Best Capacity Building Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Community Momentum Micro Grant Program  

The Community Momentum Micro Grant Program provides flexible, responsive funding for timely, short-term projects that help organizations address emerging needs, seize unexpected opportunities, and remove barriers to program success.

Grant Amount

Awards range from $500 to $3,000.

Organizations may receive up to $3,000 in total Community Momentum Micro Grant funding per fiscal year (July 1–June 30).

Focus & Priorities Areas

• Career-related training
• Post-secondary education
• Other educational initiatives

What We Fund

Community Momentum Micro Grants are intended to support:

• Emerging or time-sensitive needs, including unforeseen or unexpected funding gaps requiring a prompt response
• Unforeseen opportunities, including programs or opportunities not anticipated during traditional grant cycles and unanticipated matching grants.
• Unexpected Small-scale projects that address expected gaps or obstacles to program success (e.g., capacity-building for active programs, removing barriers for program participants)
• Projects should be discrete, achievable within the grant period, and aligned with CFNCM’s mission and service area.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

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.

The Immediate-Need Investments grant focuses on supporting historically underfunded organizations in Massachusetts. With an emphasis on respect-based grantmaking, it provides one-time investments averaging $2,500 for urgent needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and local branches of national organizations. The grant prioritizes those that empower communities and enhance transparency, ensuring that funding reaches those who are actively shaping shared narratives within their communities.

The Kelley Foundation Grant Program provides funding to tax-exempt organizations in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, focusing on community enrichment through health services, housing, youth development, food security, arts, and environmental initiatives. Applications are accepted year-round, with a review process that may take up to six months. Note that grants are not awarded to the same organization within a three-year period, and private foundations are ineligible for funding.

The Point32Health Foundation Grant focuses on advancing equity in aging by providing multi-year, general operating grants to nonprofits in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. The foundation emphasizes collaboration with community organizations to address systemic inequities and improve health outcomes for older adults. Grant applications are accepted at various times, with specific deadlines for advocacy and social justice projects. The foundation seeks to honor the voices of those most affected by inequities.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The BCBSM Foundation's Catalyst Fund Grant offers non-renewable grants of up to $7,500 to Massachusetts-based community organizations focused on enhancing health access for low-income and marginalized residents. Applications will be accepted starting July 1, 2025, aiming to support capacity-building initiatives rather than ongoing operational costs. The fund prioritizes organizations with limited resources that directly impact vulnerable populations, facilitating innovative projects that address health care disparities.

GrowBoston Capacity-Building Grant

About Grow Boston

GrowBoston is the City of Boston's new 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 the new 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. 

Capacity-Building Grant Description

GrowBoston is offering a total of $250,000 (available through grants of up to $50,000) to support organizations that produce food in Boston. Funded through City of Boston operating funds, these grants are intended to increase the capacity of urban agriculture organizations to produce food and to strengthen their climate resilience. Eligible project may improve the ability of farms and gardens to enhance long-term food production and/or prepare for the impacts of climate change and extreme weather. The public purpose of this grant is to support increased food production and climate-resilient urban agriculture for Boston resident

The Champions in Action Grant, offered by the Citizens Charitable Foundation, supports nonprofit organizations in California, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York City, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Southern Florida. This funding, totaling $50,000, aims to empower nonprofits addressing social challenges through innovative solutions. With an application deadline extended to August 22, 2025, eligible organizations can gain not only financial support but also media coverage and volunteer assistance to enhance their community impact.

Massachusetts public agencies and 501(c)(3) or other nonprofits planning historic preservation projects can receive US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning, education, and organizational capacity building. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like hiring preservation professionals, conducting feasibility studies, board training, and innovative outreach that introduces new audiences to preservation.

Essex County Community Foundation

Since 1998, Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) has proudly served the 34 unique cities and towns of Essex County. What started as an organization solely dedicated to strengthening our region’s nonprofits, has evolved – along with our communities – to an innovative and deeply connected Foundation inspiring system based social change.

Essex County Community Foundation inspires philanthropy that strengthens the communities of Essex County by managing charitable assets, strengthening and supporting nonprofits, and engaging in strategic community leadership initiatives. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life in the 34 towns and cities of Essex County.

• We help donors of all sizes elevate their giving by managing charitable assets, sharing our local expertise and providing philanthropic guidance and education.
• Essex County’s 4000+ nonprofit organizations are doing smart, innovative work. We support their critical efforts with education, resources and funding.
• To solve our region’s most complex social issues, we invest and engage in community leadership initiatives driven by our Systems Philanthropy approach to change.

Essex County Veterans Fund 

The Essex County Veterans Fund aims to build community and increase access to critical support services for the 30,000 veterans that call Essex County home. Through grant-making and capacity-building, the initiative will leverage collective funding to make a significant difference in the quality of life for these local heroes and their families.

Our investments will be focused on multiple areas across two different rounds of grantmaking in 2026: Honoring Our Veterans and Serving Those Who Served Us. 

Grant Round 2 - Serving Those Who Served Us

Focus Areas

• Health and Wellness – strengthening the capacity of organizations to effectively provide mental health, disability, and other health services to veterans with diverse experiences and needs.

• Basic Needs and Economic Opportunity – increased access to food, clothing, supplies, and housing; career counseling and workforce training.

