Best Boston Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The PLTW Gateway - Program Expansion initiative, led by Burns & McDonnell in partnership with Project Lead The Way (PLTW), aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to PLTW programs for students in eligible communities. This program empowers students through real-world applied learning experiences, promoting essential skills for college and careers. Grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Gateway programs starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, fostering a brighter future through education.

Rockland Trust Event Sponsorships aim to enhance community engagement by providing funding for specific events organized by 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Priorities include support for galas, cultural performances, and community events within designated areas. Eligible organizations must demonstrate compliance with IRS requirements and submit necessary documentation. This program underscores Rockland Trust's commitment to fostering opportunities and improving the quality of life for individuals and families in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

The Forest Foundation Regional Grant supports new and emerging non-profits in Greater Boston, focusing on leadership development for undergraduate students. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, the foundation aims to assist small social service agencies that address critical needs within under-resourced communities, particularly youth and families. The application process is by invitation only, encouraging collaboration among non-profits and emphasizing direct community impact.

The Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Funding aims to support marginalized youth aged 18-24 facing barriers to education, training, and employment. Managed by the Office of Workforce Development in collaboration with local organizations, this grant provides funding for up to three years to create a coordinated system that helps youth transition into career-oriented opportunities. Key focus areas include evidence-based policies, partnerships, and access to essential services to ensure successful outcomes for participants.

The Boston Foundation's Safety Net Grants program provides $50,000 in general operating support over two years to social service organizations serving marginalized communities in Greater Boston. Focused on essential needs like food security, housing assistance, and mental health support, these grants aim to empower nonprofits addressing critical needs. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission to promote equity and opportunity.

Participatory Budgeting Community Garden Development Grant

About Grow Boston

GrowBoston is the City of Boston's Office of Urban Agriculture, and part of the Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH). MOH has been supporting the development of community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and other open spaces for more than 25 years through the Grassroots Program, which is now part of GrowBoston. GrowBoston works to increase community gardens, urban farms, and other food-growing spaces throughout Boston; support innovative food production strategies; provide technical assistance to prospective and existing gardens and farms; develop resources for gardeners, farmers, and other residents; and coordinate with other City departments associated with food production in Boston. For more information, visit GrowBoston online.

Grant Description

GrowBoston is offering a total of Five Hundred Thousand Dollars ($500,000.00) to support community gardens in Boston's neighborhoods with limited access to affordable food. This program will offer grants to nonprofit organizations to build community gardens on underutilized land for public access and use, prioritizing areas where people have limited access to affordable, nutritious food. This project will create a healthier environment, beautify the community, address food insecurity, and build camaraderie among residents. Garden operations must have a robust rodent management plan. The public purpose of this grant program is to invest in public community garden spaces for Boston residents. This funding opportunity is a direct outcome of resident-led decision-making through the City’s Participatory Budgeting (PB) process established through a voter-approved ballot initiative in November 2021.

Total Amount Available for Grant Program:

• $500,000.00

Award Amount per Grant per Organization:

• Organizations may apply for grant award between $50,000.00 and $300,000.00

Design & Construction Standards

• Preserves desirable site conditions and features.
• Promotes accessibility for individuals with disabilities.
• Repairs or replaces inadequate site infrastructure or furnishings.
• Maintains or restores visibility throughout the site.
• Appropriate site assessment and soil conditions.
• Ensures health and safety of gardeners or users of the open space.
• Appropriate treatment or remediation of any site hazards or contamination.
• Addresses concerns and needs of abutting residential property owners.
• Provides site improvements posing minimal risk or liability to landowner.
• Incorporates energy, soil, and water conservation measures.
• Avoids the use of any invasive plant species.
• Limits the use of impermeable surfaces.

The City of Boston's Domestic, Sexual, & Gender Based Violence Prevention Mini-Grant seeks to empower young men to be part of the solution against violence. This initiative aims to fund educational programs that promote social and emotional development, ensuring inclusivity for all Boston residents. By engaging youth early, the grant focuses on effective strategies to prevent domestic and gender-based violence, fostering a safer community for everyone.

The Expanding Engagement Grant from the City of Boston's Age Strong Commission aims to enhance social engagement for older adults in the city. By funding grassroots organizations, the grant focuses on outreach and programming for underserved communities. The program supports various grant levels, ensuring that resources are accessible to all neighborhoods. With a commitment to fostering community connections, this initiative seeks to empower Bostonians aged 55 and older to live vibrant, engaged lives.

The Let's Play Boston: Relief Grant, offered by the City of Boston, aims to support community-based youth sports organizations facing financial challenges. With funding up to $2,000, this program helps ensure that youth athletes, aged 8 to 19, can continue their sports participation despite unexpected costs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or until February 28, 2026, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in youth sports.

The Women & Girls Mental Health Mini-Grant, offered by the City of Boston's Office of Women's Advancement, aims to support innovative mental health programming for women and girls. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for collaborative applications from 501(c)(3) organizations serving Boston residents. This initiative focuses on enhancing mental health through education, mentorship, and community engagement, ensuring accessible and culturally responsive services for all participants.

