CATALYST PROGRAM

The Catalyst Program is NBRC’s flagship competitive grant program, formerly known as the State Economic & Infrastructure Development (SEID) program. Through Catalyst, NBRC invests in state economic development priorities to support a broad range of initiatives that modernize and expand the Northern Border region’s basic infrastructure and revitalizes communities to support and attract the region’s workforce.

2026 Spring Round Key Dates:

  • Pre-applications and Waivers Due: By 5:00 PM EST on February 27, 2026
  • Full Applications (by invitiation only) Due: by 5:00 PM EST on April 17, 2026


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The Catalyst Program is designed to stimulate economic growth and inspire partnerships that improve rural economic vitality across the four-state NBRC region. NBRC encourages projects that take a creative approach to addressing an economic need or opportunity in the region, alleviate economic distress, and contribute to economic growth.

Successful projects support a broad range of economic development initiatives such as, but not limited to, projects that modernize and expand access to public water and wastewater services, revitalize transportation infrastructure, establish workforce development programs and facilities, grow the outdoor recreation economy, and provide access to new childcare and healthcare facilities.

A pre-application is required to apply for the Catalyst Program. Your state’s designated NBRC Program Manager will provide important feedback to consider as you develop your pre-application materials.  Follow the process below to engage with your state’s program manager. 

Location Eligibility Guidance: The eligible NBRC service area includes 60 counties in Maine, New Hampshire, New York and Vermont.  If your project is in the service area, it may be eligible for NBRC funds. See the full list of counties and designations contained in the NBRC Distress Criteria Report. 

Eligible Applicant Guidance:

  • State government (Maine, New Hampshire, New York, and Vermont only)
  • Local governments (village, town, city and county)
  • Secondary and career technical centers
  • Other political subdivisions of States (regional planning commissions, authorities of the state)
  • Non-profit entities (see Program Manual for additional details)
  • Indian Tribes (federally recognized Indian tribes, see Program Manual for additional details)

For-profit entities, LLCs and other entities that are not a 501(c) are NOT eligible to apply for Catalyst Program funding. 

Projects must be consistent with the economic development goals of the region and advance a combination of NBRC and member state priorities. The Catalyst Program will prioritize funding for projects that demonstrate both readiness and projected direct impacts on the region’s economy and communities.

Review your State’s Economic Development Strategy:

Review NBRC Catalyst Program investment priorities:

  1. Projects that directly benefit communities that have been underrepresented in past NBRC investments will be prioritized. The focus is on rural communities with fewer than 5,000 people and underserved communities.
  2. Projects that demonstrate how they meet multiple needs within Catalyst project categories and are designed to create efficiencies will be prioritized.
  3. Projects that demonstrate how communities prevent, reduce, withstand, and recover from extreme weather-related disasters. 

NBRC recommends interested applicants in Maine, New York and Vermont complete the Project Interest Form before meeting with their State Program Manager. The information in this form allows the program manager to maximize the opportunity for feedback and funding program suggestions during project development meetings. This form is not required. 

Interested applicants in New Hampshire are encouraged to sign up for the technical assistance program that is available in eligible New Hampshire counties and communities.  Weblink: https://nbrc-nh.com/

Maine: Send your Project Interest Form to BizAwards.DECD@maine.gov.
New Hampshire: Questions about the technical assistance website can be directed to New Hampshire State Program Manager, Ian Carmichael.
New York: Send your Project Interest Form to New York’s NBRC Program Manager, Kyle Wilber.
Vermont: Send your project interest form to Vermont’s NBRC Program Manager, Kristie Farnham.

 

2026 Catalyst Program Overview

Local Development Districts List & Assistance

NBRC Resources Page for Grants Management Information


Catalyst Program One Pager - Click to download a full-size PDF:

        

Help NBRC share information on funding opportunities, award announcements and other exciting news. By signing up for NBRC Announcements, you’ll be sure to receive the latest information on the Catalyst Program. Sign up here.