Best Boston Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Wolverine Worldwide Foundation Grant aims to enhance community well-being through dedicated support in areas such as health, education, and environmental sustainability. Founded in 1959, the foundation focuses on promoting healthy lifestyles, diversifying trades, and advancing community initiatives. By engaging with local organizations, it fosters inclusive opportunities across West Michigan, Boston, Richmond, and London, ultimately striving for a positive impact in the communities it serves.

The Delta Project Learning Garden Grant Program, supported by the Captain Planet Foundation, enhances STEAM education through outdoor learning experiences in school gardens. It offers resources such as raised garden beds, a mobile cooking cart, and online lessons to foster student engagement with nature and healthy eating. This initiative not only enriches the educational landscape but also promotes community involvement, as Delta employees volunteer for garden installation and maintenance, ensuring a sustainable and impactful learning environment.

The George B. Henderson Foundation offers grants to enhance and preserve outdoor elements in Boston, focusing on parks, streets, and historic buildings. Eligible projects must be visible to the public and align with the Foundation's mission. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, with larger requests requiring detailed justification. The Foundation prioritizes projects that contribute to the community's quality of life, ensuring accessibility and visibility in all funded endeavors.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

The legal name of Harvard University is President and Fellows of Harvard College.

Harvard Ed Portal

The Harvard Ed Portal connects the Allston-Brighton community with Harvard University, offering free programs and events for people of all ages. We provide access to educational, cultural, and professional development opportunities, from mentoring and scholarships to wellness and career resources. Our goal is to empower residents and bridge the gap between Harvard and the local community to foster learning, growth, and connection. 

The Harvard Ed Portal (HEP) is a collaborative partnership involving Harvard, the Allston-Brighton community, and the City of Boston. Created in close consultation with the Allston community, it’s a space where Allston-Brighton residents, students, families, and professionals from every walk of life participate in innovative programming and learn from one another. From K–12 education and family programs, to opportunities for digital learning, career and economic development, personal wellness, and the arts, the Ed Portal provides countless resources to support and enrich the lives of those in and around the community. 

Call for Artists: Gallery

The Harvard Ed Portal is seeking local artists for Crossings Gallery exhibitions with optional community program at 224 Western Ave in Allston, MA.

Applicants are encouraged to propose exhibitions that engage, inspire, and educate the Allston-Brighton community — including people of diverse backgrounds. Submissions from creatives of all experience levels are encouraged as well as solo artists or collaborations but our primary mission is to provide artists with their first professional gallery show, artist support and professional development. Preference will be given to artists living, studying and/or working in Allston-Brighton. We are also focused on the rest of Boston and Cambridge. BIPOC & LBGTQIA+ creatives are strongly encouraged to submit. Accommodations can be provided for artists with disabilities.

If selected, the artist will work collaboratively with the Ed Portal arts programming team to develop their exhibition scope, project feasibility and timeline. 

Artists receive a standard exhibitor fee along with payment for their community program (if any). Fees typically range between $750–$2,000 depending on the number of people involved and project scope. The Ed Portal also provides marketing, a professional installer and gallery mentor, hosts a reception and covers participant expenses for optional community programs (ie workshop materials).

Criteria for jurying submissions may include but are not limited to: Relevance of topics; potential engagement & impact for diverse community audience; overall aesthetic of artwork or proposed artwork; and detail of application/proposal.  

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.

The legal name of Harvard University is President and Fellows of Harvard College.

Harvard Ed Portal

The Harvard Ed Portal connects the Allston-Brighton community with Harvard University, offering free programs and events for people of all ages. We provide access to educational, cultural, and professional development opportunities, from mentoring and scholarships to wellness and career resources. Our goal is to empower residents and bridge the gap between Harvard and the local community to foster learning, growth, and connection. 

The Harvard Ed Portal (HEP) is a collaborative partnership involving Harvard, the Allston-Brighton community, and the City of Boston. Created in close consultation with the Allston community, it’s a space where Allston-Brighton residents, students, families, and professionals from every walk of life participate in innovative programming and learn from one another. From K–12 education and family programs, to opportunities for digital learning, career and economic development, personal wellness, and the arts, the Ed Portal provides countless resources to support and enrich the lives of those in and around the community. 

Call for Performers - Concerts in the Common

The Harvard Ed Portal is hiring family-friendly musical, dance, or other stage performers to perform 30-90 minute outdoor shows on select Wednesday afternoons June-October at the Brighton Farmers Market.

This free series presents eclectic live performances and can include acoustic or amplified music, dance, storytelling and/or educational entertainment. We are actively seeking a wide array of genres and performance styles, from Children’s music to hip hop, folk to salsa, funk or mariachi – surprise us!

