Massachusetts Launches AI-Powered Grant Platform to Expand Access

GrantWell helps small towns and underserved communities secure federal funding

Apr. 15, 2026 at 5:03am

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A highly detailed 3D illustration of a glowing, neon-lit data server rack, representing the digital infrastructure powering an AI-driven grant application platform. The server hardware is illuminated by pulsing cyan and magenta lights, symbolizing the advanced technology enabling greater access to federal funding for local communities.Glowing digital infrastructure powers an AI-driven platform expanding access to federal grants for underserved communities.Boston Today

The state of Massachusetts has launched GrantWell, a free AI-powered platform to help local governments and underserved communities more easily access billions in available federal grants. Developed through a partnership between the state's Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office and Northeastern University's AI for Impact program, GrantWell uses community-centered AI to streamline the grant application process and overcome common barriers like identifying eligible opportunities and navigating complex eligibility criteria.

Why it matters

Many small municipalities lack the specialized staff and resources to effectively pursue federal grants, leaving billions of dollars in funding untapped each year. GrantWell aims to bridge this gap and empower under-resourced communities to secure critical funding for infrastructure, public services, and community resilience.

The details

GrantWell includes features like a searchable database of funding opportunities, plain-language grant summaries, an AI-powered chatbot, and a structured application workflow. The platform was developed using a community-centered approach, involving input from local officials and tribal representatives to address their primary pain points. Unlike some AI tools being used to eliminate grant funding, GrantWell is designed to support human grant writers rather than replace them.

  • In Spring 2025, the Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) used ChatGPT to flag and eliminate nearly every active grant from the National Endowment for the Humanities.
  • GrantWell was launched by the Massachusetts state government in March 2026.

The players

Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE)

A federal agency that used AI to identify and eliminate grant funding from the National Endowment for the Humanities in 2025.

Massachusetts Federal Funds and Infrastructure Office

The state agency that partnered with Northeastern University to develop the GrantWell platform.

Northeastern University AI for Impact program

The academic research group that collaborated with the Massachusetts state government to build GrantWell using a community-centered AI approach.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What’s next

Following the Massachusetts launch, the GrantWell model is being explored for adoption by Colorado, California, and Rhode Island. The AI for Impact program is also collaborating with multiple states to deploy additional tools, including a contract review tool and a procurement drafting tool.

The takeaway

While some AI applications are being used to strip funding, initiatives like GrantWell are leveraging the technology to help under-resourced communities access critical federal grants for infrastructure, public services, and community resilience. This community-centered approach to AI development can empower small municipalities and tribal governments to secure billions in available funding.