MassCEC Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network
Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC)
Strand B: rolling (amount TBD)
MassCEC grants for MA HVAC/heat pump training — Strand B open
Massachusetts grant program funding organizations to expand heat pump and HVAC workforce training capacity in the state. Strand A (up to $1,200,000) had a March 18, 2026 deadline — check masscec.com/request-for-proposals for whether a new Strand A round has opened. Strand B offers rolling grants through May 15, 2027 for smaller-scale training initiatives (amounts not published). Currently only Strand B is confirmed open. Targets trade schools, community colleges, contractors, and employers training HVAC technicians for the clean heating and cooling transition.
- Funding type
- Grant
- Level
- State
- Amount
- Strand A: up to $1,200,000 per applicant for larger-scale heat pump and HVAC training program development or expansion. Strand B: smaller rolling grants for incremental training initiatives (amount not specified; rolling through May 15, 2027). Total program budget not published.
- Realistic amount
- Strand B award amounts are not published — users should contact MassCEC directly for current Strand B award guidance. St…
- Deadline
- Strand A: deadline was March 18, 2026 (check for new rounds). Strand B: rolling enrollment through May 15, 2027. Check masscec.com/funding for current open rounds.
- Status
- active
- States
- MA
- Payment model
- milestone
Who qualifies
- Organization must be providing or planning to provide heat pump and/or HVAC technician training in Massachusetts
- Eligible applicants include: HVAC contractors and employers, trade schools and community colleges, union apprenticeship programs, workforce development organizations
- Strand A targets established training providers seeking to create or significantly expand training capacity
- Strand B targets organizations implementing smaller-scale or supplementary training initiatives
- Training must target the Massachusetts HVAC and clean heating workforce pipeline
- Organizations must demonstrate ability to deliver the proposed training program
What it covers
Eligible expenses
- Curriculum development and instructional materials for heat pump/HVAC training
- Purchase of heat pump training equipment, simulators, and demonstration systems
- Instructor and trainer salaries and benefits during program delivery
- Facility rental or improvements for dedicated training space
- Trainee recruitment and outreach costs
- Industry certifications and testing fees for trainees
- Administrative costs (up to MassCEC-specified overhead cap)
Ineligible expenses
- Capital construction of new permanent training buildings
- Wages for trainees (separate from MassCEC's Internship Program)
- General HVAC contractor business operating costs unrelated to training
- Equipment for commercial installations (training equipment only)
- Retroactive costs incurred before grant agreement execution
How to apply
-
1
Determine which strand fits your project
Strand A is for larger, structured training programs (up to $1.2M). Strand B is for smaller, rolling initiatives. Review the MassCEC RFP for current strand definitions and deadlines at masscec.com/request-for-proposals.
~8 hrs
-
2
Review the RFP and prepare a program narrative
Download the current RFP from masscec.com. Prepare a program description including training curriculum plan, number of trainees targeted, instructor qualifications, equipment and space plan, and expected workforce outcomes (certifications, job placements).
~8 hrs
-
3
Develop a detailed budget
Prepare a line-item budget covering curriculum development, instructor time, training equipment (heat pump training rigs, simulators), facility costs, marketing to recruit trainees, and administrative costs. MassCEC expects itemized budgets matched to program activities.
~8 hrs
-
4
Submit proposal via MassCEC's online procurement portal
Submit the full proposal package — narrative, budget, organizational background, and any required attachments — through MassCEC's submission portal by the applicable deadline. Strand B rolling applications are submitted directly to the program contact.
~8 hrs
-
5
Review, negotiation, and grant agreement
MassCEC reviews proposals and may request clarifications or a presentation. Selected applicants receive a conditional award and negotiate the grant agreement and performance milestones. Funds disbursed against approved milestones.
~8 hrs
MassCEC weights workforce equity heavily — programs targeting underrepresented populations in HVAC (women, BIPOC, veterans) score meaningfully higher. Partnering with a community college or union apprenticeship program before applying strengthens both the proposal and the training pipeline.
Deadline & timing
Strand A had a March 18, 2026 deadline — check whether a new Strand A cycle has opened. Strand B is rolling through May 15, 2027 and likely still accepting applications. Verify current open status at masscec.com/request-for-proposals before applying.
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Last reviewed 2026. GrantCompass is an independent funding-discovery tool and is not affiliated with any government agency. Always confirm details on the official program page.