@maine.gov
    Additional notes

    NBRC Catalyst funds are highly competitive. Applicants are asked to submit a project interest form and to meet with the State Program Coordinator (sarah.demers@maine.gov) and your Local Development District (https://www.nbrc.gov/content/local-development-districts) to ensure your project is eligible, competitive, and compelling. Infrastructure projects are eligible for up to $1,000,000, non-infrastructure and programming projects are eligible for up to $500,000, feasibility studies for infrastructure projects are eligible for up to $100,000.

    Max award
    $1,000,000
    Match required
    Yes
    Match description
    20% match for Distressed Counties; 50% match for Transitional Counties
    Anticipated next round
    Future rounds
    Opens twice annually
    Eligible applicant description

    State government; Local governments (village, town, city and county); Secondary and career technical centers; Other political subdivisions of States (regional planning commissions, authorities of the state); 501(c) Non-profit entities; Federally Recognized Tribal Government

    Geographic eligibility

    Applicants and projects must be located within the NBRC region. This includes all Maine counties except York, Cumberland and Sagadahoc counties. Some exceptions apply. Please contact sarah.demers@maine.gov for more information.

    Project type
    Community and Economic Development
    Infrastructure and Transportation
    Project subcategory
    Bike/Ped and Trails
    Boats and Ferries
    Childcare and Human Services
    Downtown and Village Development
    Economic Development
    Marine Economy/Blue Economy
    Parks and Recreation
    Ports and Harbors
    Roads and Bridges
    Tourism and Hospitality
    Wastewater/Sanitation
    Workforce
    Working Waterfronts
    Other (Community and Economic Development)
    Other (Infrastructure and Transportation)
    Project stage
    Planning
    Design
    Implementation
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    Last updated: December 15, 2025