MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF FIFTH POWERCORPS BOSTON COHORT

BOSTON - Wednesday, March 25, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu today celebrated the graduation of PowerCorps Boston's fifth cohort, the largest in the program’s history. PowerCorps Boston is the City’s green industry workforce development program that prepares young adults for high-quality careers that address Boston’s most pressing environmental challenges. The 38 graduates spent the past 10 months learning about various green industries and acquiring skills in urban forestry, urban greening, and energy-efficient building operations and maintenance. This graduation builds on Mayor Wu’s work to make Boston a home for everyone. 

 

“Congratulations to this record-breaking cohort of PowerCorps Boston graduates, who have dedicated the past ten months to building skills, strengthening our neighborhoods, and advancing Boston’s climate future,” said Mayor Michelle Wu. “Programs like PowerCorps are critical in expanding opportunity, developing a skilled green workforce, and ensuring Boston remains a city for everyone.”

 

A joint program of the Worker Empowerment Cabinet and the Environment, Energy, and Open Space Cabinet, PowerCorps Boston is a “learn and earn” program that pays Boston’s young adults aged 18-30 to participate in hands-on training while providing career readiness support and connections to employers in the green industry. According to the Climate Ready Workforce Action Plan, Boston will need approximately 67,000 workers across 45 occupations each year over the next 25 years to design, build, and operate a thriving green economy. Workforce development programs like PowerCorps Boston are a critical part of Boston’s 2030 Climate Action Plan, an implementation roadmap to achieve the City’s climate mitigation and resilience goals, as well as achieve carbon neutrality by 2050. The final draft of the plan will be released later this spring. 

 

“The Wu Administration prioritizes career pathway jobs in all growth industries in Boston,” said Trinh Nguyen, Chief of Worker Empowerment. “PowerCorps graduates receive industry-recognized credentials and experience that positions them for a wide range of options post graduation including obtaining good paying jobs, pursuing advanced training, and/or enrolling in post-secondary education through our partnerships.” 

 

“PowerCorps demonstrates how climate action and economic development go hand in hand,” said Oliver Sellers-Garcia, Environment Commissioner and Green New Deal Director. “Achieving our 2030 and 2050 emissions goals will benefit every neighborhood in Boston through good paying jobs, less pollution, and improved public health. We are so proud of this year's graduates for reaching this impressive milestone and giving back to their communities.”

 

PowerCorps Boston collaborates with over 60 Boston-based non-profits, higher education institutions, and private sector organizations to offer participants job training, classroom learning, and wrap-around services. Over the past 10 months, the 38 graduates committed to an immersive experience that included two phases. The first phase, Foundations, included four-months of training where they focused on workforce-readiness skills, an introduction to green industry careers, and received necessary support services to complete the program. The second phase, Industry Academy, was a six-month training where participants chose to specialize in one of the three tracks: Urban Forestry, Urban Greening, or Building Operations. 

 

“As we celebrate the graduation of our fifth and largest Power Corps Boston cohort to date, I’m inspired by the determination, growth, and leadership of our members,” said Davo Jefferson, Executive Director of PowerCorps Boston. “Their self-determination and commitment to their communities has undoubtedly strengthened the fabric of Boston, making it a more sustainable and equitable city”.

 

The participants in Urban Greening and Urban Forestry have made a significant impact across the environment. In Cohort 5, they planted 110 trees to increase urban greening and improve air quality, assisted the urban farming efforts in growing 25,000 lbs of produce to support local food security, removed two tons of invasive materials to improve the health of local ecosystems, conducted 2,000 feet of trail maintenance, and planted 28,000 square feet of grass seed and 94,000 tulip bulbs all contributing to a greener, healthier Boston for the communities that need it most.

 

The Building Operations participants have interned at seven large building sites over six months, working on energy-efficient general maintenance and operations, including HVAC, electrical, and plumbing work. This work, and these jobs, are critical to facilitating compliance with the City’s Building Emissions Reduction and Disclosure Ordinance (BERDO), which aims to reduce air pollution and greenhouse gas emissions from Boston’s largest buildings, accounting for 40 percent of the city’s carbon emissions. BERDO requires these buildings to report their annual energy and water use to the City and reduce their emissions over time, with the goal of becoming carbon neutral by 2050.

