Best Dukes County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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.

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.

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.

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. 

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 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 Capital Improvements Grant by the Franklin Square House Foundation offers funding up to $100,000 for 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in specific Massachusetts counties. This grant focuses on projects that create new childcare slots, enhance administrative capacity, and ensure financial stability. Applicants must demonstrate readiness to start projects within 90 days and show a commitment to serving underprivileged children. Past grantees must adhere to reporting requirements to maintain eligibility.

The Franklin Square House Foundation offers grants for capital improvements to shelters supporting women and their families. Since its inception in 2008, the Foundation has awarded over $13 million. Eligible organizations must be 501(C)3 nonprofits located in specific Massachusetts counties. Projects should enhance safety and capacity, demonstrating readiness for funding and matching contributions. Notably, the Foundation does not fund operating costs or projects already in progress. Interested applicants must contact the Executive Director prior to submission.

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.

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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 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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations already providing mentoring or coaching to young people with intellectual or learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for up to US $25,000. Peter & Elizabeth C Tower Foundation supports existing mentoring programs through its Community Experts Fund, part of a broader initiative across select counties in New York and Massachusetts.

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through grants that prioritize low-to-moderate income populations. Key funding areas include affordable housing, children and youth programs, financial education, workforce development, and small business support. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities located in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Funding is directed towards initiatives that promote safety, education, and economic opportunity, ensuring a positive impact on the communities served.