MaPTCC brings together the strengths of land-grant universities to serve communities across Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, Wyoming, and 28 federally recognized Tribal Nations. Our model, built on years of extension and community-facing research experience, addresses critical barriers facing rural, tribal and some urban communities in their pursuit of safe and healthy environments and lasting economic prosperity.

MaPTCC'S Model

Our model focuses on connecting local organizations and governments with critical resources to build thriving communities. We understand that local residents and their leaders best understand their communities’ challenges and assets — and therefore have the most realistic idea about the investments and projects which would most help them meet their goals. However, in small communities where many people wear multiple hats, limited staff time, training, technical expertise, and funding and project management are what keeps these places from realizing their local visions.

That's exactly why MaPTCC exists. We provide completely free, personalized support to help communities or organizations turn good ideas into funded projects. We leverage our network, centered on the trusted and effective relationships that Extension has developed over decades while also bringing new partnerships and assets from across the public, private, and civil sectors. We do this through one-on-one technical assistance, funding application support, training and learning opportunities, referrals to technical expertise, and peer-to-peer networking.

Whatever your priority is, we can help in three ways:

  1. One-on-One Technical Assistance: We'll work directly with you to figure out what your community needs most, identify the right funding opportunities, and develop strong project plans. You'll work with experienced staff who understand both grant processes and the unique context of our region's rural, tribal, and urban communities. We can help turn good ideas into detailed plans that funders want to support.
  2. Grant Application Support: Finding and securing funding can be overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone. We'll help you navigate the complex world of federal, state, and foundation grants. While we don't write grants for you, we can support the development of your application, review your proposals, help develop budgets, and share strategies that have worked for similar communities. For example, the Thriving Communities Grant presents a great opportunity to receive funding from $150,000 - $350,000 to assess, plan, or implement environmental-related programs or activities in your community.
  3. Training and Learning Opportunities: Join our in-person and virtual training sessions where you can learn from experts and connect with other communities doing similar work. Our training topics range from grant writing basics to specific environmental and energy project planning to developing strategic and sustainable plans for your organization. More specific information about these in-person trainings in your state will be available soon.

Request a consultation with our team to discuss your needs and how MaPTCC can support your mission.

Eligible Entities for MaPTCC Support: 

  • Non-profit organizations​
  • Individuals from EJ communities​
  • Urban, rural, and remote communities and organizations ​
  • Tribal governments and tribal nonprofits or community-based organizations​
  • Local or state government entities​
  • Community-based and grassroots organizations​
  • Disadvantaged businesses​
  • Unions and workers’ organizations ​
  • Faith-based organizations and churches​
  • Most not-for-profit non-federal community development, EJ, or energy actors

Examples of Projects that MaPTCC Supports:

  • Monitoring local water and air quality
  • Developing community resilience centers and emergency shelters
  • Starting local solar projects to reduce energy costs at both community and household levels
  • Upgrading aging water and wastewater systems
  • Cleaning up contaminated sites in your community
  • Making homes healthier through weatherization and indoor air quality improvements
  • Supporting local agriculture and reducing food transportation costs
  • Building climate resilience through flood and fire preparedness
  • Creating green job training programs for local workers
  • Planning electric vehicle charging stations for your community
  • Expanding broadband access across your region
  • Providing public education and community outreach on environmental challenges

Funding a Project:

Our support ranges from general resources to personalized assistance. We offer webinars on funding opportunities and online training materials as part of our general resources. For more tailored help, our specialists develop customized funding strategies and personalized grant announcement streams for our clients. While MaPTCC doesn’t write grants on behalf of organizations, we can help find grant-writing resources and provide one-on-one support for successful grant development. Our goal is to enhance your funding success through a combination of broad knowledge sharing and targeted, individualized guidance. 

Reach out to our team to develop a custom funding strategy for your organization.