Apply for Funding

Applying for Funding

Applicants must read the eligibility criteria and submission guidelines on this page before applying:

Applicants are strongly encouraged to bring in their project idea anytime throughout the year in order for the Committee to give guidance. Email the Committee for more information: cpcemails@northandoverma.gov

Project Eligibility Criteria

CPA Projects must address one of the following project areas:

  • Acquisition, creation, preservation, or rehabilitation and restoration of open space,
  • Acquisition, preservation, or rehabilitation and restoration of historic resources,
  • Acquisition, creation, preservation, or rehabilitation and restoration of recreational land
  • Acquisition, creation, preservation, support, or restoration and rehabilitation of affordable housing

Learn more about eligibility for Community Preservation Act funds.

Guidelines for Submitting Projects

  • Each project should be located in the Town of North Andover.
  • Each project must be submitted on the Community Preservation Committee Project Submission Sheet.
  • Requests should be for projects that will be completed within a 5-year period from FY 2027 to FY 2031.
  • Requests must state the purpose and need for the item and be supported with appropriate documentation.
  • Applicants should obtain quotes for project costs whenever possible. If quotes are not available, cost estimates may be used, provided the basis for the estimate is fully explained.
  • If request is part of a longer-term project, include the total project cost. If there are multiple sources of funding for the project, please include all of the sources (including sweat equity).
  • For Departments, Boards or Committees that have multiple project requests, prioritize projects.
  • Requests must be received by January 30, 2026 to be considered for recommendation at the 2026 Annual Town Meeting.

Please keep in mind there are legal limitations on what CPA funds can be used to support.

If you are in doubt about your project's eligibility, please submit it so we have the opportunity to review it. Thank you for your interest in preserving our community! - The North Andover Community Preservation Committee

Project Application Schedule 

Link to the full CPC FY27 Calendar

  • November 13, 2025    Public Meeting for project ideas/questions
  • November 28, 2025    Notice of Project Intent deadline. This pre-application is NOT required, but is strongly encouraged for first-time applicants or those with projects which may be more complicated.
  • December 11, 2025     CPC Meeting with pre-applicants to discuss their projects and guide applications
  • January 30, 2026    Formal application deadline
  • February 5, 2026       CPC Initial project review meeting (additional meetings may be scheduled based on volume of applications)
  • March 19, 2026     CPC Project Recommendation Approval Meeting
  • May 12, 2026         Annual Town Meeting

Funding Allocation

Funds collected under the Community Preservation Act can only be invested in certain community preservation projects: open space, historic preservation, affordable housing, and land for recreational use. In addition, at least 10% of the funds received in any fiscal year must be allocated for each of the first three of those areas (open space, historic preservation, and affordable housing). The remaining 70% of each year's funds can be spent in any of the four areas as determined by North Andover (ultimately at Town Meeting).

Community Preservation Funds cannot be used for maintenance or used to supplant funds being used for existing community preservation purposes. In addition, up to 5% of annual Community Preservation revenues can be spent on administrative and operating expenses of the Community Preservation Committee.