Best Green Infrastructure Grants in Massachusetts

Municipal water utilities in Massachusetts seeking to implement energy efficiency, renewable energy, or green infrastructure projects can apply for this Gap IV Energy Grant, with awards from US $75,000 - US $350,000. Grants from Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources help utilities reduce energy use, cut operating costs, and leverage other incentives to launch clean energy and efficiency projects.

Qualified technology firms or consultants in Massachusetts can apply to modernize the Production Tracking System (PTS), a .NET and SQL-based clean energy tracking platform. Grants from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center help update infrastructure supporting green infrastructure and renewable energy programs, including RPS Mass Class I, SREC, Renewable Thermal, Alternative Energy, and Clean Peak Standard, with ongoing hosting and support.

Massachusetts urban agriculture projects seeking capital investments in food production and green infrastructure can access funding through the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources. Eligible initiatives include soil improvement, land acquisition, equipment, green and climate-resilient infrastructure, innovative growing technologies, and marketing or distribution systems that expand access to fresh, local food in low- and moderate-income urban neighborhoods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with $100,000+ budgets in Massachusetts communities served by RBC Wealth Management can seek funding for workforce preparation, youth development, and skills-building programs. RBC Foundation USA supports initiatives that build in-demand job skills, expand inclusive economic stability, and may also fund environmental projects that improve community spaces and support a net-zero future.

Adam R Scripps Foundation

Adam Scripps lived a life of humble generosity, helping to improve the lives of others without seeking recognition or fanfare for himself. The family-run Adam R. Scripps Foundation, established posthumously in 2023, allocates millions annually to his cherished causes like animal welfare and community development, with grants overseen by his relatives to honor his legacy.

Honoring Adam’s legacy, we make grants to collaborate, provide support and build resources that create opportunities and transformative pathways. For generations to come, we will improve lives and transform communities because we are a leader in family philanthropy. We value helping communities create lasting change. We do this through compassion, love of neighbor, humility, and generosity.

Community Development Grant

Raised in rural Texas, Adam saw firsthand the challenges small towns face related to demographic changes, workforce development, capital access, infrastructure, health, land use and environment and community preservation. As he got older, he often felt compelled to help - even in small ways - when he saw a neighbor struggling. Inspired by his generosity and leaning into innovation, we built a Community Grant & Loan Program to be the catalyst for investable initiatives while working to leverage additional public and private capital.

We are getting further, faster thanks to partnering with leaders in the Program Related Investment (PRI) arena. PRIs are powerful and versatile tools in the philanthropic toolkit, making capital available to any kind of organization advancing any charitable purpose via various financial structures. Financial returns can be repurposed for new charitable objectives, multiplying the impact. The focus through this program revolves around the types of communities Adam called home with a focus on specific economic barriers.

This grant is focused on semi-permanent or permanent community assets including infrastructure, public works, green space, revitalization, and other real assets essential for businesses to thrive in a community. Generally, these funds will not be used exclusively for beautification.

Emerging Leaders Program alumni working on conservation and green infrastructure in Massachusetts can receive US $500 to support professional development, membership, or conference participation. The Soil and Water Conservation Society recognizes graduates who are current members and demonstrate leadership and active engagement in Society chapters, events, committees, publications, or related activities.

U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) organizations leading multidisciplinary environmental projects can access funding to implement research-based solutions through Renewable Natural Resources Foundation. Grants from Renewable Natural Resources Foundation help Massachusetts green infrastructure and related sustainability initiatives that address areas like renewable energy, water quality, and ecosystem conservation. Awards range from US $50,000 - US $200,000 for projects of 12 months or more.

Renewable Natural Resources Foundation provides Massachusetts green infrastructure and environmental organizations with up to US $50,000 for planning and small collaborative projects. U.S.-incorporated 501(c)(3) leads can fund multidisciplinary work on areas like renewable energy, water quality, soil health, or recycling, as long as projects involve at least two collaborators and align with RNRF member organizations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on green infrastructure and related environmental projects in Massachusetts can seek Rapid Response funding to sustain initiatives affected by terminated federal support. With a mission to bridge research and implementation, Renewable Natural Resources Foundation provides up to US $50,000 to fill critical gaps, complete essential components, or responsibly close out multidisciplinary natural resource projects.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate and clean energy policy or climate change education can access funding through the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation. Grants support efforts to decrease domestic fossil fuel demand and production and to provide scientifically accurate, action-focused climate education for high school, college, and young adult audiences across the U.S.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on green infrastructure, clean drinking water, or sustainable energy in Massachusetts and beyond can access funding from Park Foundation’s Environment Program. Grants support policy development, advocacy, organizing, corporate responsibility, and investigative reporting focused on drinking water protection and reducing reliance on fossil fuels, particularly natural gas, at national and New York State scales.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance work with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related challenges, American Water Works Association’s Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship may benefit projects that intersect with green infrastructure and clean water efforts in Massachusetts.

Tribal governments and communities pursuing renewable energy and green infrastructure projects across the U.S., including those connected to Massachusetts tribes, can seek funding to build solar capacity and energy resilience. Grants from GRID Alternatives’ Tribal Solar Accelerator Fund support new solar projects, workforce development, education, and long-term tribal energy planning, with awards up to US $100,000.

Massachusetts green infrastructure and coastal conservation organizations working within eligible National Estuary Program (NEP) watershed counties can seek US $200,000 - US $500,000 for estuary-focused projects. Restore America’s Estuaries, with EPA support, funds efforts addressing habitat loss, coastal resilience, stormwater runoff, harmful algal blooms, marine mammal mortalities, and invasive species in designated NEP boundary areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on climate resiliency and green infrastructure in low-income Boston neighborhoods can seek US $25,000 - US $200,000 for planning or implementation projects. Focused on nature-based solutions, green jobs training, and resilient infrastructure, Liberty Mutual Foundation invites proposals that benefit vulnerable communities in Massachusetts, especially within the City of Boston.

Massachusetts green infrastructure and conservation nonprofits can access funding through the Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant to share the impact of their work. Registered 501(c)(3) organizations, or aligned for-profits, working in preservation, education, or wellness may receive more than US $50,000 to develop storytelling that highlights their community outcomes.

With a mission to support community development and sustainability, Saint-Gobain Corporation Foundation provides Massachusetts nonprofits and eligible schools with funding for STEM education, sustainable construction, and green infrastructure projects. Organizations in select Massachusetts counties working on sustainability, energy conservation, environmental stewardship, or affordable housing may be eligible, especially where long-term employee engagement and partnerships are possible.

Massachusetts community organizations, nonprofits, local governments, and Keep America Beautiful affiliates can access funding to revitalize and beautify areas along or near Martin Luther King Jr. corridors. Keep America Beautiful’s MLK Corridor Community Grants offer US $5,000 - US $20,000 for projects like public art, green spaces, and cleanup efforts that may incorporate green infrastructure elements.

Nonprofits, local governments, KAB affiliates, and community groups in Massachusetts can apply for Keep America Beautiful’s Cigarette Litter Prevention Program grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $20,000 for cigarette waste reduction projects. Funding can cover KAB-approved receptacles, marketing, and program administration, and may support green infrastructure and clean water strategies in public spaces.

HCLTech Grant Edition II focuses on impactful climate action by investing $5 million over five years to support NGOs in the Americas. This initiative aims to enhance sustainable projects that align with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With a history of significant contributions in India, HCLTech is committed to achieving net-zero emissions by 2040 and fostering innovative solutions to address pressing climate challenges. The grant encourages collaboration and aims to transform communities through effective climate action.

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.