Best Dukes County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers grants to support arts and general education projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston. Annually, they distribute approximately $300,000, funding 15-20 Single Year Grants up to $10,000, 3-4 Scholarship Fund Grants of $2,500, and Trilogy Grants totaling $35,000 over three years. Organizations seeking funds are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry to initiate the application process.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Trilogy Grants to organizations that have received at least three Single-Year grants. Each grant totals $25,000 over three years, with $10,000 in the first year and $7,500 in the following years. Limited to a 50-mile radius from MetroWest Boston, the Foundation prioritizes measurable projects in arts and general education. Only four Trilogy Grants are awarded annually, encouraging sustained educational engagement through hands-on experiences.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Single-Year Grants to support projects in arts and general education for preschool through high school. With an annual budget of about $300,000, grants can reach up to $10,000. Priority is given to hands-on arts education projects, with 75% of the budget allocated to this area. Organizations must wait one year after receiving three consecutive grants before reapplying. Eligibility is limited to projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston.

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.

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 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.

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.

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.

Fall Grant Cycle Pilot 

The 2026 Fall Grant Cycle Pilot is the second cycle in the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s new biannual grantmaking approach. Building on the Spring pilot and feedback from nonprofits, community partners, and reviewers, the Fall cycle offers a streamlined application for funding opportunities supporting a range of community needs across the SouthCoast. 

In 2026, the SouthCoast Community Foundation began piloting a biannual grant cycle, with funding opportunities offered in the spring and fall. The new approach is intended to provide greater predictability and a more accessible application process for nonprofits, while helping the Foundation gather information about community needs and the reach of its funding.  

The 2026 Fall Grant Cycle will help us identify what is working, gather feedback from applicants and grantees, and refine the process for the 2027 Spring Grant Cycle.   

Program Areas

Funding is available for organizations and requests addressing one or more of the following areas: 

Basic Human Needs and Family Stability – including food access and food security, housing stability, utilities and other essential household needs, and services that help individuals and families meet basic needs. 

Youth Development and Recreation – including positive youth development, enrichment activities, and recreation. 

Education – including programs and services that improve educational opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and adults. 

Health and Wellness – including programs and services that improve physical, mental, or community health and well-being. 

Economic Self-Sufficiency – including services that help individuals and families increase financial stability, employment opportunities, or economic independence. 

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment – including prevention, intervention, treatment, and support for children and families. 

Domestic Violence Services – including services and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. 

Arts and Culture – including arts and cultural programs that expand participation in the arts, strengthen community well-being, engage residents, and use arts and culture to respond to community needs. 

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.

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.

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.

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.

Dukes County, Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits addressing child abuse, domestic violence, economic self-sufficiency, or basic needs for women and children can access funding through Southcoast Community Foundation. The Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund offers up to US $5,000 per organization to support prevention, education, treatment, advocacy, hotlines, shelters, and related support services.

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.

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.

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.

Grants from Cape and Islands United Way help Dukes County, Massachusetts nonprofits and community groups run local volunteer projects, with awards up to US $5,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3)s, schools, councils on aging, and parent/youth organizations on Martha’s Vineyard whose projects engage volunteers to address local concerns and improve community life.

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.