Best Boston Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The ES Veterans Association Grant supports U.S. military service members and veterans in New England. This grant aims to enhance services through charitable giving, focusing on mental, physical, and educational support. Organizations with an EIN can apply for grants of any amount, which must align with the association's mission. The Board of Directors has the final authority on grant requests, ensuring the needs of veterans are met and their sacrifices honored.

The Harvard Allston Partnership Fund offers grants up to $25,000 to support local non-profits and community groups in the North Allston-North Brighton area. Established by Harvard University in collaboration with the Boston Planning & Development Agency, the fund aims to enhance neighborhood improvement, cultural enrichment, and educational programs. With a total of $200,000 available, priority will be given to organizations demonstrating a measurable impact on community needs.

The Age Strong Rolling Grant Program, managed by the City of Boston’s Age Strong Commission, offers financial support for small-scale programs benefiting the 55+ population. With grants up to $2,500, this initiative aims to enhance social engagement and community resources. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until May 7, 2026, prioritizing organizations not currently funded by related programs. The program fosters community strength by addressing the unique needs of older adults in Boston.

The Harvard Allston Partnership Fund offers annual grants of up to $10,000 to non-profit organizations and community groups that serve the Allston-Brighton community. Established in collaboration with local stakeholders, the fund aims to support neighborhood improvement, cultural enrichment, and education projects. With a total of $200,000 available, priority is given to initiatives that demonstrate a measurable impact and address local needs, including youth programs and public health initiatives.

The Vela Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on improving nutrition and wellness in underserved communities, particularly those with annual budgets under $5 million. Preference is given to organizations operating in low-income areas and those with budgets under $3 million. The foundation aims to enhance access to healthy foods and provide nutrition education in the Greater Boston area and Gateway Cities, fostering entrepreneurial programs that promote community wellness.

The HarvardX Scholarships provide Allston-Brighton residents and Ed Portal members with opportunities to enhance their education through fully funded HarvardX courses. Annually, over 70 scholarships are awarded, supporting diverse interests including continuing education and wellness. Applicants must be Ed Portal members or residents, and educators in Boston and Cambridge schools are also eligible. This initiative fosters career growth and lifelong learning in the community.

The Quest Diagnostics Foundation is funding Priority Community Programs in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, aimed at improving health outcomes through coalition-driven solutions. This initiative focuses on chronic cardiometabolic conditions and maternal/child health, encouraging multi-sector collaborations and alignment with Community Health Needs Assessments. The foundation offers funding ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 annually for 1 to 2 years, seeking applicants that demonstrate robust community partnerships and effective use of diagnostic resources.

The Henderson Foundation Mini-Grants Program invites applications for projects enhancing Boston's outdoor spaces, with a total of $40,000 allocated for 2024. Grants of up to $7,500 will support public art and community projects. Eligible applicants include qualified nonprofits and their fiscal sponsors. The program emphasizes design quality and artistic value, aiming to beautify public areas. Notably, funding excludes individuals and projects lacking public access. This initiative seeks to enrich the quality of life in Boston through creative and impactful enhancements.

The PEAK Fellowships are a progressively structured sequence of opportunities designed to support learners as they continue climbing to new heights of achievement in undergraduate research and creative endeavor throughout their Northeastern journeys.

The PEAK Outfitter Fellowships

This award is one of the Project-Based Exploration for the Advancement of Knowledge (PEAK) Fellowships, but it differs from the other awards in that The Outfitter is an award to fund expenses associated directly with the presentation, performance, publication, or dissemination of research or creative endeavor projects.

All research or creative work supported by this fellowship must adhere to all university requirements, including policies related to the ethical conduct of research, the protection of human subjects, and the use of vertebrate animals in research. 

Students are eligible to receive up to $350 from the PEAK Outfitter per academic year.  

The Amelia Peabody Scholarship, offered by Northeastern University, supports Honors students in achieving academic excellence while addressing their financial needs. This scholarship is awarded to students who maintain good academic standing, demonstrate financial need, and actively participate in the Honors Program. Applications will open in the Spring 2026 semester, providing essential resources for tuition, global experiences, and research opportunities.

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.

The East Boston Foundation

The foundation was formed in 1998 to administer a generous $9.6 million commitment from the Massachusetts Port Authority as part of community mitigation and to offset the impacts associated with Massport's $4.4 Billion Logan Airport Modernization Program.

Categories of Grants

The Board of Trustees of the East Boston Foundation has identified the following categories of grants, which in the discretion of the Board may be amended from time to time. Grant requests and applications shall be grouped into various categories and identified as follows:

Community Activity Support Grants (CAS)

The Foundation recognizes that the promotion and encouragement of civic and community pride as well as cultural awareness serves to mitigate various socioeconomic impacts commonly experienced in the East Boston Community. Therefore, the Foundation will consider applications for programs and activities fostering or promoting civic and community pride and cultural awareness, which meet the following minimum criteria:

