Best Grants for Grassroots Organizations 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 support community-based initiatives that demonstrate clear need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified financial support, and may be a fit for grassroots organizations working with youth, child welfare, or children with disabilities.

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.

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.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, educational institutions, government programs, and volunteer fire companies in Massachusetts can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support auto and home safety, disaster preparedness and recovery, affordable housing, neighborhood revitalization, financial literacy, food insecurity, and K-12 and higher education, including STEM and career pathways.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including those in Massachusetts, can apply for the William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Funding supports programs, capital projects, and limited general or endowment support, with preference for youth engagement, arts education, and STEAM initiatives.

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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.

Grassroots social justice and environmental justice organizations in Massachusetts and the broader New England region can seek up to US $5,000 to respond quickly to unforeseen crises or organizing opportunities. Haymarket People's Fund prioritizes people of color-led groups under $400,000 budgets and funds both incorporated and unincorporated groups engaged in charitable or educational activities.

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.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Massachusetts

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working in community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Massachusetts can access funding through the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation to support their charitable programs. This national “foundation for all” may benefit grassroots groups advancing people, planet, and community-focused initiatives in the state.

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.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and libraries in Massachusetts can apply for unrestricted program or operating support in environment and human services, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help eligible organizations, including those working at the grassroots level, fund projects within its stated priorities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) grassroots and community-based organizations serving low-income and vulnerable residents can access funding to build health-related capacity and infrastructure. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation Catalyst Fund, one-time, non-renewable grants up to US $7,500 support planning, training, technology, and other activities that expand access to health and health care statewide.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking support for community-based programs, education, arts, health, or environmental initiatives, including those in Massachusetts, can apply for US $1,000 - US $20,000 in funding from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation. Grants can assist museums, schools, hospitals, youth and senior services, disability programs, workforce training, and conservation efforts.

Academic or industry OTS members organizing grassroots, local meetings can apply for Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society Local Delivery Grants to support oligonucleotide research events. Focused on professional development and networking, this funding can help Massachusetts organizers host symposia, networking events, seminar series, or diversity-focused programs for researchers, especially junior scientists.

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.

Haymarket People's Fund offers Sustaining Grants to grassroots organizations focused on community organizing and social change. Grants up to $20,000 are available for both emerging and established groups that align with Haymarket's anti-racist mission. The fund prioritizes work that addresses root causes of injustice, fosters leadership, and builds accountability within the community. Organizations not primarily providing direct services or advocacy are encouraged to apply, ensuring a focus on transformative social change.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts grassroots and other 501(c)(3) organizations with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven initiatives. U.S.-based nonprofits working on hunger relief, shelter and supportive housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, arts access, or neighborhood and economic development may be eligible, especially where Ameriprise volunteers are actively engaged.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Facing Change: Sustainable Pathways Grant Program

Facing Change: Sustainable Pathways is a new grant program focused on sustainability, capacity and resiliency for smaller nonprofit organizations in Worcester and across the county. Through a grant from the City of Worcester, this two-year grant program will provide multi-year funding for nonprofits in Worcester, with limited additional funding available for eligible nonprofits in other parts of Worcester County. 

The focus of this grant program is on supporting pathways to sustainability for smaller nonprofit organizations. The program includes both unrestricted funding and facilitated peer cohorts.

Grassroots and other U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts operates, including Massachusetts, can seek project, operating, or capital support for community-focused programs. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation prioritizes initiatives in economic stability and mobility, workforce development, health and social services, and disaster relief that improve quality of life for underserved individuals and families.

Grassroots and other 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for youth education, housing, food security, and environmental programs. Organizations serving underserved youth and families through community-based initiatives may be especially competitive.

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.

Grassroots 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts working on social, economic, or racial justice can apply for general operating grants up to US $20,000 to support programs in eastern Massachusetts. Grants from the Lenny Zakim Fund help small, under-resourced organizations advance youth development, basic needs, immigrant and refugee support, health access, LGBTQIA services, and civil and human rights advocacy.

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