Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Agricultural producers, forestland owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, air quality, and wildlife habitat. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service offers EQIP contracts for eligible farm, ranch, and forest lands, which may help organizations with ongoing land stewardship and sustainable agriculture operations.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations seeking operating, project, or occasional capital support in fields like education, human services, conservation, health, and culture can apply for McGraw Foundation grants. Although grants generally prioritize the greater Chicago area, Massachusetts nonprofits with relevant programs may be eligible for awards of US $2,000 - US $10,000.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental and public health topics, the American Water Works Association scholarship may benefit Massachusetts students whose work supports future nonprofit or public-sector impact.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Massachusetts can seek KeyBank Foundation support for community development, education, and workforce initiatives; awards range from US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help operating and program costs that advance affordable housing, financial literacy, small business growth, academic success, and job readiness in eligible communities.

Nonprofit organizations addressing humanitarian aid, child welfare, health care, or self-sufficiency programs for women and children in Massachusetts can apply for funding from The Father's Table Foundation. The foundation provides up to US $750,000 to support efforts such as homelessness services, education, food security, anti-trafficking, microfinance, and related community-strengthening initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts can apply for operating and capital support to serve people in need, including those facing homelessness, hunger, disabilities, and other social challenges. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust, typically US $1,000 - US $7,500, may benefit health and welfare, dental health, shelter, food pantry, and youth camp programs.

Environmental and sustainability-focused 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for projects in eligible Massachusetts communities. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help organizations implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, and related sustainability initiatives where the company does business.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Massachusetts conducting biomedical and health-related research can apply for up to US $375,000 to support small-scale projects and student research experiences. The National Institutes of Health funds institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support, which may help strengthen campus research capacity and operations.

Massachusetts and Rhode Island 501(c)(3) public charities serving mostly low-to-moderate income residents can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for programs in affordable housing, youth development, financial inclusion, workforce readiness, and small business support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation prioritizes organizations in areas served by its bank branches.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts seeking support for humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts and culture projects may be eligible for this corporate philanthropy program. La Roche supports accredited charities with innovative, sustainable initiatives, including youth services, STEM education, primary health care, disaster relief, and contemporary arts, delivered through local affiliate offices in countries where it operates.

Early-career clinical and health researchers at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting independent clinical trials can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, with approximately US $140,000 in support. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help provide protected research time and career development; Massachusetts-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators may be involved in eligible projects.

Nonprofit organizations in Hampden and Hampshire counties working on youth development, health, education, arts, environment, and related community services can seek project and capital support, with awards up to US $50,000. Grants from the Beveridge Family Foundation help Massachusetts nonprofits fund campaigns, renovations, equipment, program development, research, and other time-limited initiatives.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with urgent or immediate operating needs can receive approximately US $2,500 to address critical gaps. New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund prioritizes historically underfunded organizations advancing racial justice, community empowerment, civic engagement, health equity, youth development, and related social justice efforts across the state.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on social and financial empowerment, community development, basic needs, arts access, health, or financial literacy can seek support to strengthen local well-being. Aegon Transamerica Foundation prioritizes innovative programs in communities where its employees live and work, encouraging initiatives that build self-reliance and offer opportunities for employee engagement.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with approximately US $140,000 to support mentored health research and protected time. Massachusetts-based nonprofits partnering with LMIC investigators or hosting U.S. mentors may benefit.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations seeking program or operating support for education, youth services, arts, community initiatives, or related efforts can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000. Focused on education and quality of life, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust prefers new or enhanced programs and short-term support to stabilize funding.

Organizations in Massachusetts planning medical or scientific congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorships that provide Biogen Foundation with tangible benefits like recognition or marketing opportunities. Funding may support programs related to neurology, Alzheimer’s, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, and other listed disease areas, and could help nonprofits offset certain event-related operating costs.