 

Urban Greening and Urban Forestry participants have earned three college credits in Arboriculture from UMass Amherst’s Mount Ida campus and the Building Operations participants have earned multiple industry-recognized credentials including OSHA 10 Construction Safety & Health Certification, Building Science Principles (BPI) Certification, Green Professional Training (GPRO) Certification, EPA Section 608 Certification, ‘Hot Works’ Certification for MA, and Fundamentals of Energy Efficient Building Operations (FEEBO) Certification.

 

As employers actively recruit from PowerCorps Boston's skilled, diverse talent pool, they fill vacant jobs in emerging industries and create new opportunities for the participants. Most graduates secured green industry job placements with employers like the City of Boston Parks and Recreation, Transportation Department, Potted Up, Parterre Gardens, Peabody Properties, Run Wise, C& W Service, Burgess Pest Control, and Related Beal. They will be undertaking various roles as Tree Equipment Operators, Gardner, HVAC Apprentices, Facilities Technicians, and more with competitive wages that reflect the value they bring to their respective organizations. Participants of the Urban Forestry and Urban Greening track have secured job placements with an average salary of $21.85/hr. Participants of the Building Operations track have an average salary of $27.20/hr. 

 

“To be very honest, my PowerCorps experience was something that will have an impact on me until my times up,” said Ian L. Barnes-Classen, PowerCorps 2026 graduate. “The members in this cohort, the staff, and all the partners we encountered, I’ll be cherishing the knowledge, experience and companionship that I gained. I will be forever grateful and look forward to what’s next!”

 

MAYOR MICHELLE WU CELEBRATES GRADUATION OF FIFTH POWERCORPS BOSTON COHORT

 

Record-breaking cohort of 38 graduates as City continues to invest in strengthening Boston neighborhoods, developing skilled, green workforce, and connecting young people to opportunity

"Starting with PowerCorps on public city projects gave me a great foundation in green building and conservation,” said Monica Chiu, PowerCorps 2026 graduate. “That led right into the next phase where they covered my Building Operations certifications and helped me build the networking and internship experience I needed to move into facilities."

 

“Working with the PowerCorps team was an absolute joy. They came prepared, motivated, and full of thoughtful questions,” said Ryan Corrigan, Director of Ecological Services-Boston Parterre Gardens. “While it was rewarding to watch the team build their horticultural and restoration skills, it was even more inspiring to see everyone unite around a shared commitment to restoring green spaces in their community. Mattahunt Urban Wild is an incredible place because of this team.”

 

PowerCorps Boston is now accepting applications for the May 2026 cohort. Referrals can also be submitted. To be eligible, applicants must be 18-30 years old; be a Boston resident; have a high school diploma or its equivalent (GED/HiSET); be unemployed or underemployed and not in college or on a career track; and have an interest in outdoor, hands-on training. Priority populations include residents from environmental justice communities, returning citizens, court-involved residents, youth who have experienced homelessness or housing instability, youth who have been in foster care, and other marginalized communities. For questions about the program, contact PowerCorpsBOS@boston.gov.

Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Literacy Launch Grant for Instructional Materials

 Healey-Driscoll Administration Announces Literacy Launch Grant for Instructional Materials

Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) II funding will help school districts implement high-quality early literacy instruction 

EVERETT – The Healey-Driscoll Administration today announced that the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is accepting applications from school districts, collaboratives, and partner community-based preschools for the second cohort of the Partnership for Reading Success – Massachusetts (PRISM) II grant program.

Part of Governor Maura Healey’s Literacy Launch: Reading Success from Age 3 through Grade 3 initiative, PRISM II helps schools evaluate, select, purchase, launch, and implement high-quality instructional materials in pre-K through third grade in order to strengthen early literacy instruction.

