Press Release: 3/28/2025

AG's Office Seeks Applicants For Statewide Local Consumer Grant Program

 



Seeking Applicants by April 30th, Grant Program Supports Local Consumer Assistance Programs



FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:



3/27/2025



MEDIA CONTACT



Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary



 Phone



Call Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary at (617) 727-2543



 Online



Email Sabrina Zafar , Deputy Press Secretary at Sabrina.Zafar2@mass.gov



BOSTON — The Attorney General’s Office (AGO) has announced that it is seeking applicants for its 2025 Local Consumer Program, which provides funding to support statewide local consumer programs that assist residents in addressing a wide-range of consumer issues. The Program is funded by the AGO’s Local Consumer Aid Fund (LCAF) and grant recipients will work closely with the AGO’s Consumer Advocacy and Response Division (CARD) to provide assistance to consumers within their communities. 



Grant awards will range from $40,000 to $125,000 and will be awarded for fiscal year 2026, which covers July 1, 2025 to June 30, 2026. The deadline to apply for a Local Consumer Program grant is 5:00 p.m. on April 30, 2025.



The AGO will hold an informational session on April 8, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. regarding the Local Consumer Program and application process. All interested applicants are encouraged to attend and register here. 



The grant program utilizes funds received through the AGO’s consumer protection settlements to support local programs that help consumers address a wide-range of consumer issues by providing direct assistance to help resolve disputes with businesses, including issues related to retail sales, housing, and more. Grant recipients leverage local expertise and community engagement to deliver effective services to help consumers resolve disputes with businesses, including through voluntary advocacy or mediation, and consumer education. 



In the last year, local consumer programs funded by the AGO have handled approximately 10,000 consumer complaints regarding unfair or deceptive business practices, returning over $3.7 million directly to consumers.  



Eligible applicants who are encouraged to apply for the grant program include:  




  • 501(c)(3) organizations in good standing with both the Non-Profit/Public Charities Division of the AGO and the Internal Revenue Service

  • Local government entities providing consumer assistance, including District Attorneys’ Offices, Mayor’s Offices, and other municipal offices

  • Colleges and universities operating or interested in operating consumer programs



Interested applicants may find further details about the application process and download necessary materials by visiting the Attorney General’s website at www.mass.gov/ago/grants. All questions regarding the LCAF and grant application process may be submitted to LCP@mass.govby April 24, 2025 at 5:00 p.m.