Best Boston Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Awesome Foundation offers Local Chapter Grants of $1000 to individuals and groups for innovative projects that enhance community engagement. Each chapter operates independently, focusing on unique interpretations of 'awesome' across various fields such as arts and technology. Grants are awarded monthly, emphasizing no-strings-attached support. This initiative encourages creativity and experimentation, aiming to inspire and delight communities worldwide. For more details, applicants can explore individual chapter preferences and restrictions through the foundation's website.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Eversource Energy Foundation Grants support community initiatives by providing funding to organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 and require annual reapplication. Organizations must be based within the service territory and hold a 501(c)(3) designation. The Foundation prioritizes projects focused on community wellness, education, clean energy, and economic development while avoiding support for political, fraternal, or discriminatory activities.

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

The Franklin Square House Foundation offers grants for capital improvements to shelters supporting women and their families. Since its inception in 2008, the Foundation has awarded over $13 million. Eligible organizations must be 501(C)3 nonprofits located in specific Massachusetts counties. Projects should enhance safety and capacity, demonstrating readiness for funding and matching contributions. Notably, the Foundation does not fund operating costs or projects already in progress. Interested applicants must contact the Executive Director prior to submission.

The Capital Improvements Grant by the Franklin Square House Foundation offers funding up to $100,000 for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in specific Massachusetts counties. This grant focuses on projects that create new childcare slots, enhance administrative capacity, and ensure financial stability. Applicants must demonstrate readiness to start projects within 90 days and show a commitment to serving underprivileged children. Past grantees must adhere to reporting requirements to maintain eligibility.

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation

 The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation was formed in 2011 by Harold Brown. Its goal is to provide support for local 501c3 organizations which serve the community. Annual funding ranges between $250,000 and over $1,000,000. The chairman is Ronald Brown. Other board members: Jameson Brown, Maura Nolan Brown, Harley Brown, Fred Lebow & Andrea Kozinetz.

Grants

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation funds a wide variety of charities, including those that engage in medical and scientific research and deliver medical services and those that provide educational, artistic/musical, and recreational activities for underserved youths. The Foundation also finances scholarships for qualified applicants, aid to those experiencing homelessness, capital renovations or new construction, and animal hospitals and shelters.

Past and current charities supported include but are not limited to the West End House, Franciscan Children’s Hospital, the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, and the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

Efficient use of administrative costs relative to benefits received by individuals is considered, and we fund specific projects, not operational costs. 

As of January 1, 2026, the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation’s annual funding is in excess of $4 million per year. There is one application for requests over $1000. A very brief summary application is required for requests up to $1,000.

These grants may provide educational, recreational, and other services to urban and suburban youth. Funds are also available for arts and culture by way of museums, other learning opportunities. Funds may be directed as assistance to people in need such as supplying care for families, food.

Charles Hayden Foundation

The Charles Hayden Foundation is committed to expanding opportunities for young people and helping them build the knowledge, skills, experiences, and relationships they need to thrive in school, work, and life.

We support youth-serving nonprofit organizations and public district, charter, Catholic, and independent schools, as well as organizations that strengthen the capacity of those serving young people. Our grantmaking spans academic success, social and emotional development, post-secondary pathways, and career-connected learning, with an emphasis on programs and organizations that create meaningful opportunities and demonstrate positive outcomes for young people.

The Foundation primarily supports young people from low-income communities in New York City and Boston, with some grantmaking in Newark, New Jersey.

Our Grantmaking

The Foundation focuses its grantmaking in the following areas:

• Academic Readiness: Programs and initiatives that strengthen young people’s academic skills and provide access to educational, enrichment, and other learning opportunities that prepare them for future educational and career pathways.
• Social, Emotional, and Practical Skills: Programs and services that help young people develop the social, emotional, and practical skills they need to thrive in school, work, and life.
• Post-Secondary Success: College access and persistence efforts that prepare young people to pursue post-secondary opportunities, matriculate, persist, and successfully graduate.
• Career-Connected Learning: Opportunities that enable young people to explore their interests, gain exposure to careers, build real-world skills and experiences, and pursue meaningful career pathways.
• Organizational Capacity Building: Support for organizations that strengthen youth-serving nonprofits and schools through technical assistance, training, and other capacity-building services. This may include support in areas such as program quality and improvement, leadership and staff development, organizational strategy, data and evaluation, infrastructure, and other areas that strengthen organizational effectiveness and improve outcomes for young people.

Multi-Year Grant Opportunity: Supporting Strategic Plan Implementation

The Charles Hayden Foundation is launching a Multi-Year Grant Opportunity to help strengthen organizations and improve outcomes for young people in New York City and Boston. Through this opportunity, the Foundation anticipates inviting up to 10 organizations to receive multi-year project grants over a two- to three-year period to support strategic initiatives identified as priorities in their current strategic plans.

Proposed initiatives may build upon or enhance an existing Charles Hayden Foundation-supported program, such as hiring additional program staff to expand or strengthen services, or focus on an organizational capacity-building effort, such as implementing a new data and evaluation system.