"Reading is the foundation for every child’s success in school and in life,” said Governor Maura Healey. “Through Literacy Launch and programs like PRISM, we are helping school districts bring strong reading instruction into classrooms and giving more students the tools they need to thrive.”

“Supporting strong reading instruction early in a child’s education makes a lasting difference,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “PRISM II gives districts the resources and support they need to implement high-quality literacy instruction and help more students succeed.”

PRISM II is designed to empower educators with hands-on support, evidence-based instructional materials, and expert guidance to help schools implement inclusive and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy learning experiences for every student.

Grants to the first cohort of PRISM II recipients have already supported 31 districts representing 98 schools statewide, including 65 schools that are implementing high-quality instructional materials and 33 other schools that are preparing to implement new materials during the next school year.

“PRISM II supports districts not only in adopting high-quality materials, but also in building the routines, structures, and collaborative leadership needed for successful implementation,” said Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw. “This work strengthens coherence across classrooms and ensures early literacy instruction is inclusive, rigorous, and aligned with evidence-based practices.”

“High-quality instructional materials are a key part of improving early literacy outcomes,” said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. “The funding for the second cohort of PRISM II will help additional districts implement strong, standards-aligned literacy curricula and help address disparities in access and achievement.”

PRISM II is intended for districts that are ready to purchase high-quality instructional materials or to engage in a comprehensive process to evaluate and select materials aligned to DESE’s IMplement MA guidance. Applicants can apply to one of two tracks:

• Track 1 recipients will receive one year of funding to support the purchase of selected curricular materials and optional publisher-provided professional development.
• Track 2 recipients may receive up to two years of funding and hands-on technical assistance, including participation in DESE’s IMplement MA: Evaluate and Select High-Quality Instructional Materials Network to evaluate and select materials.

DESE will prioritize applicants that demonstrate a commitment to addressing early literacy achievement disparities and strengthening systems that support multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and students from low-income communities.

The request for proposals (RFP) for PRISM II Cohort 2 is available through DESE’s Literacy Launch website. Applications are due by 5:00 p.m. on Monday, May 11.

CITY OF BOSTON, UNION LEADERSHIP REACH AGREEMENT TO MANAGE GROWING HEALTH CARE COSTS, GENERATING AN ESTIMATED $10.6M IN SAVINGS

CITY OF BOSTON, UNION LEADERSHIP REACH AGREEMENT TO MANAGE GROWING HEALTH CARE COSTS, GENERATING AN ESTIMATED $10.6M IN SAVINGS

BOSTON - March 25, 2026 - Mayor Michelle Wu and the Public Employee Committee (PEC) today announced an agreement to curb growing health care costs, generating an estimated $10.6 million in savings for the City and its employees through the implementation of utilization management. 

“Amid one of the most challenging budget environments in recent years, this agreement reflects the strength of our labor-management partnership and what’s possible when the City and our unions work side by side,” said Mayor Michelle Wu and PEC Chair Elissa Cadillic in a joint statement. “Together, we are taking steps to responsibly manage rising costs while protecting the health care coverage that our workforce depends on, and the high-quality core City services that our residents deserve.” 

 

Like municipalities across the Commonwealth, Boston is facing mounting inflationary pressures and significant cost increases heading into FY27. While revenues are projected to grow by only 1.5%-2.5% over FY26, costs—especially health care expenses—are rising significantly, driven in part by increased use of GLP-1 drugs for weight loss. This imbalance presents a major budgetary challenge for the City.  

 

Under the agreement, which the PEC voted to pass with unanimous consent, the City’s Blue Cross Blue Shield health plan will implement utilization management, an industry-standard cost containment tool that ensures prescription drugs are only prescribed when clinically appropriate. 

 

This reform is expected to save approximately $10.6 million for the City budget and employee premiums. The City committed to reinvesting the resulting employer savings to minimize the impacts of any targeted reductions driven by the overall budget challenges facing the City in the upcoming fiscal year.

