Best Grants for Nonprofits Serving Disabled in Massachusetts

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts supporting disabled children, adults with disabilities, seniors, or animal welfare can apply for funding from the Robert J. Mullen Charitable Trust. Grants of US $20,000 - US $50,000 support general operations, programs, and small related capital needs, which may include mental health services for people with disabilities.

Massachusetts nonprofits and public agencies providing transportation or mobility management for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income residents can access funding through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation’s Community Transit Grant Program. Grants support operating transit services and mobility management efforts that improve access to services, employment, medical care, and other essential destinations across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving people with disabilities and other vulnerable groups in Massachusetts can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 for health and welfare, dental care, camperships, and shelter or food programs. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust help eligible New England nonprofits, including those focused on disability care, expand capital projects and program support.

Nonprofits and agencies providing transportation for older adults and people with disabilities in Massachusetts can seek funding for accessible vehicles through the Massachusetts Department of Transportation. MassDOT supports disability care and senior services providers by filling gaps in the transportation network, complementing existing services, and promoting coordinated transit models across the Commonwealth.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Massachusetts serving individuals with disabilities can apply for matching gifts from Regions Bank’s employee giving program. Eligible charities must fall within priorities like disability support, economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, or financial wellness, and receive matches to donations made by full-time associates or recent retirees in the Regions footprint.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations providing disability care and services in Massachusetts can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for recent retirees. Eligible nonprofits must be within the Regions footprint and fit priority areas such as individuals with disabilities, economic development, education, or financial wellness.

Massachusetts nonprofits serving people with disabilities, vulnerable children, families, and seniors can access funding via the McKeen Fund for capital projects, equipment, endowments, or specific programs. Eligible applicants are 501(c)(3) public charities, with a preference for organizations in Florida, Massachusetts, and New York, including medical, educational, and social service providers.

Massachusetts nonprofits that are 501(c)(3) organizations and teach mechanical arts, offer vocational training, or provide employment opportunities for disabled or troubled youth can access funding through Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association. Support is typically provided as equipment or tools for specific programs, with particular attention to smaller organizations serving people with disabilities in Massachusetts.

Nonprofit health and human service organizations in Massachusetts supporting women in reduced circumstances, including women with disabilities, can apply for the Katharine C. Pierce Trust’s direct service grants. With a mission to make women’s lives more comfortable, it provides about US $10,000 for program or capital needs, with special consideration for elderly women.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship

Advancing the science and practice of supporting children to thrive

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is a global initiative supporting researchers working to deepen our understanding of how children thrive. Spanning disciplines from education and psychology to public health, data science, and humanitarian studies, the fellowship brings together early- and mid-career scholars whose work has the potential to generate evidence that matters for children’s lives.

Fellows receive three years of flexible support to pursue rigorous, practically relevant research, and join a cohort of peers working across the fellowship’s themes. In addition to funding research, the program fosters a community of scholars engaged in meaningful exchange with one another and with research, policy, and practice audiences.

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship is developed in partnership with the LEGO Foundation, and administered by SSRC as part of its commitment to supporting scholars whose work bridges research and real-world impact.

Research themes

The LEGO Foundation Fellowship welcomes research proposals that advance understanding of children’s thriving through one of the following three themes: the youngest children in crisis and conflict settings; inclusion and wellbeing of neurodivergent children; and children’s learning and development in an AI-enabled world. Applicants may explore the role of play where it is relevant to the research question. The consideration of play is optional and not a condition of eligibility.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving physically, mentally, or economically disadvantaged children and adults in Massachusetts can receive project-based support to improve quality of life. Robert & Joan Dircks Foundation provides U.S. disability care and services nonprofits with one-year grants of US $1,000 - US $15,000 for innovative programs rather than operating budgets.

Massachusetts nonprofits serving people with disabilities can access funding through Johnson Scholarship Foundation to support education, mentoring, scholarships, and employment transition programs for disabled students. Organizations helping people overcome barriers to higher education and work in the U.S. or Canada may be eligible, with an emphasis on sustainable, leveraged initiatives.

Nonprofits supporting children and young adults with disabilities can apply for program, housing, education, or health funding from the Andrea-Mennen Family Foundation; awards must show impact within nine months. With a mission to enhance quality of life, this U.S. funder supports established charitable organizations, including those serving disabled youth in Massachusetts.

