Best Foundation Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Focused on health, welfare, and basic needs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts can seek Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants for capital and operating support, typically between US $1,000 - US $7,500. Funding may support dental health, homeless shelters, food pantries, youth and family services, summer camps, and related human services programs.

Focused on education, youth, housing, environment, healthcare, and the arts, this grant invites Massachusetts nonprofits to seek support for programs serving children and families. The Highland Street Foundation primarily funds in-state organizations, with grants often based on trustee relationships and an online eligibility quiz followed by a single annual letter of inquiry.

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.

Massachusetts nonprofits working on equity in aging and related social and racial justice efforts can access funding through Point32Health Foundation for multi-year general operating support, including staff wellness and leadership development. Organizations focused on aging, social determinants of health, and systems change in communities facing disinvestment may be eligible alongside peers in other New England states.

Rockland Trust is committed to strengthening local communities through charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations and community groups. Their mission focuses on providing essential services, enhancing quality of life, and fostering relationships with customers. They prioritize funding programs that align with their philanthropic goals, specifically in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Capital projects are not eligible for support, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community services.

501(c)(3) nonprofits planning major capital projects to enhance health, education, human services, youth athletics, arts, or conservation facilities in Massachusetts can seek up to US $5,000,000 in multi-year support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Yawkey Foundation provides transformational capital grants for organizations with strong leadership, proven impact, and significant project funding already committed.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) community-based, grassroots, health, and social service nonprofits can access funding to build organizational capacity and infrastructure that expand access to health and health care for low-income and vulnerable residents. The Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation’s Catalyst Fund offers one-time, non-renewable grants up to US $7,500 for planning, training, technology, and other innovation-supporting activities.

Massachusetts nonprofit organizations working on arts, culture, civic engagement, or community development projects can seek support to enhance local community vitality. The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts funds activities such as public art, heritage preservation, and community cohesion efforts, with typical awards ranging from $2,000 to $15,000 for work within its North Central Massachusetts region.

Nonprofit organizations providing human services, education, healthcare, social justice, or environmental programs in Massachusetts can receive multi-year general operating support through this program, with awards ranging from US $30,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from Cummings Foundation help locally based 501(c)(3) charities in Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and select Norfolk County communities strengthen their overall mission and community impact.

Nonprofit organizations serving Massachusetts communities can seek support for education, food access, health, and housing or shelter programs. Focused on these core service areas, McCarthy Family Foundation invites requests for general operating, program support, and program-enabling capital improvements, with a preference for agencies north of Boston, especially in communities like Lynn, Salem, Beverly, and nearby cities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Norfolk County, Massachusetts, can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation grants to support community development, education, health, human services, cultural programs, and veteran and military support. Massachusetts nonprofits serving local residents in these areas may be eligible if they are located where the company has a business interest.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts supporting underserved youth ages 6–21 can apply for the Schrafft Charitable Trust’s program or general operating grants. Funding supports youth development, academic enrichment, arts and culture, and pathways to economic independence, with priority for community-based groups and schools in Boston and New Bedford that reflect and serve their local communities.

Nonprofits, municipalities, schools, and community or civic groups serving Adams, Cheshire, or Savoy, MA can access funding through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for projects, programs, capital improvements, or general operations. Support covers arts and culture, education, environment, and health and social services, with a required one-to-one cash, services, or in-kind match, emphasizing low-income and underserved residents.

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.

Massachusetts educational organizations and other eligible nonprofits working on college readiness, access, and completion can seek support for programs serving underserved and under-represented students. Massachusetts nonprofits can access funding through Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation for New England initiatives, including program support, small capital needs, scholarships within broader support models, and research on post-secondary completion.

The Mabel Louise Riley Foundation provides grants to support low-income children and youth in Boston. With a focus on education, human services, and neighborhood revitalization, the foundation funds projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 and are available to Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Exclusions include multi-year support and unrestricted operating funds. The foundation aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable families through targeted assistance.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on marine and coastal conservation, climate resilience, or environmental justice may be eligible for funding to support projects or general operations. Grants from Island Foundation help Massachusetts groups protect coastal lands and wildlife, strengthen sustainable fisheries and agriculture, and build local conservation capacity, with a strong focus on Southeastern Massachusetts communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and accredited schools in Massachusetts supporting education and employability for people 14 and older can seek general operating support that advances economic opportunity and equity. With a mission to reduce gaps in educational achievement and employability, State Street Foundation provides funding to high-performing, racially equitable programs in communities where it has a business presence.

Tax-exempt nonprofits in Massachusetts with budgets between $250,000 and $3 million can receive US $25,000 - US $100,000 for one-time capital expenses like vehicles, equipment, technology, or facility improvements. Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation prioritizes organizations in Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts Gateway Cities, especially those serving low-income communities in human services, youth development, or economic mobility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing direct services in Eastern Massachusetts can seek Yawkey Foundation Strategic Investment Grants of US $250,000 - US $1,000,000 to catalyze board-approved plans for strategic growth. Focus areas include health care, education, human services, youth athletics, arts and culture, and conservation and wildlife, with an emphasis on underserved communities.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship that support children and families through early childhood, health, mental health, family services, or community development in Massachusetts’ Martha’s Vineyard can apply for funding. Grants from Couch Family Foundation help strengthen organizational capacity, programs, projects, and capital efforts that promote child and family well-being and vibrant, equitable communities.

With a mission to strengthen education, health, human services, community development, and the arts, Rogers Family Foundation provides Massachusetts nonprofits with program-focused support in the Merrimack Valley and North Shore, plus Southeastern New Hampshire. Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities can apply once per year for US $5,000 - US $25,000 in funding.

Nonprofit organizations serving people in Western Massachusetts can apply for MGM Resorts Foundation’s Community Grant Fund to support direct services. Funding priorities include affordable housing, food security, K–12 education, workforce development, family services, health and wellness, homelessness, senior services, and support for veterans and military families, with one-year, non-renewing grants awarded regionally.

Nonprofit organizations serving South Shore communities in Massachusetts can apply for the Harold Brooks Foundation’s grants to support education, health and mental health, food and nutrition, housing, and shelter programs. Funding may cover program or project costs and general operating support, including multi-year requests, for organizations reaching large numbers of underserved residents.

Community-based nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts seeking to strengthen internal operations can use this grant for small capital needs like furniture, equipment, technology, or facility improvements. Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts provides support to eligible 501(c)(3)s and fiscally sponsored groups within its 33-community region to improve organizational efficiency and effectiveness.

Nonprofits, mission-oriented for-profits, and eligible housing entities in Massachusetts and nationwide can apply for Enterprise Community Partners’ Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge grants of US $2,000,000 to scale proven affordable housing innovations. Funding supports ready-to-scale solutions in design and construction, finance, or service delivery and programs that expand affordable rental and homeownership options.