 Small Business Month Activation Grant

In celebration of Small Business Month in May 2026, the Office of Small Business is excited to announce a grant opportunity for business supporting nonprofit organizations to create activations that provide the small business community with the resources, tools, opportunities, or engagement they need to grow, thrive, and celebrate success.

This community-led activation program provides an exciting opportunity to amplify small business support throughout the month, and bring vitality to our neighborhoods. Proposals that will be considered include, but are not limited to: business district events, small business workshops, training sessions, panels/forums, networking, pop-ups, and markets.

• Individual awards of up to $9,500, are available to provide full or partial funding for selected proposals.
• This grant is directed at nonprofits and community organizations with a proven track record of supporting and advocating for small businesses in Boston. Grant recipients must have 501(c)(3) nonprofit status. 
• All activations must be free and open to the public, and held within the City of Boston.

Grant Program Objectives

• Empower small business owners with new skills and knowledge to enhance their businesses.
• Foster community engagement and networking opportunities for local entrepreneurs.
• Promote the growth and sustainability of small businesses in the Boston area.
• Encourage collaboration between small businesses, local organizations, and community stakeholders.
• Create opportunities for small business owners and entrepreneurs to gain exposure.

The Growing Literacy Equity Across Massachusetts (GLEAM) initiative aims to enhance literacy support systems in schools, focusing on underserved populations. With approximately $480,000 available for FY26, the grants will facilitate collaboration among districts to prioritize literacy equity and foster diverse stakeholder engagement. This funding seeks to ensure every student reaches their literacy potential through sustainable improvements in educational practices, especially in grades PreK-12, as outlined in the grant's criteria.

The A.C. Ratshesky Foundation Grant for Workforce Development aims to empower economically disadvantaged individuals and families by providing essential educational and vocational services. Prioritizing programs that enhance skills and foster self-sufficiency, the foundation supports initiatives like job placement, training, and employer partnerships. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, focusing on organizations that can effectively utilize these funds to promote long-term employment and economic security in Metro Boston communities.

The Enbridge Community Grant aims to enhance the quality of life in North American communities through strategic donations and sponsorships. With funding ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, the grant supports organizations focused on safety, education, environmental stewardship, and Indigenous culture. Enbridge encourages early applications, with decisions typically made within eight weeks. The grant seeks to empower local initiatives that foster community strength, vibrancy, and sustainability.

The Free for All Endowment Fund Grant by the Boston Foundation aims to provide access to classical orchestral music for all residents of the Boston region. Nonprofit organizations demonstrating community connection and diverse programming are encouraged to apply. This initiative seeks to foster cultural enrichment and support transformational change in the classical music landscape, ensuring that families and individuals can enjoy regular engagement with the arts.

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 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.

The Enbridge Safe Community First Responder Program is designed to support emergency response organizations across Canada and the U.S. by providing grants for safety equipment, training, and educational programs. Launched in 2002, it has invested over $22 million in enhancing community safety. Eligible organizations include fire departments and medical services located near Enbridge operations. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, helping improve the capabilities of first responders in rural and underserved areas.

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 Smith Family Foundation's Community Capital Grant supports transformative capital projects in the Greater Boston area, with funding ranging from $250,000 to $3 million. This grant is aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and seeks to enhance access to essential services, support communities in crisis, and enrich the lives of local youth and families. Eligible applicants are encouraged to engage with the foundation before submitting proposals to ensure alignment with funding priorities.

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 Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Coastal Resilience Grant Program, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs, aims to support coastal communities facing challenges from storms, flooding, and climate change. This program offers financial and technical assistance for projects that enhance understanding of climate impacts, conduct vulnerability assessments, and implement adaptation strategies. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofits, and recognized tribes, focusing on proactive planning, public outreach, and shoreline restoration to ensure resilience against future climate threats.

The Colon Cancer Coalition offers the Get Your Rear in Gear Grants to support local programs aimed at improving colon cancer screening and awareness. Open year-round, applications are reviewed biannually in February and August. Grants fund initiatives that educate the public about colon cancer and alleviate the financial burden on patients. By applying, organizations commit to promoting local events that raise funds for these important community programs.

The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program will allocate $30 million to 150 local nonprofits in the Greater Boston area in 2026. This program primarily supports organizations focused on human services, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. Eligible applicants must be based in specific Massachusetts counties and provide services within those areas. The program does not fund requests related to the arts, culture, or animal welfare, ensuring resources are directed to pressing community needs.

The Bushrod H. Campbell and Adah F. Hall Charity Fund supports initiatives addressing the needs of the elderly, education for underserved youth, and social services for vulnerable populations in Greater Boston. Additionally, it funds reproductive health projects both locally and for US-based nonprofits operating internationally. Grants are administered by Hemenway & Barnes LLP, focusing on impactful local programs while also considering international reproductive health issues.

The Boston Scientific Foundation aims to enhance health and educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged individuals, particularly in STEM fields. Their grant program focuses on K-12 students, requiring at least 50% of participants to be at or below 185% of the poverty line. The foundation seeks evidence-based proposals that can measure improvements in STEM learning, and it prioritizes applications serving communities near Boston Scientific locations, ensuring inclusivity and non-discrimination in service.