麻州長提名Robert E. Manning, Jr.出任法院書記長

 Governor Healey Nominates Robert E. Manning, Jr. as Clerk Magistrate 

BOSTON – Today, Governor Maura Healey announced her nomination of Robert E. Manning, Jr. to serve as Clerk Magistrate of the Edgartown District Court. The nomination will now be considered by the Governor’s Council for confirmation. 

“Robert Manning is an accomplished attorney and dedicated public servant who I am proud to nominate as the next Clerk Magistrate of the Edgartown District Court,” said Governor Maura Healey. “He has dedicated his career to public service, and I am confident he will bring sound judgment, strong leadership, integrity, and a steady commitment to serving the Court.” 

“I look forward to working with the Governor’s Council to confirm Attorney Manning so he can serve the Court with distinction,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll 

Governor Healey has previously nominated Ann Dawley, Bill Larkin, Lori Leavitt Wheeler, Robert Palumbo, John P. Riordan, Dana Rutherford, Padraic Rafferty, Scott Rathbun and John Stocks to serve as Clerk Magistrates. 

About the Nominee: 

Robert E. Manning, Jr. currently serves as the First Assistant Clerk Magistrate in the Barnstable Superior Court, a role he has held since 2019. In this position, Attorney Manning is responsible for managing the daily operations of the office, overseeing criminal and civil sessions, and helping ensure the efficient administration of court proceedings. He works closely with judges, attorneys, and court personnel to support the fair and timely resolution of cases. 

From 2013 to 2019, Attorney Manning served as a public defender through the Committee for Public Counsel Services, representing clients in a broad range of criminal matters in the District and Superior Courts.  Prior to joining CPCS, Attorney Manning maintained a private legal practice, where gained significant trial experience litigating both civil and criminal matters. He holds a Bachelor of Arts from Lewis & Clark College and a Juris Doctor from Southern New England School of Law. 

波士頓榮光會慶馬年新春韓國瑜送禮 劉慶元華府遠道來賀

劉慶元（左起），鄭增壽，陳新友，張明燦，楊思聖合唱「九條好漢
在一班」。（周菊子攝）

           （Boston Orange周菊子波士頓報導）波士頓榮光聯誼會3月22日中午借用波士頓國民黨會址，慶祝馬年新春，有退輔會長官，僑教中心主任，中華公所主席和神秘嘉賓出席同賀，近50名會員及親友，邊享用專人送到面前的美食，邊唱軍歌，抽大獎，好不愜意。

退輔會駐美組長劉慶元少將首次訪波士頓。（周菊子攝）

         波士頓榮光會今年的這場“春宴”，在理事長鄭增壽和理事會決議採用訂餐，安排人分菜，逐一送到出席會員面前的安排中，秘書長沈慶雲製造氣氛，邊頭綁圈帶插羽毛，扮山地原住民，遙距為台灣立委高金素梅打氣，邊在介紹嘉賓，主持節目時，舌燦蓮花的串場下，顯得格外熱鬧。

 

榮光會馬年春宴嘉賓，右起雷國輝，高家富，劉慶元。（周菊子攝）

            更難得的是，這天的嘉賓，不但有國軍退除役官兵輔導委員會駐華府組長劉慶元少將，開車8小時的遠道來賀。紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝也罕見的出席，和波士頓僑教中心主任高家富一起和榮光會員們慶祝新年。

波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽（又）和秘書長沈慶雲（左）互相誇讚。（周菊子攝）

            波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽表示，往年該會慶祝新年，都是到餐廳，飯吃完，人就散了。今年感謝波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭，出借會址，讓榮光會得以換個方式來慶祝新年，也給了會員們更充裕時間同樂。他還指出，其實很多榮光會會員也是國民黨黨員，兩會有如家人，希望藉著這次的大家一起唱歌，敘舊，再次融為一體。他還進一步地說，波士頓每年都有很多遊行，但真正能扛得起中華民國國旗的，第一個是榮光會，第二個是國民黨，第三個是大陳同鄉會。這3個組織在波士頓永遠舉著中華民國國旗。

