All NBRC pre-applications and applications require matching funds (funds contributed by the applicant and/or outside sources) for proposed projects. To determine the match rate, NBRC is required by statute to annually assess the socioeconomic distress of the region. Projects located within NBRC's service area are eligible to apply for funding.
NBRC’s Service AreaMaine: Androscoggin, Aroostook, Franklin, Hancock, Kennebec, Knox, Lincoln, Oxford, Penobscot, Piscataquis, Somerset, Waldo, and Washington. New Hampshire: Belknap, Carroll, Cheshire, Coos, Grafton, Merrimack, and Sullivan. New York: Cayuga, Clinton, Essex, Franklin, Fulton, Genesee, Greene, Hamilton, Herkimer, Jefferson, Lewis, Livingston, Madison, Montgomery, Niagara, Oneida, Orleans, Oswego, Rensselaer, Saratoga, Schenectady, Schoharie*, Seneca, St. Lawrence, Sullivan, Washington, Warren, Wayne, Wyoming, and Yates. Vermont: Addison, Bennington, Caledonia, Chittenden, Essex, Franklin, Grand Isle, Lamoille, Orange, Orleans, Rutland, Washington, Windham, and Windsor. |
Service Area Distress Levels and Match Rates
Distress levels are evaluated for all locations within NBRC's service area on an annual basis and assigned a corresponding match rate requirement.
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Distress Level |
Eligible for NBRC Funding? |
NBRC Funding Percentage |
Grantee Match Rate Requirement |
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Distressed 40 U.S.C., Subtitle V states that “distressed” counties are those that “have high rates of poverty, unemployment, or outmigration” and “are the most severely and persistently economic distressed and underdeveloped.” The NBRC is required to allocate 50% of its total Appropriations to projects in counties falling within this designation. |
YES |
80% |
20% |
|
Transitional "Transitional” counties “have recently suffered high rates of poverty, unemployment, or outmigration” or “are economically distressed and underdeveloped.” |
YES |
50% |
50% |
|
Attainment “Attainment” counties are those that are neither “distressed” or “transitional.” The Commission is not allowed to fund projects within an attainment county. |
NO |
N/A |
N/A |
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*Isolated Area of Distress The Commission will automatically collect economic and demographic data within “Attainment” counties to identify communities that qualify as “Isolated Areas of Distress.” Isolated Areas of Distress are areas that have high rates of poverty, unemployment, or outmigration and are therefore designated as either Distressed or Transitional. These Isolated Areas within Attainment counties are eligible for funding. For more information, please view our Match Rate FAQ. |
YES |
80% (Distressed Communities) |
20% (Distressed Communities) |
|
50% (Transitional Communities) |
50% (Transitional Communities) |
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The match rate for projects located within multiple communities, counties, or states will be calculated based on the average of all associated match rates.
How to Find Your Project’s Match Rate
NBRC has three methods to determine match based on the location(s) of the project. If a proposed project has a single location, any of the following tools can be used to determine match rate. For projects that span more than one location (workforce development, technical assistance, infrastructure in more than one community, etc.) the NBRC Match Estimator is the best tool for determining an accurate match rate.
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Includes a comprehensive list of each county and community within NBRC’s service area, and their assigned match rates. |
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This interactive map allows users to click on a county or community to find its corresponding match rate. |
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Please note: the Estimator is only compatible with Microsoft Excel and cannot be used with Google, Apple, or other open-source products.
The Match Estimator has two tabs:Counties and Service Areas: Use this tab for projects that span a county, multiple counties, or entire NBRC state service area(s). Examples include:
Communities: Use this tab for projects that take place in or benefit a community or multiple communities. Examples include:
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Ready to Submit a Pre-Application?
The Grants Management System (GMS) requires users to enter their project’s match rate and GEOID in the Locations tab while completing a pre-application. For more information, please view our guidance on creating and submitting a pre-application.
Additional Resources
If your project is complex or your activities will impact an unknown set of recipients, please contact admin@nbrc.gov.
Match Rate Frequently Asked Questions