Best Essex County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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.

The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program will allocate $30 million to 150 local nonprofits in the Greater Boston area in 2026. This program primarily supports organizations focused on human services, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. Eligible applicants must be based in specific Massachusetts counties and provide services within those areas. The program does not fund requests related to the arts, culture, or animal welfare, ensuring resources are directed to pressing community needs.

The Smith Family Foundation offers Small Capital Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support tax-exempt nonprofits in Greater Boston and Gateway Cities. These grants aim to strengthen nonprofits' capacities for one-time capital expenses, addressing critical needs in economically disadvantaged communities. With a mission to promote positive change, the foundation prioritizes organizations with operating budgets under $3 million, focusing on human services and community development.

The Peter and Elizabeth C. Tower Foundation is dedicated to empowering children and young adults affected by substance use disorders, learning disabilities, mental illness, and intellectual disabilities. Their Programs & Services Grants support initiatives within Erie and Niagara Counties in New York and parts of Massachusetts, focusing on enhancing community capabilities and improving quality of life. Note that applications for certain grant cycles are paused for the remainder of 2025 as the foundation shifts towards emergency response funding.

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.

The Clipper Ship Foundation Grant aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable populations in Greater Boston, focusing on housing, foster care, and opportunity youth. It supports nonprofit organizations that provide essential services to individuals at risk of homelessness, youth in foster care, and those aged 16-24 who are out of school or unemployed. The Foundation prioritizes organizations with a track record of success and a commitment to impactful solutions.

The Yawkey Foundation's Strategic Investment Grant supports nonprofit organizations aiming for strategic growth through board-approved plans. Grants, ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, may fund regional expansions, collaborative efforts among nonprofits, and organizational mergers. Initial Proposals are highly competitive and must demonstrate strong leadership, proven impact, and alignment with the Foundation's Areas of Giving. Review periods for proposals can take 6-12 months, during which feedback is not provided.

The Gould Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Boston and Kansas City. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that can make a significant impact, particularly those with high leveraging potential and long-term benefits. Areas of interest include elder services, environmental stewardship, health care, personal rights, disadvantaged training, children's welfare, and women's issues. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that offer valuable community enhancements.

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 NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, in partnership with the Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC), aims to enhance the quality, safety, and accessibility of community football fields. With grants up to $250,000, this initiative addresses the critical lack of safe recreation spaces in low-income neighborhoods, ensuring children and adults have access to well-maintained facilities for gathering and exercise, ultimately fostering community health and well-being.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

The Annual Community Impact Grants program by Fallon Health provides funding between $5,000 and $45,000 to support new or existing programs addressing critical community needs. Focus areas include food security, support for older adults, and early intervention for children and youth. Emphasizing collaboration and sustainability, the program aims to enhance access to essential services, particularly in Massachusetts, ensuring the well-being of underserved populations.

The Dee & King Webster Fund for Greater Lawrence, managed by the Essex County Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities for youth aged 0-8th grade in Greater Lawrence, Massachusetts. It aims to address achievement gaps by funding innovative programs that enhance skill development and social-emotional health. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and focus on collaborative efforts with local schools. Grants of up to $40,000 are available, promoting access and equity in education for underserved communities.

The National Estuary Program Watersheds Grant Program, administered by Restore America’s Estuaries and supported by the EPA, funds competitive projects addressing critical threats to estuaries. Key priorities include habitat restoration, enhancing coastal resilience against extreme weather, managing nutrient impacts, and mitigating stormwater runoff. Established in 1987, the program aims to improve ecological integrity and water quality in 28 estuaries nationwide, providing essential funding and guidance to local initiatives.

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.

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 Yawkey Foundation's Transformational Capital Grant provides significant funding, up to $5 million, for nonprofit organizations to enhance their mission delivery through the development of impactful physical spaces. The grants are highly competitive and require compelling proposals demonstrating project need, community support, and financial commitment. Organizations must align with the Foundation's priority Areas of Giving, primarily serving Eastern Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. Review timeframe for proposals is approximately 12-18 months.