            畢業於美國維琴尼亞軍校，從少將軍銜退役的劉慶元，甫於去年1月接替倪邦臣，成為退輔會第二任駐美退伍軍人事務組組長。他笑說自己40年前來過一趟波士頓，這趟則是他第一次來參加波士頓榮光會的活動，見到李先這位曾3度出海征戰的海軍，見到官校26期，和他自己相隔31

僑教中心主任高家富代表立法院院長韓國瑜送出禮物給中獎的江嫡華。
（周菊子攝）

期的老學長劉成，都八、九十歲了都還很健康，讓人十分高興。

            劉慶元表示，退輔會軍人事務組的工作重點，就是為榮光會等退伍軍人前輩服務，宣達政策，促進與美國退伍軍人社團的交流。

沈慶雲介紹嘉賓，中華公所主席雷國輝。（周菊子攝）

            劉慶元重點談及榮民養老。他指出，美國的退伍軍人之家，頤養院，費用可能貴到八、九千元，甚至過萬美元一個月，但台灣有16個的榮民之家，只要400多美金一個月，就可以拎包入住，台灣的榮民總醫院也在全世界排名第208，全台灣排名第一，醫療照護都很方便，歡迎榮光會員們常回台灣看看。

麻州衛斯理豐田汽車代理商柯乃南是這天的神秘嘉賓。（周菊子攝）

                  紐英崙中華公所主席雷國輝推卻不果之後致詞，坦言自己不會說Mandarin （國語），台語也不行，台山話還可以。最後他以廣東話發言，週到的稱呼各人，表示大家都是好朋友，時時見面，一直以來他都支持中華民國，他在波士頓50多年，一直都關心中華民國的事。過去十多年來，他們和中華總會一起辦雙十遊行，國慶晚會，大家都很支持。在這馬年新春之際，感謝眾人的支持。

金庶安是富陽艦第5任艦長，這天陪同妻子柯亞玲出席。（周菊子攝）

                  波士頓僑教中心主任高家富，這天特地把他的代替立法院院長韓國瑜買的春節禮物iPod帶到現場。他先代表波士頓經文處處長廖朝宏致歉，說明他因事不克出席致歉，接著說要特別感謝理事長鄭增壽所率領的榮光會，每年都手持中華民國國旗，精神抖擻的參加美國退伍軍人遊行，在這個波士頓地區的大活動中，讓麻州政要，大波頓居民無法不看見中華民國台灣。感謝之餘，他祝福所有榮光會員們健健康康，生活幸福。

波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽送給劉慶元一頂紅襪隊球帽。（周菊子攝）

              這天出席榮光會春宴的，還有一位稀客，衛斯理豐田汽車代理商創辦人柯乃南。他這天和姊姊柯亞玲，曾任富陽軍艦第5任艦長的姐夫金庶安聯袂出席。他笑說，許多榮光會會員都和他爸爸柯芝芬很熟，他自己以前是忙於工作，今後一定多出席榮光會的活動。

         嘉賓致詞後，回到這天的正題，慶祝馬年新春。在陳新友邀來的美女團分菜，裝碟，逐一送到出席各人面前之中，波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽邀退輔會劉慶元組長和財政張明燦，以及陳新有，楊思聖等人合唱「九條好漢在一班」、「夜襲」等軍歌，楊麗雪主持抽獎。

 

波士頓國民黨常委張韻蘭（左）這天是榮光會會員，幫忙接待
劉慶元的另一半陳瑞香。（周菊子攝）

         當天堆在現場的獎品有許多，韓國瑜院長的iPod大獎由買了5張彩券，有3張中獎的江嫡華抽中。鍾園餐廳老闆娘喬達翔，這天在門口接待桌服務的陳世隆，分菜美女之一黃淑心等許多人也都抽中了獎品。這場歡迎中華民國退伍陸海空勤憲響預官及眷屬、親朋好友參加的榮光會馬年“春宴”，出席種人一直玩到將近下午四點才散。