• The proponent have at least two (2) years of demonstrated experience in the successful coordination of such events or can demonstrate to the satisfaction of the Board its ability to carry out such objectives;
• Admission and/or the cost of participation is free of charge to any East Boston resident who wishes to participate;
• The Grant sought from the Foundation shall not exceed 15% of the applicant’s average total cash revenue (excluding in kind support and prior Foundation grants) for the two (2) years immediately preceding the application as demonstrated by the Applicant’s 990/990EZ filing or Form PC filed with the Massachusetts Attorney General;
• The allocation of the Foundation’s grant money shall be used for expenses related only to direct costs of the event. Notwithstanding the foregoing, no portion of the funds shall be used for salaries, wage, or benefits, or costs associated with general administration of the event including payments to third parties for service fees. The total payment to third parties for services fees rendered to the Applicant for general administration of the program or event shall be no more than 25% of the event’s total proposed budget.
• The applicant adequately demonstrates an ability to generate the remaining revenue as contemplated under its proposed budget;

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 Torch Helps Grant provides $10,000 to non-profit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This funding aims to support local charities that deliver essential health and human services to underserved populations. Eligible organizations must operate in the communities where Torch Technologies employees reside and must ensure services are accessible to all, regardless of background. Grants are awarded quarterly, and applications are accepted anytime but must meet specific deadlines.

Cambridge Savings Bank offers sponsorships to 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations serving low-to-moderate income residents in Middlesex, Suffolk, Essex, or Norfolk counties. Their focus includes Human Services, Affordable Housing, Community Development, and Civic Initiatives. Requests must be program-specific, and they typically provide one donation per organization each year. Applications should be submitted at least 60 days before any promotional deadlines. Organizations that discriminate or focus on funding other foundations will not be considered.

The Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Fund Grant, established in 1949, supports quality education, family services, and healthcare for mental and physical illness recovery in Greater Boston. It also promotes the arts for under-resourced populations. Organizations in this region can apply for operating or program support, with a deadline of May 1. Grant decisions are communicated by the end of September, allowing multi-year requests and small capital expenses related to programs.

The Philanthropy Connection Grant supports Massachusetts organizations through unrestricted general operating grants. It aims to empower nonprofits by connecting them with a network of female philanthropists, enhancing their funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial stability, meet revenue criteria, and be located in the Greater Boston area. The grant prioritizes missions addressing poverty, income inequality, and employment readiness among others. Organizations with significant financial losses or lacking independent 501(c)(3) status are ineligible.

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 Annual Community Impact Grants program by Fallon Health provides funding between $5,000 and $45,000 to support new or existing programs addressing critical community needs. Focus areas include food security, support for older adults, and early intervention for children and youth. Emphasizing collaboration and sustainability, the program aims to enhance access to essential services, particularly in Massachusetts, ensuring the well-being of underserved populations.

The Island Foundation's Womxn and Girls Grant aims to support organizations that address the root causes of inequality for womxn and girls in the U.S. By focusing on innovative, community-driven solutions, the Foundation seeks to empower womxn and girls of color through initiatives that enhance access to healthcare, economic security, and political representation. With a commitment to systemic change, this grant fosters intergenerational collaborations and prioritizes sustainable organizations working towards gender equity.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

About Us

The John Martinson Honors Program offers Northeastern students the opportunity to engage with our values of challenge, curiosity, and community during their undergraduate career. Through innovative programming, robust funding, and dynamic support, Honors empowers students to make meaningful and lasting change in the world.

Honors Scholarships- George Alden Trust

To complement the scholarships and merit aid that Honors students may receive as they enter Northeastern University, the John Martinson Honors Program offers several awards and scholarships that can be applied towards tuition, global experiences, and research and creative endeavors.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

METCO Program

Purpose

The purpose of the state-funded Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) Program is to expand educational opportunities by fostering the opportunity for children from Boston and Springfield to attend public schools in neighboring communities for students to develop a deeper understanding of one another in an integrated public school setting. The METCO program provides students of participating school districts the opportunity to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse setting.

Priorities

The priorities of this fund source are to provide Boston and Springfield students further opportunities to achieve at high levels the learning standards of the state curriculum frameworks and enrich both the urban and suburban communities by providing opportunities and support for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Applicants for this grant opportunity should be deliberate and intentional in the use of grant funds to support the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) standards and priorities. Specifically, this program may include, but not be limited to, the following priorities:

• Academic & mental health supports for METCO students, including: 1) Regular day and after-school tutoring and mentoring programs. 2) Initiatives that bridge opportunity gaps between and within METCO program students and in-district resident students. 3) Other programs and services that support family engagement and community engagement events.

• Hiring needs and professional development for METCO community members (all school and district-based staff and students), designed to support racial integration efforts, including: 1) Professional development geared towards building a culturally and linguistically responsive school culture that contributes to increased cross-cultural and racial understanding. 2) Professional development for new and current METCO staff, and 3) Memberships to and participation in professional organizations focused on diversity and reducing racial imbalance within METCO school communities.

• Transportation

Fund Use

Grant funds must be aligned to the purpose of this grant (see "Purpose" section) and priorities (see "Priorities" section). Funds may be used for local district costs incurred as a result of the participation of Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO students, Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO transportation costs, and for supplemental services that will contribute in a measurable way to enhanced educational opportunities and academic achievement, as well as enrichment.

Funds can be used to supplement but not supplant the costs of district participation in Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO. All budgets must be reviewed and approved by the district Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO leader. 

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

The PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion initiative aims to enhance STEM education by increasing access to Project Lead The Way (PLTW) programs in communities served by Burns & McDonnell. This partnership focuses on empowering students through real-world learning experiences, helping them develop essential skills for future careers. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, grants will support schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs to foster greater participation and engagement in STEM fields.

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 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.