Best Dukes County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Community Change Grants

We understand that many issues can be best addressed when communities work together, pooling resources and expertise, and developing collaborative and creative solutions. By funding cross-organizational initiatives, we can help organizations broaden their outlook and their reach.

Through its Community Change funding, the Peter & Elizabeth Tower Foundation seeks to forge equitable relationships and more just power dynamics among different constituencies relating to young people and their families affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and/or substance use disorders.

Community Change projects must be aligned with the Tower Foundation’s goals and involve multiple, diverse stakeholders – especially those most directly harmed by existing conditions and practices – working together towards common ends.

Such work can include (but is not limited to) initiatives that:

• challenge existing beliefs, assumptions, and entrenched practices involving these populations;
• supplement, coordinate, or more effectively resource relevant continuums of care;
• employ creative approaches to workforce recruitment and development that enhance the availability of and access to high-quality, culturally relevant services;
• support coalitions and networks built on community assets; and/or
• employ innovative approaches to creating equitable relationships and practices among elements within and across systems.

The strongest projects will incorporate most, if not all, elements of the Foundation’s values.

What Does the Foundation Want to Accomplish?

For each of the populations it supports, the Foundation has identified a set of grantmaking goals. Community Change grants should promote one or more of these goals:

• Intellectual Disabilities
• Children with intellectual disabilities are identified early and receive services that meet their evolving needs.
• Young people with intellectual disabilities are engaged in meaningful social, vocational, and educational pursuits.
• Families understand intellectual disabilities and secure needed supports.
• Communities embrace persons with intellectual disabilities and provide them with a full-range of supports and opportunities to engage in community life.
• Learning Disabilities
• Children with learning disabilities are identified early, diagnosed and connected to services that meet their on-going individual needs.
• Youth with learning disabilities understand how they learn and pursue resources that support them accordingly.
• Young adults are confident and do not view their learning disability as a liability.
• Young adults with learning disabilities are ready for work and/or educational pursuits.
• Families are informed about learning disabilities and are able to identify and navigate available services.
• Communities value persons with learning disabilities and accommodate their needs.
• Mental Health
• Stigma related to mental illness is eliminated.
• Children with social, emotional, and behavioral challenges are identified early and connected to appropriate services.
• Young people with mental health challenges understand and manage their conditions and behaviors.
• Families understand mental health challenges and help members live productive lives.
• Communities offer meaningful opportunities and appropriate support to young people with mental health challenges and their families.
• Substance Use Disorders
• Community members understand the prevalence and harmful effects of alcohol and drugs, and work to address them.
• Resources for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery are readily available.
• Families provide safe environments that support healthy choices about alcohol and drugs.
• Young people make healthy choices about alcohol and drugs.

Dukes County, Massachusetts 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) organizations addressing community development can access funding through Santander Consumer USA Foundation for programs over US $10,000. Eligible work includes affordable housing, homeownership support, small business development, workforce readiness, financial education, human and social services, and neighborhood revitalization within Santander Bank’s operating footprint.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on gender equity initiatives in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for Island Foundation’s Womxn and Girls Grant. Grants support womxn- and girls-led efforts advancing healthcare access, economic security, political voice, safety, trauma healing, and leadership, with a focus on womxn and girls of color and intergenerational, systems-change work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public entities addressing community development needs in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for charitable sponsorship support from Santander Bank Foundation. Funding may assist programs in affordable housing, small business and job creation, financial education, workforce development, youth development, neighborhood revitalization, disaster relief, and broader economic mobility within low- to moderate-income communities in Santander’s Northeast footprint.

The Eversource Energy Foundation Grants support community initiatives by providing funding to organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 and require annual reapplication. Organizations must be based within the service territory and hold a 501(c)(3) designation. The Foundation prioritizes projects focused on community wellness, education, clean energy, and economic development while avoiding support for political, fraternal, or discriminatory activities.

Dukes County, Massachusetts adult learners and community members seeking education or professional development can access flexible scholarship support through Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation. This fund assists those not on a traditional September–June schedule or facing unexpected financial needs, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from June through November.

501(c)(3) public charities hosting date-specific community events in Dukes County, Massachusetts can seek event sponsorship funding for galas, golf tournaments, walks/runs, cultural performances, and similar activities. Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits based in or serving select Massachusetts counties and Rhode Island that can provide required financial and organizational documentation.

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.

Focused on environmental conservation, Island Foundation invites Dukes County, Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits to seek funding for marine and coastal resource protection and related initiatives. Eligible groups can request general operating or project support for work on climate change, sustainable fisheries and agriculture, environmental justice, conservation capacity-building, and connecting community health with environmental protection.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing social services to fishermen, their families, or low-income elders in coastal Massachusetts communities can seek multi-year support for operating, program, start-up, or special projects. Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston provides Dukes County, Massachusetts nonprofits with flexible funding, with preferences for homelessness prevention and traditional fishing communities like Gloucester, New Bedford, and Cape Cod.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Coastal Resilience Grant Program, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs, aims to support coastal communities facing challenges from storms, flooding, and climate change. This program offers financial and technical assistance for projects that enhance understanding of climate impacts, conduct vulnerability assessments, and implement adaptation strategies. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofits, and recognized tribes, focusing on proactive planning, public outreach, and shoreline restoration to ensure resilience against future climate threats.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government agencies serving Dukes County, Massachusetts can seek US $1,000 - US $25,000 for community-focused programs through the PEMV: Community and Impact Grants. Focused on arts and culture, community services, health, and the environment, Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation supports well-planned projects that benefit Martha’s Vineyard residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing social services to fishermen, their families, or low-income elders in coastal Massachusetts communities, including Dukes County, may be eligible for this annual grant. Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston provides primarily operating or program support, with preference for housing stability, homelessness prevention, and independent living services in traditional fishing communities.

