Application Process

Step 1. Complete & Submit a Preliminary Application

Due: September 13, 2022

Required Steps:

1. Read the Community Preservation Committee Process Manual (PDF) - Updated September 2021
2. Read the Application Information Guide for steps required to complete the two applications.
3. Complete the Preliminary Application. If you have any questions, please reach out to CPC@hingham-ma.gov. 
4. Send the Preliminary Application to CPC@hingham-ma.gov

Important Notes

• Once your preliminary is received and reviewed, a committee member will contact you to assist with any questions. This committee member will be your project’s liaison throughout this funding cycle.
• The CPC will meet at least once in September, to review preliminary applications and assign liaisons. These meetings are open to the public. However, we usually let each application speak for itself at this stage, and you will not be expected to present any additional information. 
• If your project is deemed eligible for CPC funds, you will move to the next step of the application process, the Final Application (see Step 2).
• If you are not the owner(s) of the property for which you are seeking CPC funds, it is required that you receive permission from the owner(s) of the property/building before applying for a CPC grant to do work there.  For instance, if your project is requesting funds to do work on a building or on land owned by the Town, you must get on the Board of Selectmen’s meeting agenda to request permission to do the work. You should have that permission prior to the preliminary application. CPC will not entertain an application without this permission.
• Late Submissions - Due to the length and complexity of the process leading to Town Meeting recommendations, the Committee does not generally consider applications submitted after the deadline.

Step 2. Complete & Submit a Final Application:

Due: October 11, 2022

Required Steps:

1. Review any feedback your CPC liaison has regarding your application. It may also help to review the CPC Process Manual and Application Information Guide again.
2. Complete the Final Application. If you have any questions, please reach out to your liaison.
3. Send the Final Application to CPC@hingham-ma.gov.

Important Notes

• The CPC and the town will be looking at three primary considerations as we make our funding recommendations. As applicants fill out their paperwork and prepare any presentations, please keep in mind that we are looking to determine whether:
  • Proposed projects are eligible for Community Preservation funding;
  • Proposed projects are sufficiently developed in terms of their work plan and timing for further consideration; and whether
  • Proposed projects are consistent with town goals and plans and will provide a benefit to citizens of Hingham.

Step 3. Community Preservation Committee Review & Public Comment

November 2022, and January 2023

Required Steps:

1. In November, the CPC will begin hearings to review each application. Applicants should expect to make a presentation of no more than 10 minutes, and to answer questions by CPC members about the project. These meetings are open to the public, and members of the public may also ask questions or voice their thoughts.
2. A second round of public hearings will be held in early January. This allows applicants to refine their applications, research any additional details the CPC asked for in November, and formalize plans. 
3. In mid to late January, the CPC will meet to determine its final financial recommendations.

Important Notes

• Final recommendations of the CPC may be less than, the same as, or even more than the applicant’s ask. 
• It is the role of the CPC to prioritize how to spend very limited funds. A project that is not funded may be an excellent and highly needed project, just not a financial priority compared to other excellent and highly needed projects that year. Many applicants successfully submit updated applications another year.
• The CPC’s recommendations are given to the Advisory Committee, and to the Select Board. Both groups vote about whether to support or not to support each CPC application. They may do their own due diligence, and applicants may be asked for further information by either group. It is the applicant’s responsibility to watch the agendas of both groups to see when a project will be discussed, if they would like to attend those meetings.
• All CPC, AdCom, and Select Board meetings are open to the public, and considered part of the public comment period. Supporters or opponents of certain applications may also contact any of these boards via email, or by sending a letter to Town Hall.

Step 4. Town Meeting Approval

April, 2023

Hingham’s legislative body is Town Meeting, which meets annually April. The CPC, the Advisory Committee, and the Select Board have all made recommendations about whether to award a certain grant to each CPC applicant, but it is the responsibility of Town Meeting to decide whether to formally make the award. Town Meeting is open to all registered voters in Hingham, and anyone may speak for or against any proposals. 

Important Notes

• Town Meeting is usually the last week of April. A Warrant will be sent to each household a few weeks in advance: check your Warrant to see the article related to your application. CPC articles are usually grouped together.
• A majority vote is required to approve funding. A 2/3 vote is required to approve acquisition of real property.

Step 5. Funding Award

After Town Meeting

Funding for approved projects will be available following Town Meeting, subject to satisfaction of any closing conditions established by the Community Preservation Committee and Town Meeting. Funds will not be released until any required restrictions have been recorded at the Registry of Deeds. Upon approval by Town Meeting, grantees will be required to enter into a Grant Agreement specifying the amount and conditions of the grant.

Step 6. Completion and Follow Up

To be agreed upon by the applicant, the Town, and CPC.

It is the responsibility of the organization or individual making each ask to ensure that their project is done in a timely, high-quality, and fiscally responsible way. CPC-funded projects are not considered complete until a final report has been made to the CPC. Some projects may also require periodic check-ins. The final report, and any check-ins, usually include the scope of project, what was done, a record of all expenses and receipts, and information about what follow-up is needed. The scope and timeline of these reports will be different depending on the project, and the CPC will work with applicants to determine a mutually agreed upon point where the project will be considered complete.