Organizations selected for a Multi-Year Grant will receive a two- to three-year award that will replace their annual Charles Hayden Foundation grant for the duration of the grant period. Current annual grant funding will continue as part of the multi-year award, along with additional funding awarded to support the proposed strategic initiative. Organizations that are not selected will remain eligible to apply through the Foundation’s annual grantmaking process.

Project Criteria

Proposed projects should represent strategic investments that strengthen an organization’s ability to serve young people over the long term. Examples of eligible projects include:

• Hiring key leadership or program staff
• Expanding or enhancing existing programs
• Strengthening organizational capacity
• Building evaluation, learning, or data systems
• Technology or infrastructure improvements
• Other strategic initiatives identified in the organization’s strategic plan

The Foundation anticipates providing partial support for proposed initiatives and generally will not fund the full cost of a project. Award amounts will be determined based on the scope of the proposed initiative and the resources required for successful implementation. Because these grants support strategic initiatives over a two-to-three-year period, the Foundation anticipates that most requests will exceed an organization’s current annual Charles Hayden Foundation grant.

The Moses Kimball Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations providing job opportunities for minorities and disadvantaged individuals in Greater Boston, or facilitating connections between educational institutions and community members in need. Applications are accepted annually from June 1st to March 1st. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. This grant aims to empower underserved populations and promote educational outreach.

The Ross Wagner Foundation Scholarship offers significant financial support for students pursuing degrees in various engineering fields, including civil, mechanical, and electrical engineering. With awards up to $25,000 annually, students can receive up to $100,000 over four years. Applicants must maintain a B average, work in engineering labs, and be enrolled in top-ranked engineering schools in the U.S. and Canada. This scholarship honors Ross Wagner's legacy, promoting excellence in engineering education.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The Beyond Pride Grant Fund, initiated by the City of Boston's Mayor's Office of LGBTQIA2S+ Advancement, provides financial support up to $15,000 for community-based organizations serving Boston’s LGBTQIA2S+ residents. The fund aims to empower grassroots initiatives that address critical community needs, enhance social stability, and promote equity and inclusion. Priority is given to projects that support intersectional communities and demonstrate a commitment to advancing the rights and well-being of LGBTQIA2S+ individuals.

The Community Clean Air Grant Program, initiated by the City of Boston's Air Pollution Control Commission, seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations for projects that reduce urban air pollution. This initiative aims to enhance public health and tackle climate change impacts, particularly in marginalized communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. Eligible projects include efforts to mitigate pollution sources, improve community monitoring capabilities, and achieve measurable air quality improvements. The program emphasizes support for vulnerable populations facing health risks from environmental pollutants.

The Nellie Mae Event Sponsorship Fund supports one-time events that promote education justice and racial equity in New England. Organizations targeting local communities, with annual budgets under $2 million, can apply for funding for events scheduled in 2025 or early 2026. The foundation prioritizes public entities and 501(c)3 educational organizations, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. Note that operational costs and online fundraising are not eligible for funding.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - Program Expansion In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's expansion of student access to the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must use their grant funds to expand their existing PLTW Computer Science program. Example expansion activities include but are not limited to adding an additional PLTW Computer Science course not previously offered, and/or adding additional class periods of an existing PLTW Computer Science courses previously offered, and/or training additional teachers in PLTW Computer Science courses for the 2027-2028 academic year. Grantee must complete one year of grant reporting.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW)

Our Mission: Empower Students to Thrive in an Evolving World

Our Philosophy for Education: We believe all students – beginning at a young age – need access to real-world, applied learning experiences that empower them to gain the skills they need to thrive in college, career, and beyond.

We believe teachers play an immeasurable role in empowering students, and our programs provide teachers with the support and resources they need to devote more time to inspiring students.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program In Partnership With Lam Research

The Lam Foundation supports schools implementing or expanding a PLTW program in or near several of their U.S. communities. Schools seeking support for PLTW Gateway or PLTW Engineering will receive priority. The Lam Foundation is the philanthropic arm of Lam Research, a leading provider of equipment and services to the semiconductor industry.

Program Requirements

The purpose of this grant is to assist the grantee's implementation of the PLTW Computer Science program. Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Computer Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years). Grantee may implement any PLTW Computer Science courses of their choosing. Grantee must complete two years of grant reporting.

The Gould Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Boston and Kansas City. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that can make a significant impact, particularly those with high leveraging potential and long-term benefits. Areas of interest include elder services, environmental stewardship, health care, personal rights, disadvantaged training, children's welfare, and women's issues. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that offer valuable community enhancements.

The City of Boston is offering a grant of $450,000 to enhance behavioral health care access for older adults (55+). This initiative aims to support organizations providing mental health services, training, and capacity building. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations and health providers focused on culturally appropriate care. The goal is to improve mental health services for underserved populations, ensuring comprehensive support for the behavioral health needs of Boston's senior residents.

The Bridge The Gap Veterans' Services Grant, provided by the City of Boston, aims to enhance the quality of life for local veterans and their families. This grant supports projects focusing on housing, transportation, health and wellness, upward economic mobility, legal services, and educational programming. By addressing the specific needs of the veteran community, the program seeks to facilitate reintegration into civilian life and ensure veterans receive the resources and support they deserve.