The PEMV Emergency Response Fund Grants, established in March 2020, address urgent needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund supports Island nonprofits that assist vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by the crisis. Notably, it has provided essential resources to Venezuelan migrants and other community members, ensuring access to food, shelter, and legal assistance. The fund continues to adapt to evolving challenges, reinforcing the community's commitment to helping those in need.

The Nellie Mae Event Sponsorship Fund supports one-time events that promote education justice and racial equity in New England. Organizations targeting local communities, with annual budgets under $2 million, can apply for funding for events scheduled in 2025 or early 2026. The foundation prioritizes public entities and 501(c)3 educational organizations, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. Note that operational costs and online fundraising are not eligible for funding.

The Sullivan Family Foundation Grant provides support for organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of people and animals in the community. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis, with quarterly determinations made. This opportunity is ideal for initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to foster positive change and community well-being.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development projects in Dukes County, Massachusetts may be eligible for funding. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits within its geographic footprint build partnerships that improve economic wellbeing and quality of life in local communities.

Nonprofit and public organizations addressing estuary habitat loss, coastal resilience, water quality, or invasive species in eligible NEP watershed areas can seek US $200,000 - US $500,000 for restoration and protection projects. Dukes County, Massachusetts environmental nonprofits may be eligible if their work falls within one of the designated National Estuary Program boundary areas.

Nonprofit organizations supporting military service members, veterans, or their families with mental, physical, or educational needs in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for funding from ES Veterans Association. Focused on veterans services across New England, this program supports efforts that help veterans successfully live and work in civilian life.

High school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school in Dukes County, Massachusetts and nearby counties can apply for the Charles J. Lewin Interfaith Scholarship to pursue 2- or 4-year degrees or certificate programs. Awards from Southcoast Community Foundation consider financial need, academic performance, and personal circumstances.

Educational institutions and nonprofits in Dukes County, Massachusetts that run aviation-focused STEM or certification programs for underrepresented communities can apply for grants up to US $50,000. With a mission to inspire future aviation professionals, JetBlue Foundation provides funding for programs in aviation technology, engineering, operations, maintenance, and sustainable aviation.

The John W. Alden Trust Grant supports organizations in Eastern Massachusetts that provide care and services to children and youth (ages 0-24) with disabilities or those at risk due to social factors. Grants can fund capacity building, program support, and more, but applicants must demonstrate a focus on high-risk youth and meet specific criteria. The Trust emphasizes sustainability and may require matching funds for grant approval.

Overview

The Tower Foundation is a family foundation that helps children, adolescents, and young people affected by intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health issues, and/or substance use disorders. Our goal is to improve the lives of young people in our geographic footprint of Erie and Niagara Counties in Western New York, and Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, and Nantucket Counties in Eastern Massachusetts.

The Tower Foundation believes every young person should have the chance to achieve their personal goals, regardless of the challenges they face. Individuals who live with one or more of these issues may be overlooked or stigmatized, creating additional challenges. We also know that some young people face more challenges than others because of systemic inequalities. The convergence of our focus areas with racism, ableism, sexism, and other types of discrimination warrants the Foundation’s attention because as we know, people do not live single-issue lives.

The Tower Foundation sees its role as more than just a funder. These issues are near and dear to us because we have members of our family who live with one or more of the issues. These are individuals who are resilient—persevering despite the challenges they face— and who should be valued by our communities. The Tower Foundation envisions a future in which equitable communities include, accept and value these young people.

Strengthening Partner Capacity Grants

The Foundation seeks to fund requests that, “build and/or strengthen the systems, structures, cultures, skills, resources, and power that organizations need to serve their communities.” Strengthening Partner Capacity grants are available for board/leadership development; diversity, equity, inclusion; evaluation/evaluation design; organizational development; professional development; program design and planning (not service delivery); small capital projects/equipment purchases; staff mental wellness support; technology planning/purchasing; and other ideas that help organizations better serve their communities as described above. 

Nonprofit organizations serving children, adolescents, and young adults with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for grants of US $15,000 - US $50,000 to support programs and services. Grants from Peter & Elizabeth C Tower Foundation help strengthen community programming and organizational capacity in these focus areas.

Cape Cod Five Cents Saving Bank offers Community Support Grants aimed at enhancing the vitality of local nonprofit organizations. With an annual commitment of over $1 million, Cape Cod 5 supports initiatives that foster community growth and sustainability. The application process is ongoing, with submissions reviewed on a rolling basis. Applicants are encouraged to submit requests at least two months prior to funding needs. Note that the application portal will be temporarily unavailable from August 7 to August 14.

Organizations, collectives, and creative individuals in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for Save the Harbor / Save the Bay’s Better Beaches grants, awarding US $2,500 - US $8,500 for free public events on DCR beaches. Programs can include arts, culture, music, outdoor recreation, science, wellness, or family activities held June 1–September 30, 2026.