Best Grants for K-12 Schools in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, K–12 education, or health and human services can seek monetary program support through Costco Foundation’s charitable contributions. Funding is available for community-based programs in areas where Costco operates, with applications reviewed in 4–6 weeks and evaluated on community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified financial support.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

K–12 schools and education-focused nonprofits in Massachusetts can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s culture grants, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Funding supports arts education that fills gaps in K–12 curricula, STEAM-focused science programs, and initiatives that engage young people through museums, performing arts, and artist development across the U.S.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Massachusetts K-12 education organizations and related nonprofits can seek funding for health, education, and community initiatives that benefit students and families. Focused on community health and education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation supports projects like STEM programming, food pantries, and healthcare services for underserved populations, with requests reviewed twice yearly in March and September.

MEL Community Foundation

Our values of equity, resilience, inclusivity, innovation and strengths-based approach always informs our work supporting English learners in schools.

Our mission is to support English learners in Massachusetts public schools by raising academic achievement and post-secondary educational attainment. The MEL Community Foundation hopes to create and support equitable and inclusive school communities where all students are exposed to rigorous curricula and expectations and the opportunity for post-secondary educational and career opportunities are the norm and not the exception for English learners.

MEL Community Foundation Grant

Developing district partnerships and effective K-12 programming will require strong design, implementation, and staffing. We’ll launch our partnerships and program support by partnering with targeted school districts in Massachusetts. Defining the model, determining the level of staffing required, and achieving operational excellence will take time, but program support in targeted school districts will quickly reveal gaps that need filling and strength areas that can be replicated as we bring program partnerships to more districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The MEL Community Foundation partners with nonprofits in the U.S. that support learning outcomes for English Learners in public schools. Although we are Massachusetts based, the MEL Community Foundation welcomes any 501(c)(3) charitable applicant and/or public school district provided the organization meets the criteria.

K-12 schools and education organizations in Massachusetts working on projects in the U.S. education sector can seek more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling efforts. Michael & Susan Dell Foundation funds initiatives that improve outcomes for urban children in poverty, focusing on education, health, and family economic stability in select regions.

K-12 schools and community centers in Massachusetts can receive support to establish educational orchards and gardens that promote horticulture, botany, and biology learning. United Charitable’s ReTreeUS program plants and maintains school and community orchards, providing experiential education resources that help youth become food growers and environmental stewards.

K-12 schools and accredited charities in Massachusetts seeking support for education, science, community, environment, or arts projects may be eligible for this corporate philanthropy program. Grants from La Roche help fund innovative, high-quality initiatives worldwide, including youth education and STEM/STEAM efforts managed locally by Roche affiliate offices.

K–12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts can seek support for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs serving students, as long as funds are used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help well-managed organizations with broad impact and strong service to their target populations and communities.

K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) education partners in Massachusetts seeking support for community-focused programs can apply for sponsorship funding that advances economic mobility and social progress. Bank of America Foundation supports initiatives in basic needs, workforce development and education, community development, arts and culture, environment, and diversity and inclusion through its regional U.S. sponsorships.

501(c)(3) organizations providing education or youth services in the Southern U.S. can seek program funding that creates tangible, immediate impact; capital projects are not supported. Robinson Foundation supports K–12 and related educational efforts, so schools and school-affiliated nonprofits outside Massachusetts may be eligible if they serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations in Massachusetts can seek funding for basic needs, out-of-school academic enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence for vulnerable children and youth. The TJX Foundation supports programs serving at-risk K-12 students and young adults, with an LOI and invitation-only application process.

K-12 schools and education-focused 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts can seek multi-year operating support up to US $150,000 for in-school education, arts education, immigrant services, and workforce development programs. With a mission to serve socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals, Clowes Fund prioritizes efforts in Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, Worcester, and other communities with significant immigrant, refugee, and asylee populations.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

K-12 schools and education-focused nonprofits in Massachusetts can seek multi-year general operating support for programs in education, human services, health, and fairness and justice. Grants from Cummings Foundation help local 501(c)(3) organizations in Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and select Norfolk County communities strengthen their overall mission and capacity; awards range from US $30,000 - US $1,000,000.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based organizations serving local residents, including those partnering with K–12 schools on hunger relief, housing stability, financial literacy, or arts education, may be eligible if they align with Ameriprise focus areas and volunteer engagement priorities.

Massachusetts K-12 education organizations with 501(c)(3) status can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation for programs in education, social services, health care, civic and cultural, or environmental areas. U.S. applicants may receive US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project-focused support; schools with supporting nonprofits may be eligible.

Massachusetts K-12 schools and 501(c)(3) organizations improving STEM education for economically disadvantaged students can access funding via Boston Scientific Foundation. Programs must serve participants primarily at or below 185% of the poverty level and be located within 60 miles of Boston Scientific sites, using evidence-based approaches and clear outcome tracking.

K–12 education nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations in Massachusetts can seek funding for storytelling projects that highlight their impact. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant supports organizations working in education, preservation, or wellness, offering more than US $50,000 to help them share meaningful narratives about their programs and outcomes.

K-12 public schools and education-focused nonprofits in Massachusetts can apply for Trust for the Meditation Process’s US $3,000 - US $5,000 grants to introduce or expand mindfulness or contemplative Christian meditation programs. Grants support short-term projects like courses, teacher training, curriculum development, and materials that bring silent, non-discursive meditation to underserved student populations.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Massachusetts K–12 schools and other cultural organizations can access funding through Mass Cultural Council to support public arts, humanities, and science activities. Grants of US $2,500 - US $5,000 fund festivals, performances, artist residencies, educational programs, conservation initiatives, and other accessible creative projects taking place between July 1, 2025 and June 30, 2026.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts leading strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award to recognize and support their collaborative work. K–12 education initiatives that build cross-sector partnerships may be eligible if they demonstrate measurable community impact, model collaboration, and potential for replication or scaling across communities.