楊麗雪這天主持抽獎。（周菊子攝）

秘書長沈慶雲介紹理事長鄭增壽。（周菊子攝）

波士頓榮光會理事長鄭增壽（左起），陳新友，張明燦，楊思聖帶頭唱軍歌。
（周菊子攝）

鄭增壽，陳新友，楊思聖，沈慶雲唱軍歌。（周菊子攝）

陳世隆（左）和張明燦（又）駐守接待桌。（周菊子攝）

鄭增壽代表榮光會送給龍太太一個紅包，祝福新年吉利。（周菊子攝）

這天的飯菜從外面訂回來。（周菊子攝）

幫忙分菜的美女還中獎了。（周菊子攝）

蘇麗萍（右起），鄭增壽，楊思聖，江嫡華處理彩券。（周菊子攝）

李先曾3度登上出征戰艦。（周菊子攝）

劉慶元（又）和劉成（中）都是官校畢業，相差31期。（周菊子攝）

鄭增壽（左）和蘇麗萍（右）曾搭檔多年。（周菊子攝）

這天有將近50人出席。（周菊子攝）

現場眾人很投入。（周菊子攝）

Massachusetts Data from the 20th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report Reveals Incredible Need for Services and Reality of Unmet Needs

Massachusetts Data from the 20th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report Reveals Incredible Need for Services and Reality of Unmet Needs

Boston, MA – March 25, 2026 – Today, the National Network to End Domestic Violence (NNEDV) released its 20th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report, including data from a single-day survey of domestic violence services across the Commonwealth. In Massachusetts, the survey was conducted on September 10, 2025. 50 of 51 identified domestic violence programs in Massachusetts participated in the survey and, together reported serving 1,790 adults and children and receiving 597 hotline contacts. On the same day, 873 requests for services went unmet due to a lack of resources, funding, or staff.

 

“This report shows the incredible scope and depth of the work service providers are doing across Massachusetts every day, and the ways in which the field is evolving to meet the moment,” said Hema Sarang-Sieminski, Executive Director of Jane Doe Inc., the Massachusetts Coalition Against Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence. “We are incredibly grateful to the advocates and programs who continue the legacy of over 50 years of providing life-saving support, critical response, and important education. As Federal funding threats and policies target survivor communities, it is vital that we identify available resources to advance this essential work. We again join our partners at NNEDV in highlighting the scale of the need and urging policy and funding support for the work to support survivors in Massachusetts and across the country. This year is no exception in highlighting the need for comprehensive solutions to the complex housing needs of survivors.” 

 

According to the survey data collected on September 10th, 2025 and released today by NNEDV, in Massachusetts: 

 

· Of the 1,790 adults and children served, 725 “found refuge in emergency shelters, transitional housing, hotels, motels, or other housing provided by local programs,” and 1,065 received non-residential support, like transportation, legal support, or counseling;

· Programs provided 14 educational training sessions to 354 members of the public, on topics including domestic violence prevention and early intervention;

· There were 597 hotline contacts, which serve as critical lifelines for survivors to reach support, information, safety planning, and resources, averaging at/more than 25 contacts per hour;

· 73 percent of the 873 unmet requests were for emergency shelter, hotels, motels, transitional housing, or other housing.

 

This report encourages policymakers and the field at large to strive for the elimination of barriers to safety and justice, and to ensure no program is ever forced to turn away survivors or close their doors, starting with robust funding for Violence Against Women Act (VAWA), Family Violence Prevention and Services Act (FVPSA), and Victims of Crime Act (VOCA) grants are essential for programs, advocates, and survivors. 

 

Find the full 20th Annual Domestic Violence Counts Report here.

