Best Water Grants in Massachusetts

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Massachusetts and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, including initiatives that incorporate climate resilience, green jobs, or clean water access within these focus areas.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and culture programs. Massachusetts museums, performing arts organizations, and arts education programs may be eligible for program, capital, limited general operating, or endowment support.

Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units can apply for the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for water-related safety education, rescue services, and research. Funding supports one-time projects, equipment purchases, start-up programs, and academic or health sciences research focused on preventing and treating injuries on the water.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects from Green Mountain Energy. Focused on environmental initiatives, the Sun Club invites Massachusetts organizations working on freshwater conservation, water resource management, and related sustainability efforts to propose impactful community projects.

501(c)(3) organizations active over three years and serving the Southern U.S. can seek funding for nature and wildlife conservation, environmental work, and related community services. Robinson Foundation supports projects with tangible, meaningful impact; Massachusetts-based groups may be eligible if their freshwater or water-resource efforts serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

Agricultural producers in Massachusetts seeking support for water management, irrigation improvements, or conservation practices can apply for funding from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Massachusetts. This program helps manage financial risk through resource conservation, including water-related projects, and may benefit farms working on water conservation or broader water resource management efforts.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices that improve water quality, conserve water resources, and enhance soil health. With a mission to address natural resource concerns, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides support for projects that reduce agricultural pollution, protect drinking water, and restore wildlife habitat through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

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 Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Preserving American Historical Treasures

The 1772 Foundation was named in honor of its first restoration project, Liberty Hall in Union, New Jersey. Built in 1772 by William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor, the residence was home to generations of the Livingston and Kean families, including Stewart Barney Kean, who founded the 1772 Foundation in 1984. Liberty Hall has since been converted into a museum and the Foundation, thanks to Mr. Kean, continues to provide ongoing support for it and many others like it across the country. Upon Mr. Kean's death, in 2002, the Foundation grew from a $2.1 million private foundation to one with over $80 million in assets. In the twenty years since then, the foundation has granted more than $50 million for historic preservation work throughout the United States. After learning of the Kean Family's ties to slavery, the 1772 Foundation has committed to increased funding to racial justice and African American history funding.

Massachusetts Historic Preservation Matching Grants

The 1772 Foundation has announced that funding in the form of 1:1 matching grants of up to $10,000 will be made available for the following historic preservation projects: exterior painting, finishes and surface restoration, fire detection/lightning protection/security systems, repairs to/restoration of porches, roofs and windows, repairs to foundations and sills, and chimney and masonry repointing.

To demonstrate the sustainability of historic sites, applicants maybe required to submit a cyclical maintenance plan, condition assessment, restoration plan or stewardship plan that has been prepared or updated within the last five years. If an appropriate plan does not exist, the Foundation will consider providing support for development of a plan on a case-by-case basis

The Foundation will consider the following: 

• exterior painting, finishes, and surface restoration
• installation or upgrade of fire detection, lightning protection, and security systems
• repair or restoration of porches, roofs, and windows
• structural foundation and sill repair or replacement
• chimney and masonry repointing (exterior only)
• ​climate action to include energy audit assessments, insulation upgrades, alternative energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.), upgraded/converted systems/appliances, and storm windows. Water mitigation projects may be considered, but preference will be given to decarbonization upgrades. Applicants are encouraged to leverage programs offered by utility providers.

Massachusetts nonprofits focused on environmental conservation and coastal ecosystems can access funding through New England Biolabs Foundation for community-based projects that protect water, soil, and related ecosystem services. Eligible projects along the North Shore may also incorporate arts, education, or civic engagement to promote environmental protection and community inclusion.

Municipal water utilities in Massachusetts can receive US $75,000 - US $350,000 to implement energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects that lower energy use and operating costs. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, working with MassDEP and the Clean Energy Center, helps utilities upgrade infrastructure that supports both water resource management and green infrastructure goals.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Norfolk County, Massachusetts can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation support to run community development, education, health, human services, cultural, or veteran and military support programs. Organizations may use funding for local projects that improve quality of life and address broad community needs where the company operates.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Tax-exempt nonprofit child care providers in Massachusetts can receive capital funding to develop or improve facilities serving predominantly low-income families. MassDevelopment’s Early Education and Out of School Time Small Grant Program supports rehabilitation projects such as outdoor play spaces, HVAC upgrades, indoor reconfiguration, safety and accessibility improvements, and security enhancements, with awards ranging from US $200,000 - US $499,999.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Massachusetts and other Appalachian states can seek up to US $100,000 for land acquisition and related project costs. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy supports fee and easement purchases that enhance resilience, connectivity, and community water and nature access benefits.

Massachusetts water-focused nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and civic groups in Berkshire County can access funding through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for projects addressing water quality and related land issues. Eligible freshwater and land conservation initiatives, including those by unincorporated community groups using a fiscal agent, must provide a 1:1 cash or in-kind match.

Massachusetts commercial, industrial, institutional, nonprofit, and public entities planning hydropower upgrades or new conduit facilities in Massachusetts can access funding through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for feasibility studies and construction projects. Awards up to US $300,000 support projects that boost MA RPS-qualified hydropower output, are cost-effective, and provide economic benefits to Massachusetts entities or workers.

Urban agriculture organizations and municipal or nonprofit partners in Massachusetts can receive capital funding for commercial food production, processing, and marketing projects that expand access to fresh, local produce in low- and moderate-income urban neighborhoods. Focused on urban farming infrastructure and systems, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources supports projects that may include water-efficient technologies and climate-resilient growing practices.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.

Ocean Technology Opportunity Roadmap

Award Potential

• $150,000

The Ocean Innovation Network was developed through collaboration between the Offshore Energy and Emerging Climatetech teams. The goals of the OIN Program are to: 

• Establish a cost-effective and reliable path to in-water testing and demonstration by creating a network of test facilities/sites that cover a range of representative ocean conditions; 
• Invest in partner organizations to support their endeavors to provide the OceanTech Startup community with valuable assets, resources, and programming; and 
• Continue to grow and attract OceanTech Startups to Massachusetts. 

The purpose of the Opportunity Roadmap is to identify high-leverage opportunities where strategic public investment and other interventions can strengthen Massachusetts’ ocean technology ecosystem and deliver meaningful economic development benefits to Commonwealth businesses, residents, and ratepayers.  

Rural public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts can access funding through USDA Rural Development to address emergencies threatening safe, reliable drinking water. Grants up to US $1,000,000 support waterline extensions, repairs, new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, and treatment plants in eligible low-income rural areas and towns of 10,000 or fewer residents.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Massachusetts can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal funding to build or improve water and waste systems. Support covers drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater projects, plus related costs like engineering, land acquisition, and start-up operations.