Massachusetts nonprofits serving people with disabilities, children, or youth can access funding through West Pharmaceutical Services to support healthcare, disability services, child welfare, and STEM education programs. 501(c)(3) organizations in communities where West employees live and work may be eligible for grants and sponsorships that combine financial support with volunteer engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing disability care and services, especially for people with mobility-related disabilities, can apply for grants of US $500 - US $10,000, including in Massachusetts. Grants from Numotion Foundation help fund research, advocacy, and support programs that enhance the lives of individuals with disabilities across the U.S.

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 15 and the Mahomies Foundation Grants aim to enhance the lives of children by supporting health, wellness, and community initiatives. This private foundation seeks to fund 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations, focusing on charitable causes. Grant requests are reviewed quarterly, and applicants must meet eligibility criteria. However, the foundation does not accept applications from individuals or for non-charitable items such as autographs or game tickets.

The Andrade-Faxon Charities for Children Grant supports programs directly benefiting at-risk children aged 18 and under. Funded by professional golfers, it prioritizes charitable initiatives in Rhode Island and Southeastern Massachusetts, providing grants for essential items like food, playground equipment, and educational supplies. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and are limited to one funding request annually. Exclusions include capital campaigns and operating reserves, ensuring funds directly enhance children's welfare.

Music Movement offers grants for music therapy aimed at children and young adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) and other developmental challenges. Grants typically range from $1,500 to $2,500, providing financial relief to families seeking therapeutic resources. Eligible applicants include legal guardians of children in the U.S. who select qualified therapists. The organization focuses on enhancing communication, social skills, and emotional well-being through music, benefiting diverse communities and promoting personal growth.

The Child Neurology Foundation offers a Summer Scholarship for first, second, or third-year medical students interested in neurodevelopmental disabilities or child neurology. This scholarship provides $3,500 for clinical research focused on neurodevelopmental disabilities in children or young adults, conducted under the supervision of a qualified subspecialist. Applications are evaluated based on their importance, originality, and contribution to the medical student's development.

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation offers mini grants up to $7,500 to support organizations addressing community needs in Lowell, Massachusetts. Established in 1944, the foundation prioritizes assistance for children, disadvantaged young women, and the elderly. It encourages applications from non-profit organizations with tax-exempt status or fiscal sponsors that serve Lowell residents, ensuring balanced representation within their management. Mini-grant applications are reviewed quarterly, fostering a more equitable community.

The Comis Foundation Grant aims to provide equitable opportunities for children to thrive through education and community engagement. It supports innovative programs that enhance educational outcomes, focusing on areas such as capacity building and pilot projects. With funding ranging from $5,000 to $75,000, the foundation prioritizes nonprofit organizations that foster inclusive environments. By emphasizing trust and collaboration, Comis Foundation strives to create lasting impacts in the communities it serves.

Brooks Brothers, founded in 1818, is committed to social responsibility through its donation program. The company partners with local and national non-profits focused on health issues and education. They seek to enhance community well-being while maintaining a commitment to inclusivity. Notably, they do not support organizations that discriminate based on protected categories. Their donations are aimed at fostering positive change in society, reflecting their belief in the importance of community engagement.

The Von Voigtlander Family Foundation Grant, though currently closed, aims to support 501(c)(3) charitable organizations, primarily in Michigan. The foundation emphasizes animal welfare, parks preservation, veteran support, and youth empowerment. Their mission is to enhance lives through community-focused initiatives that foster resilience, education, and well-being. They prioritize charities that promote responsible pet ownership, outdoor recreation, and provide resources for veterans and youth, ensuring a positive impact across multiple sectors.

The Kelly Family Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting nonprofit organizations that foster education, mentoring, welfare, and the arts for youth in the Greater Boston area. Grants focus on operations that provide direct services and require organizations to demonstrate effective use of funds. The foundation emphasizes accountability and encourages multi-year plans, while ensuring that no annual grant exceeds 5% of its total budget. This initiative aims to uplift the community by investing in impactful programs.

The Instrument Donations Program by Music Movement supports children and young adults with Autism and learning differences by providing funding for musical instruments. This initiative fosters self-expression, personal growth, and emotional well-being through music. Grants typically range from $500 to $1,500 and are available to applicants within the United States. The program encourages artistic development and enhances social skills, making a significant impact on the lives of those facing developmental challenges.

The UHCCF Medical Grant provides financial assistance to families with children under 16 years old who need access to medical services not fully covered by insurance. The grant offers up to $5,000 per year, with a lifetime maximum of $10,000. Families can apply regardless of their insurance provider, and the grant covers a wide range of medical expenses, ensuring children receive essential health care. Applicants must meet specific income and eligibility criteria to qualify for funding.