Northern Border Regional Commission

The Northern Border Regional Commission (NBRC) is a Federal-State partnership for economic and community development within economically distressed counties in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, and New York. Through three different programs, NBRC provides funding opportunities to invest in local economies and communities. There are typically two rounds of funding annually, one in the spring and one in the fall. 

Hancock County Planning Commission is the local development district (LDD) for Hancock County. LDDs are designated by NBRC to provide technical assistance to applicants, assist NBRC in outreach activities, and generally administer NBRC investments for grantees.

2026 Program Dates

Spring Funding Round

  • Closed

Fall 2026 Funding Round

  • Pre-applications due before 5 PM EST on August 21
  • Applications due before 5 PM EST on October 16
  • Approximate Grant Award date: December

Current NBRC Programs

The Catalyst Grant Program aims to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality. The Catalyst Program supports a broad range of economic development initiatives such as modernizing and expanding water and wastewater systems, revitalizing transportation infrastructure, establishing workforce development programs and facilities, growing outdoor recreation infrastructure and economies, and constructing new childcare and healthcare facilities. 

The Forest Economy Program supports the forest-based economy and assists the industry in evolving to use new technologies and implement viable business models. Infrastructure invested in through this program must directly support the forest industry.

The Timber for Transit Program advances the use of domestic forest products in transportation infrastructure projects to showcase the capabilities of wood in these applications. Highly competitive projects will demonstrate and widely promote the utility of high value forest products (e.g. glued laminated timber, cross laminated timber, composite materials, etc.) in transportation infrastructure. 

Application Process

Pre-applications are required to be submitted to be considered for the full application. Pre-applications are reviewed by both NBRC and States. NBRC is responsible for determining the eligibility of projects and States are responsible for issuing an invitation to apply. Pre-applications determine the final maximum award size eligibility. Full applications will only be accepted from those entities expressly invited to submit a full application and must be submitted using NBRC’s online application system. 

Resources