Best Grants for BIPOC in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Grants prioritize evidence-based initiatives with measurable outcomes, strong community collaboration, and diverse financial support. BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving organizations in Massachusetts may be especially interested if their work aligns with these focus areas.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs from the Dan Paul Foundation. Grants up to US $15,000 support efforts like early childhood development, child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, and refugee enrichment, and may benefit BIPOC-focused initiatives in Massachusetts and beyond.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofits and mission-driven for-profits tackling major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 from Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation for scalable solutions. Focused on innovative, systems-level change, this global opportunity may benefit Massachusetts BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving organizations working to improve outcomes for underserved communities.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Massachusetts can access funding through Cisco Systems Foundation’s Global Impact Cash Grants. Grants up to Up to US $100,000 support innovative, early-stage solutions serving predominantly economically underserved communities, which may benefit BIPOC-focused programs advancing education, jobs, or community resilience.

Nonprofit cultural institutions in Massachusetts with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation Culture Grants, with awards more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations serving broad audiences, especially those engaging youth, artist development, or STEAM education, may benefit, including groups focused on BIPOC communities.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts communities where PNC operates can seek PNC Foundation support for early childhood education or economic and community development programs serving low- and moderate-income residents. Funding may benefit BIPOC-focused initiatives in areas like preschool education, affordable housing, small business support, arts and culture, workforce readiness, and neighborhood revitalization.

Massachusetts nonprofits and community organizations focused on health, education, or humanitarian services can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation to support marginalized and vulnerable populations. Programs serving BIPOC communities may be eligible if they address healthcare access, women’s and children’s health, disaster relief, literacy, or other human and social services within the foundation’s global focus areas.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts can seek funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects that advance positive change. The Dudley T Dougherty Foundation supports charitable efforts that respect people, life, and the environment, so BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving nonprofits may be eligible if their work aligns with these priorities.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts supporting basic needs, at-risk youth, or domestic violence services near TJX locations can seek program funding. The Tjx Foundation supports basic human needs, academic enrichment, workforce readiness, and safety from domestic violence; BIPOC-focused nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Massachusetts can seek funding for environmental, human services, and related programs through the Lawrence Foundation; awards typically range from US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help BIPOC-serving organizations with program or operating support, issued as unrestricted funds, when their work fits the foundation’s stated priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts offering community, educational, cultural, environmental, health, or social service programs can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 to support their work. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation funds U.S.-based museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, wildlife and environmental efforts, and other community-based initiatives, including those serving BIPOC communities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies presenting performing arts can access funding through the New England Foundation for the Arts; awards up to US $15,000 support artist performances, readings, and screenings. New England-based organizations serving rural and BIPOC communities may be especially encouraged to apply for touring and community engagement projects.

Massachusetts BIPOC nonprofit cultural organizations and individual artists presenting projects at the Jean McDonough Arts Center can access funding for development, implementation, marketing, and venue use. Worcester County–based applicants are prioritized, with additional consideration for those with authentic ties or compelling reasons to present in Worcester, through the Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s JMAC Access Grant Program, awarding US $2,500 - US $14,250.

Massachusetts-based BIPOC artists and community-rooted organizations creating public art in Massachusetts can access funding through New England Foundation for the Arts, with awards of US $15,000 - US $30,000. Projects must cultivate spatial justice, engage the public realm, and prioritize decolonizing or indigenizing spaces and disrupting harmful historic narratives in local communities.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with funding support. Eligible 501(c)(3) organizations serving U.S. clients, including BIPOC communities, may apply for programs in hunger relief, shelters and supportive housing, workforce readiness, financial literacy, arts education, and neighborhood or economic development.

Massachusetts nonprofits serving BIPOC communities through education, social services, health care, civic, cultural, or environmental programs can access funding via Dr Scholl Foundation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may request US $5,000 - US $25,000 for one year of project support, following an LOI and full application process within the October–March grant cycle.

Grants from Trust for the Meditation Process help Massachusetts and other U.S. nonprofits introduce or expand mindfulness and contemplative Christian meditation programs for underserved communities, including BIPOC. Eligible educational, human service, healthcare, and similar entities can receive US $3,000 - US $5,000 for short-term projects like courses, retreats, teacher development, curricula, materials, and evaluation research.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health and social services, or disaster relief in communities with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports programs that benefit underserved and underrepresented individuals and families, which can include BIPOC communities in Massachusetts where eligibility criteria are met.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts serving youth, families, or communities can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs in education, housing, food security, and environmental stewardship. BIPOC-led or BIPOC-serving organizations may be especially competitive if their work aligns with these focus areas.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on community projects in Boston can apply for City of Boston’s Community Clean Air Grant Program; awards up to US $200,000 for initiatives that cut local air pollution or greenhouse gases, improve health impacts, or build community capacity, particularly benefiting vulnerable and BIPOC residents.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.