The Smith Family Foundation offers Small Capital Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support tax-exempt nonprofits in Greater Boston and Gateway Cities. These grants aim to strengthen nonprofits' capacities for one-time capital expenses, addressing critical needs in economically disadvantaged communities. With a mission to promote positive change, the foundation prioritizes organizations with operating budgets under $3 million, focusing on human services and community development.

The Greater Boston Council on Alcoholism Grant Program supports innovative education, prevention, and research initiatives targeting alcohol and drug use disorders. This charitable foundation emphasizes equity and justice, providing funding between $2,500 and $7,500 to non-profits in Greater Boston. GBCoA seeks to empower organizations that address diverse community needs while measuring the impact of their programs, fostering a deeper public understanding of addiction and its treatment.

The Sunflower Beautification Grant, offered by the City of Boston, supports community-led projects that enhance public spaces through sunflower planting and beautification efforts. Aimed at fostering environmental stewardship, the program encourages applications from nonprofit organizations and community groups focused on sustainable improvements. Grants range from $5,000 to $9,999 and require projects to be publicly accessible and maintained long-term, aiming to create vibrant, welcoming outdoor spaces while supporting local biodiversity.

Age Strong Commission

For us, strength comes in many forms. Strength of community. Of cultures. Of experiences. Strength to embrace new chapters and opportunities. We believe that Bostonians who are 55+ make our City strong and vibrant. Our mission is to enhance your life with meaningful programs, resources, and connections so we can live and age strong in Boston together.

Older Americans Act Support and Health Services Grant

Through the Older Americans Act Support and Health Services Grant, the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission seeks to fund programs that are providing a comprehensive and supportive social service system while promoting longevity and an optimal quality of life for older adults. The goal of this grant program is to leverage existing community trust and foster a sense of community within each neighborhood. Grants will be made to ensure high-quality social programs are accessible to older adults.

Grant Priorities

• Support older adult programming in the community at non-profits through cost reimbursement funding
• Help older adults maintain independent living in their communities as long as desired through supportive and/or evidence-based programming

The Older Americans Act Support and Health Services Grant is based on Title III-B and Title III-D funding.

Title III-B

With Title III-B grants, we aim to fund multiple agencies throughout Boston to provide supportive services to older adults. The programming may include services, such as: legal assistance, friendly visit, home repair, recreation, computer training, and translation/interpretation services. For a complete listing of allowable services, please visit OAAPS Service Categories. Title III-B allowable services will have a corresponding “B” in column F.

• As mandated by the Massachusetts Executive Office of Elder Affairs (EOEA), twenty-two percent (22%) of the total Title III-B Support Services must be allocated to legal services programming in the City of Boston.

Age Strong Commission

For us, strength comes in many forms. Strength of community. Of cultures. Of experiences. Strength to embrace new chapters and opportunities. We believe that Bostonians who are 55+ make our City strong and vibrant. Our mission is to enhance your life with meaningful programs, resources, and connections so we can live and age strong in Boston together.

Older Americans Act Support and Health Services Grant

Through the Older Americans Act Support and Health Services Grant, the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission seeks to fund programs that are providing a comprehensive and supportive social service system while promoting longevity and an optimal quality of life for older adults. The goal of this grant program is to leverage existing community trust and foster a sense of community within each neighborhood. Grants will be made to ensure high-quality social programs are accessible to older adults.

Grant Priorities

• Support older adult programming in the community at non-profits through cost reimbursement funding
• Help older adults maintain independent living in their communities as long as desired through supportive and/or evidence-based programming

The Older Americans Act Support and Health Services Grant is based on Title III-B and Title III-D funding.

Title III-D

With the Title III-D grants, we aim to fund multiple agencies to provide evidence based programs to promote health and prevent disease among older adults. For a complete listing of approved programs review OAA Approved EB Programming

The Tufts Community Grants (TCG), launched in 1995, support nonprofit initiatives in Boston, Grafton, Medford, and Somerville. Funded by Tufts University donations, TCG has awarded over $3,000 to 35 local programs in 2025, benefiting more than 150 nonprofits since inception. Grants are aimed at projects that enhance community service and require involvement from Tufts students or staff. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or specific public agencies, focusing on direct community benefits.

The Oak Foundation's Housing and Homelessness Grant Program aims to reduce homelessness and improve housing conditions by supporting organizations that empower renters and advocate for equitable housing. The program focuses on enhancing renter rights, increasing the availability of affordable homes, and preventing homelessness through community-driven strategies. By addressing structural issues such as poverty and discrimination, the foundation seeks to create lasting change in housing accessibility for marginalized populations in both the US and UK.

The John W. Alden Trust Grant supports organizations in Eastern Massachusetts that provide care and services to children and youth (ages 0-24) with disabilities or those at risk due to social factors. Grants can fund capacity building, program support, and more, but applicants must demonstrate a focus on high-risk youth and meet specific criteria. The Trust emphasizes sustainability and may require matching funds for grant approval.