The Yawkey Foundation offers Program and Small Capital Grants to nonprofit organizations making meaningful impacts in Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife. Grants can be up to $100,000 and support projects aligned with the nonprofit’s mission. Organizations are encouraged to submit Initial Proposals during designated periods, demonstrating strong leadership and community impact, particularly in underserved regions of Eastern Massachusetts.

The Boston Foundation's Safety Net Grants program provides $50,000 in general operating support over two years to social service organizations serving marginalized communities in Greater Boston. Focused on essential needs like food security, housing assistance, and mental health support, these grants aim to empower nonprofits addressing critical needs. Eligible organizations must have a 501(c)(3) status and demonstrate alignment with the Foundation's mission to promote equity and opportunity.

The HRA: Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Research Fund Grant, established in 1947, offers up to $160,000 in two-year grants to enhance the lives of children and adolescents with disabilities. Sponsored by Health Resources in Action, the grant supports innovative research and evaluation projects focused on health equity and community engagement in the Greater Boston area. This initiative fosters collaborative efforts between nonprofits and academic institutions to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population.

The TMCity Foundation Grant supports innovative neurocognitive research and mental health initiatives, offering funding between $25,000 and $250,000. Organizations should be 501(c)(3) and focus on healthcare solutions for brain-related ailments. Applications are accepted via a rolling letter of inquiry, followed by a detailed application if interested. The Foundation prioritizes projects based in Southern California and Greater Boston, aiming to advance understanding of mental health through cutting-edge research and technologies.

The Digital Equity Initiative Partnership Grant aims to support collaborative projects that address digital equity needs in Essex County. This grant prioritizes four key impact areas: devices, access, literacy, and collaboration. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations recognized as tax-exempt or those with fiscal sponsorship under section 501(c)(3). The program encourages proposals that involve partnerships and integrated systems to effectively tackle these challenges within the community.

The Smith Family Foundation's Community Capital Grant supports transformative capital projects in the Greater Boston area, with funding ranging from $250,000 to $3 million. This grant is aimed at 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and seeks to enhance access to essential services, support communities in crisis, and enrich the lives of local youth and families. Eligible applicants are encouraged to engage with the foundation before submitting proposals to ensure alignment with funding priorities.

The Career Connected Learning — Program Development Grant aims to enhance Career Technical Education by providing resources for developing state-designated pathway programs. Eligible recipients must demonstrate their commitment to advancing these educational initiatives, with a focus on supporting chronically underperforming schools. Approximately $300,000 in funding is available, and priority will be given to those in need. This grant is an essential step towards fostering a robust career-focused learning environment.

The PLTW Gateway - New Program, in partnership with Burns & McDonnell, aims to enhance student engagement in STEM by providing teachers with essential resources and support. Starting in the 2026-2027 academic year, eligible schools can apply for grants to introduce and expand PLTW programs, fostering real-world skills through applied learning. This initiative targets schools with significant free and reduced-price lunch populations, promoting equity in education across various U.S. counties.

The PLTW Engineering - New Program, supported by Burns & McDonnell, aims to empower U.S. students through STEM education. By offering at least one PLTW Engineering course in the 2026-2027 academic year, schools can enhance their curriculum and foster critical skills. This initiative not only increases access to valuable programs but also prepares students for future challenges in college and careers, ensuring they thrive in an evolving world.

Project Lead the Way inc.

School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model. At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. 

PLTW Computer Science Curriculum

PLTW Computer Science students are technology trailblazers who are empowered through transportable skills and prepared to start their career, whether that is in computer science or not. Empower your students to become creators of the technology all around them. PLTW Computer Science engages students in collaborative projects that help them develop in-demand computer science knowledge as well as transportable skills like creative thinking and communication. And whether they’re creating an online art gallery or using automation to process and analyze DNA-sequence data, PLTW Computer Science students are seeing how their learning connects to the real world.

PLTW Computer Science - New Program (Haemonetics)

Haemonetics is a global medical technology company dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of health care. Haemonetics strives to make a positive difference in their communities. They support PLTW in order to help foster innovation and career readiness in the communities they serve. 

Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.