Our primary mission is to serve the Allston-Brighton community through artist support and professional development. Applicants can be emerging entertainers or long-time pros. Preference will be given to performers living, studying and/or working in Allston-Brighton. We are also focused on the rest of Boston and Cambridge but welcome artists living throughout Greater Boston to apply with the understanding that priority will be given to those most closely affiliated with the local community. BIPOC & LBGTQIA+ creatives are strongly encouraged to submit. Accommodations can be provided for artists with disabilities.

Performances are held once a month at Brighton Common, a pocket park across from the Brighton Library with a large outdoor stage at one end. Load-in is at 3:00pm. Performances begin at 4:00pm.

Concerts are “fair weather only” but artists will be paid rain or shine as long as they report to the farmers market the day of the show ready to perform. Payment can range anywhere from $200-1200 per act depending on on set length, experience level, number of performers, etc. Transportation, parking, and food are at the performers’ expense.

Presented in partnership with the Brighton Farmer's Market and the Allston Brighton Health Collaborative.

Criteria for jurying submissions may include, but are not limited to: appropriateness for an all-age audience; readiness for 30 or 90 minute outdoor set; connection to local community; quality of performance and audience engagement; and diversity of style or genre.

The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation Grant focuses on healthcare initiatives in Maine and Massachusetts, supporting projects that address public health and medical research. With grants typically ranging from $2,500 to $50,000, the foundation seeks to impact underserved populations through diabetes research, dental care, and preventative healthcare measures. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations demonstrating a specific need, emphasizing the foundation's commitment to meaningful, community-focused giving.

JetBlue For Good is JetBlue's commitment to social impact, focusing on youth education, environmental sustainability, and community support. By partnering with various nonprofits, JetBlue inspires the next generation, promotes environmental awareness, and contributes to local communities through volunteerism and donations. The JetBlue Foundation specifically supports STEM and aviation education, enhancing opportunities for underrepresented communities. With over $2.5 million allocated in grants, JetBlue For Good reflects the airline's core mission of inspiring humanity and fostering positive change.

The Eastern Bank Foundation provides Impact Grants aimed at enhancing Economic Inclusion and Mobility for Low to Moderate Income (LMI) individuals and families. With a focus on advancing equity in small businesses, enriching early childhood development, ensuring affordable housing, and promoting workforce development, the foundation invested over $16 million in local organizations last year. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000, supporting critical community needs across Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island.

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 Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program supports non-profit organizations by providing invitational entries to the marathon. These organizations recruit athletes who pledge to raise funds for their causes. The B.A.A. prioritizes groups focused on building healthy communities, particularly those benefiting the local areas along the marathon route. Eligibility requires organizations to be registered 501(c)(3) and not religious or political. The program emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

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 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 Hesed Foundation Grant supports charitable initiatives that promote social justice through Tzedakah and gemilut hasadim, which emphasize justice and loving kindness. This private foundation focuses on enhancing the welfare of underrepresented communities, particularly in the Boston area, NYC, and Northern California. Grants are awarded to nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status, and the foundation prioritizes projects related to youth, education, health, and community building.

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.

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 Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

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 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 Small Community Grants Trust Program, funded by the City of Boston, supports 501c3 organizations that positively impact local communities. Grants are available for various initiatives, such as humanitarian aid, enhancing recreational areas for children, and beautifying public spaces. Eligible organizations must be operational for over a year, while individuals and for-profit businesses are ineligible. The program aims to foster community engagement and provide immediate support to improve the lives of Bostonians.

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 BSO/Arbella School Bus Grant Program, funded by the Arbella Insurance Foundation, provides up to $300 to schools for transportation costs to BSO Youth Concerts. This initiative aims to enhance students' educational experiences by facilitating access to the Boston Symphony Orchestra and its historic venue. With limited grants available on a first-come, first-served basis, it supports schools facing budget constraints, enabling them to offer enriching field trip opportunities.

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 Boston Cultural Council Organizational Grants support small to mid-sized nonprofit organizations and artist collectives with operating grants ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. Aimed at enhancing Boston's cultural landscape, these grants promote accessibility and participation in arts programming. Organizations with budgets under $2 million can apply, with tiered funding based on budget size, ensuring a vibrant and just community for all residents.

The STEM + Families Science Festival, sponsored by Bayer Fund, is designed for elementary schools, providing $1,500 in funding to 40 selected PTAs. This initiative encourages hands-on STEM experiences for students and their families, fostering engagement and exploration in science. To qualify, PTAs must conduct in-person events within a 55-mile radius of designated regions. This program emphasizes the importance of connecting families through fun and educational STEM activities.

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.