麻州政府推出「GrantWell」AI輔助工具 助力地方政府及社區組織申請政府撥款

 （Boston Orange編譯）麻州政府今(25)日推出，放在州政府官網上，供地方政府、社區組織及非營利單位免費使用，應用AI來簡化流程，增加效率的申請補助撥款工具「GrantWell」，期以幫助申請補助單位在撰寫申請時切入重點，更有效率。

 

「GrantWell」是麻州聯邦資金與基礎設施辦公室（FFIO）和東北大學 Burnes 社會改變中心合作開發出來的工具，旨在幫助地方政府及社區機構掃除在爭取政府各項資金時面對的複雜文書程序等障礙，進而更快找到補助機會，了解相關補助的規定與要求。有效的節省行政成本。

 

              https://grantwell.virtualassistance.mass.gov/landing-page/basePage是這新工具的網址，已掛在麻州政府官網上，開放全州社區免費使用，。

 

             GrantWell 的功能核心在於自動化處理撥款文件。它能掃描複雜的申請說明，並以淺白語言總結出申請資格、核定標準與截止日期。使用者可透過內建的聊天機器人詢問計畫細節，或要求系統生成專案敘述的初步草案，縮短從解讀規定到動筆撰寫的時間。

 

麻州政府強調，GrantWell 屬於輔助性質，定位是協助工作人員打好申請補助基礎，並不能完全取代人工撰寫與審核過程。推出這工具是麻州提升政府運作效率的一個環節，目前與 麻州交通廳（MassDOT ）的 「補助中心（Grant Central ）」等現有系統互補運行。研發團隊表示，將根據使用者回饋持續更新功能，確保工具符合地方官員的實際需求。

Healey-Driscoll Administration Launches GrantWell, a First-of-its-Kind AI-Powered Tool to Assist Communities with Applying for Grants

 

BOSTON – Today, the Healey-Driscoll Administration launched a new AI-powered tool to make it easier for communities to apply for grants. The tool, called GrantWell, was developed by the Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office in partnership with Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change. GrantWell is designed to simplify the process of seeking grant opportunities, understanding their requirements, and writing applications. Access to the tool is free to all Massachusetts communities and available on the Commonwealth’s website here.  

 

“We’ve heard from communities loud and clear that onerous paperwork is a barrier to getting good projects done,” said Governor Maura Healey. “It’s why we’ve launched programs to streamline the process for applying to state grants and established new technical assistance programs through our Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office. Now with GrantWell, we’re making it even easier for communities to take advantage of those opportunities and apply for the funds they need to deliver for their constituents.”

 

“As a former Mayor, I know that navigating the complexities of federal and state grants pose a significant hurdle to municipal officials getting good projects over the line,” said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. “GrantWell will allow more municipalities to take advantage of funding opportunities, saving them time and capacity—crucial resources in local government.” 

 

“The Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office built GrantWell to respond directly to what we heard from communities all across the state: that they lack the resources and capacity to fully take advantage of funding opportunities available to them. GrantWell will free up time and capacity for local officials to obtain the resources they need,” said Quentin Palfrey, Director of Federal Funds and Infrastructure. “Thank you to Northeastern University’s Burnes Center for Social Change for working with us to develop this tool, which showcases Massachusetts’ continued leadership in innovation.”  

 

GrantWell allows communities to more easily find federal and state funding opportunities and develop proposals. The tool will scan a grant opportunity and automatically summarize the grant requirements, eligibility criteria, and key deadlines in layman’s terms. Users can ask GrantWell to begin a draft of a project narrative, saving communities time and capacity in the grant application process. The tool also features a chatbot that communities can use to ask questions about grant requirements and eligibility. Importantly, GrantWell cannot replace the grant-writing process; rather, the tool is designed to support grant-writers and municipal staff to more quickly find grant opportunities and lay the groundwork for an application.  

 

“GrantWell shows how AI can be used to make government work better, by helping public servants quickly find relevant funding, understand complex requirements, and take action. Developed through our AI for Impact initiative, it reflects a practical approach to building tools that strengthen public sector capacity and expand access to resources for communities.” — Beth Simone Noveck, Director of the Burnes Center for Social Change 

 

GrantWell complements existing efforts at the state level to streamline the process for applying to state grants, including MassDOT’s Grant Central portal, the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs ECO One Stop, and the Community One Stop program.  

 

The Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office in partnership with the Burnes Center will continue to update the tool based on user feedback. GrantWell users can and are encouraged to provide feedback on how to improve the user experience by submitting comments on the GrantWell homepage.  

 

Communities can learn more about GrantWell here.