Massachusetts 501(c) and 170(c) nonprofits focused on operating programs in economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Massachusetts working on economic development, education, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program. Eligible gifts from recent Regions retirees may be matched up to US $1,000 per year, providing flexible operating or program support.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Barnstable County can seek more than US $2,500 to support community programs, capital projects, scholarships, or multi-year initiatives. Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust funds work in areas like community development, housing, health, education, financial literacy, and family and youth services that directly benefit Cape Cod residents.

The William P. Wharton Trust Grant supports projects that align with the vision of its patron, focusing on tangible outcomes. It prioritizes land conservation efforts that protect natural resources over recreational use. The Trust aims to leverage funds for impactful environmental initiatives and encourages collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental units, while grants are limited to direct project costs. Notably, the Trust avoids funding for overhead, construction, and educational programs for youth below college level.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts.

Our Mission

MassCEC's mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climatetech innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, while advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader and growing the state’s clean energy economy.

2030 Fund

About the 2030 Fund

The $50M 2030 Fund is a signal to the market that Massachusetts is committed to the commercialization of climate technologies. MassCEC invests impactfully and countercyclically in Massachusetts’ most promising climate technology innovators. Our investments support climatetech companies as they de-risk their technology, reach early commercial milestones, and attract private funding for growth.  

Climatetech encompasses a wide range of tech solutions across sectors that further mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Portfolio companies work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, and/or serve as enabling solutions to achieve the Commonwealth’s climate goals. We invest across seven major sectors: energy; industry and manufacturing; transportation; buildings; agriculture, food and nature; carbon management; and adaptation and resilience.

The 2030 Fund invests in a variety of financial instruments, including SAFEs, convertible notes, equity, and venture debt. Investments typically range from $100k-$600k per check and may total $1.5M cumulatively. MassCEC is able to provide more patient capital than a typical private investor. Deploying strategic state capital, with no artificial pressures of fund lifetimes, the 2030 Fund can invest counter-cyclically, back founders through challenging market conditions, and work for successful long-term exits. 

MassCEC considers new investments on a rolling basis. The timeline from pitch to close of investment is typically three to five months.

The Island Foundation offers Environment Grants to support projects in coastal regions of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, focusing on marine and coastal resource conservation. Priority is given to initiatives addressing climate change, promoting sustainable landscapes, and enhancing community health through environmental conservation. The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for those engaged locally, to apply for funding that strengthens both ecological and community resilience.

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

Food Waste Curbside Collection Carts Grant - New Program

This grant will provide funds for the purchase of wheeled carts to be used by residents for municipally-financed or subsidized curbside collection of source-separated food waste. For subsidized programs, the municipality must contribute at least $35 per participating household towards the yearly subscription rate. Other forms of subsidy could be provision of a food waste cart (grant-funded carts are acceptable), start-up kits including kitchen counter-top bins and compostable bag liners, or a discount on residential trash bills/fees. Carts may also be distributed to businesses participating in the food waste collection program. The collection of source-separated food waste must continue year-round.

New town-wide or phased-in program means introducing cart collection to the households and/or businesses served by the municipal contract. For example, a municipality may currently collect trash from some businesses and may want to make curbside food waste available to those same businesses. 

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

Drop-off Equipment for Reuse and Recycling Grant

This grant will assist municipalities with establishing or expanding diversion programs for targeted materials at a municipal recycling drop-off or transfer station (“facility”). This grant category is open to municipalities operating a drop-off program for recyclables, including those whose primary recycling program is curbside, but which also operate a residential recycling dropoff center. Municipalities are encouraged to locate equipment in other municipal locations, such as a food waste collection program at a public school, as appropriate.

The applicant is responsible for ensuring compliance with all MassDEP regulations and permits. Applicants must contact the appropriate MassDEP Regional Office prior to placing new containers or equipment at a site assigned facility. Additional requirements may apply to applicants establishing a new Universal Waste collection program or a new Food Waste collection program at a drop-off site.