The Greater Lawrence Community Fund Grant provides essential program support for nonprofit organizations in Lawrence, Methuen, Andover, and North Andover, focusing on hunger, clothing, shelter, and education. The grant favors collaborative projects and evaluates proposals based on documented needs, organizational capacity, and potential impacts. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations committed to non-discrimination. Grants are typically for specific programs that can be assessed within a year, supporting small organizations as needed.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving Hampden County, Massachusetts. Funding areas include early education, health, economic mobility, and arts. The Foundation supports general operating, capital, program, capacity building, and emergency funding to foster community development and address pressing needs. Eligible organizations must demonstrate measurable outcomes and a commitment to sustainable change while enhancing collaboration among local nonprofits.

The Mosaic Opioid Recovery Municipal Matching Grant aims to distribute $3.75 million to municipalities in Massachusetts over three years, supporting initiatives to address the opioid crisis. Funded by RIZE, the program matches municipal opioid settlement funds to enhance community efforts in prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services. Eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 individually or $150,000 through collaborative efforts, fostering partnerships among municipalities and nonprofit organizations to improve public health outcomes.

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.

The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund Grant offers vital support for nonprofit cultural organizations to enhance their facilities. With over $9 million available for repairs, renovations, and new construction, the grant encourages projects that promote sustainability and align with the state’s net zero emissions goal by 2050. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions that provide public access. The fund aims to strengthen cultural infrastructure, ensuring these facilities continue to serve their communities effectively.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Massachusetts and other Appalachian states can apply for The Nature Conservancy’s Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program; awards up to US $100,000 for fee and easement land acquisition projects. Funding can cover capital, project development, stewardship, legal, community engagement, and related operational costs with strong community benefits.

The Couch Family Foundation supports nonprofits in the Upper Valley and Martha's Vineyard, focusing on enhancing child and family well-being through equitable opportunities. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, community impact, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grants are available for various needs, including general operating, project funding, and capital support, with an emphasis on collaborative community change.

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 Trust for the Meditation Process offers grants focused on mindfulness and contemplative Christianity, aiming to promote health, wholeness, and inner awareness through silent practices. These grants support non-profit organizations that enhance contemplative traditions, expand mindfulness education, and connect with underserved communities. With a rich history dating back to 1986, the program seeks to foster compassion and dialogue among various contemplative practices, making a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being.

Essex County Community Foundation

Since 1998, Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) has proudly served the 34 unique cities and towns of Essex County. What started as an organization solely dedicated to strengthening our region’s nonprofits, has evolved – along with our communities – to an innovative and deeply connected Foundation inspiring system based social change.

Essex County Community Foundation inspires philanthropy that strengthens the communities of Essex County by managing charitable assets, strengthening and supporting nonprofits, and engaging in strategic community leadership initiatives. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life in the 34 towns and cities of Essex County.

• We help donors of all sizes elevate their giving by managing charitable assets, sharing our local expertise and providing philanthropic guidance and education.
• Essex County’s 4000+ nonprofit organizations are doing smart, innovative work. We support their critical efforts with education, resources and funding.
• To solve our region’s most complex social issues, we invest and engage in community leadership initiatives driven by our Systems Philanthropy approach to change.

Essex County Veterans Fund 

The Essex County Veterans Fund aims to build community and increase access to critical support services for the 30,000 veterans that call Essex County home. Through grant-making and capacity-building, the initiative will leverage collective funding to make a significant difference in the quality of life for these local heroes and their families.

Our investments will be focused on multiple areas across two different rounds of grantmaking in 2026: Honoring Our Veterans and Serving Those Who Served Us. 

Grant Round 1: Honoring Our Veterans

Focus Areas

• Celebrations and Community Building – parades, picnics, holiday meals, road races, and outings designed to unite veterans and strengthen community.

• Education and Advocacy –workshops, educational events, essay & poetry contests, and speaker series designed to engage the public (especially youth) in understanding and celebrating our veterans

• Memorials – statues, parks, benches, and plaques in remembrance or in honor of local veterans

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.

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program

The Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Grant Program supports Massachusetts-based nonprofit organizations that provide technical assistance and business support services to small and microbusinesses. Eligible applicants include certified Community Development Corporations (CDCs), certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and other nonprofit organizations with established community-focused small business assistance programs.

The program is designed to help nonprofits deliver services that strengthen businesses with:

• Fewer than 20 employees, and
• Annual revenues of no more than $2.5 million.

For FY27, grants of up to $150,000 are available to support programming that promotes business growth, stability, job creation, and local economic development. Program goals include:

• Expand the availability and quality of technical assistance for small and microbusinesses.
• Build organizational capacity among nonprofit providers serving small businesses.
• Increase equitable access to capital, guidance, and business resources.
• Strengthen local and regional small business ecosystems across Massachusetts.

The Sophia Romero Trust Grant, established in 1948, focuses on enhancing health care and human services for underserved elders in Bristol County, Massachusetts. The trust primarily supports one-year grants aimed at improving access to primary care and health education. Organizations that meet basic community needs, especially those serving older women, are encouraged to apply. While general operating support is discouraged for public agencies, requests for program-related funding are welcome.