Best Grants for Dance Nonprofit Organizations in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits running programs for children, education, or health and human services can access monetary support via Costco Foundation. Grants support community-based programs that demonstrate clear need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding. Dance organizations with youth-focused educational or health-related programming may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services programs can seek support to address social problems, including work that may involve dance or arts initiatives in Massachusetts. Creag Foundation considers proposals from organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and are pioneering new approaches to existing or previously unaddressed social issues.

Early-stage independent nonprofits and impact-first, mission-driven for-profits in Massachusetts can seek Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation support for scalable social and environmental solutions benefiting underserved communities; awards up to US $300,000 over three years. Dance and ballet organizations with proven, data-driven impact and plans to scale beyond place-based models may be eligible.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, including applicants in Massachusetts. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving predominantly economically underserved communities scale innovative, tech-enabled solutions, with awards up to US $100,000 and a two-step LOI and full application process.

Educational institutions, government programs, and qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts can seek funding for safety, community development, and education initiatives that match State Farm’s focus areas. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help U.S. organizations improve auto and home safety, support neighborhood revitalization and affordable housing, and enhance K–12 and higher education, including STEM and college-career pathways.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including Massachusetts dance and ballet nonprofits, can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards are more than US $100,000 for program, capital, and limited general or endowment support. Priority goes to arts education, artist development, and impactful youth engagement.

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.

Nonprofit and social enterprise programs in Massachusetts focused on education for urban children and youth from low‑income communities can access funding through the Michael & Susan Dell Foundation, with awards of more than US $50,000 for project support or scaling. Eligible projects must be located in the U.S. and align with the foundation’s education priorities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits working in early childhood education or community economic development can access funding via PNC Foundation to support programs for low- and moderate-income children and families. Organizations offering education, arts and culture, neighborhood revitalization, affordable housing, or community services may be eligible if they operate in a Massachusetts community where PNC has a significant presence.

Accredited charities running humanitarian, educational, community, environmental, or arts and culture projects in Massachusetts and worldwide can seek funding to advance sustainable development and community benefit. Grants from La Roche help organizations whose high-quality projects engage Roche expertise and employees, and may support dance or ballet programming when aligned with these focus areas.

Massachusetts nonprofits providing health, education, or humanitarian services to marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation for programs such as healthcare access, child welfare, literacy, or disaster relief. Organizations with dance or arts programming that also advance these human and social services priorities may be eligible within the foundation’s broader global and U.S. grantmaking.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs may be eligible for this funding, which must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help dance and arts organizations that are soundly managed and provide broad, meaningful service to their communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and aligned for-profit organizations can receive more than US $50,000 to create storytelling projects that highlight the impact of their work across preservation, education, or wellness, including in Massachusetts. Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation supports efforts such as wildlife conservation, historic preservation, mental health, and early childhood education that may benefit arts and dance-focused programs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) performing arts organizations with arts-focused missions and small budgets in the Boston Foundation’s Massachusetts catchment area can receive up to US $15,000 to create, produce, or present new performing arts work. Boston Foundation’s Live Arts Boston program supports dance, theater, music, opera, spoken word, circus, traditional and folk, and multidisciplinary projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek funding for programs in education, children and families, poverty relief, health, disaster relief, veterans, animal welfare, conservation, and religious or spiritual work. Robinson Foundation supports these programmatic needs; Massachusetts dance organizations may be eligible only if they primarily serve areas below the Mason-Dixon line.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries in Massachusetts working on environmental or human services programs can apply for Lawrence Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to support program or operating needs. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help dance nonprofits with qualifying community or environmental initiatives as part of its broad national funding priorities.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts seeking support for arts, education, health, or community programs can apply for funding from the Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation; awards range from US $1,000 - US $20,000. Grants may benefit dance and ballet organizations as part of broader cultural, youth, senior, disability, environmental, or community-based initiatives across the U.S.

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.

Massachusetts and other New England 501(c)(3) nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies can access funding for public performances, readings, and screenings through the New England States Touring (NEST) program, awarding up to US $15,000. Dance and other performing arts presenters can support tours and community engagement with regional, national, or international artists across New England.

Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers presenting touring dance or other live performances can use this grant to help pay touring shows or artist fees. Grants from Mass Cultural Council help eligible venues increase their buying power when competing with resort-style casinos, which may benefit dance-focused organizations operating qualifying performance spaces.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking project support in education, social services, health care, civic or cultural, or environmental programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Dance and ballet organizations that fit these categories may be eligible, with one-year, one-application-per-year grants primarily for U.S. applicants.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community-focused programs such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in Massachusetts and other O’Reilly Auto Parts communities may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports organizations improving quality of life for underserved and underrepresented people, which may include dance nonprofits with aligned missions.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors exemplary cross-sector collaborations. Programs that measurably improve lives and model innovative approaches to social issues may be recognized, offering visibility and validation that can benefit dance-focused nonprofits and their partners.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become more self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $250,000. Funding supports focused interventions addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief. Massachusetts dance nonprofits may be eligible if their programs serve disadvantaged communities and meet the foundation’s size, mission, and non-sectarian criteria.