Best Franklin County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

Non-traditional adult students seeking higher education or GED programs who live in specified South Central Pennsylvania counties, including Franklin County, may be eligible for the TFEC Aspire to Rise Scholarship. Focused on higher education and career preparation, the Foundation for Enhancing Communities supports those overcoming adversity and demonstrating financial need.

Students pursuing a career in law can receive US $2,500 for tuition and related educational expenses, plus a paid summer internship, through this scholarship supporting future legal professionals. Grants from Central Indiana Community Foundation help eligible students from specified Central Indiana high schools, including those in areas with legal deserts, gain access to legal education and experience.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Armstrong County Community Foundation (The Community Foundation Serving the Heart of Western Pennsylvania)

In 1997 Merchants National Bank, an Armstrong County community bank, marked its 100th anniversary. The centennial celebration included a unique expression of gratitude to the community in the form of $100,000 to be used as a seed fund to initiate a community foundation for Armstrong County. The bank challenged the community to keep the principal balance of the endowed funds intact and spend only a portion of the interest earnings to ensure a lasting legacy.

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Judy L. (Beveridge) Creel Memorial Scholarship

This scholarship is established to honor the memory of Gary and Judy (Beveridge) Creel of East Franklin Township, Armstrong County.

Gary, the son of Clarence and Hally (Sharpe) Creel, was employed in the surface coal stripping industry and then owned and operated a retail tire sales business until his retirement. At the time of his passing, Gary was in the process of getting a patent approved for a canine orthopedic support device.

Judy, the daughter of Floyd "Ernie" and Dorothy (Reesman) Beveridge, was employed in the banking industry. In retirement, Judy designed tombstones/grave markers for both humans and pets. Judy also was a published author having written three books.

Gary and Judy met in high school and shared 55 years of marriage. Life was busy with work, family, and church responsibilities, but both found time to be there for others in their moment of need. Whether it was offering their time, professional skills or personal resources, their compassion was shared authentically and altruistically.

It is the desire of children, Marci and Ryan, to establish this scholarship to continue their parents' legacy of ordinary people doing what they could to help others, simply because it was the right thing to do. Matthew 6:3-4; James 2:15-17

Public school teachers pursuing master’s degrees can receive US $1,000 in graduate-level support, with a focus on teacher development and training. Focused on educator advancement, the Columbus Foundation invites Franklin County, Massachusetts educators, and nonprofits supporting them, to consider this scholarship-style funding for professional growth in accredited U.S. institutions.

With a mission to strengthen communities, The Foundation for Enhancing Communities provides Franklin County, Massachusetts students pursuing higher education with scholarship support. Legal dependents of full-time Beistle Company employees are prioritized, with additional consideration for graduates of Shippensburg High School and other nearby schools who demonstrate academic promise, financial need, and community involvement.

Students pursuing architecture degrees who are present or former residents of select Central Pennsylvania counties can apply for the Central PA Architects Foundation Fund Architecture Scholarship from the Foundation for Enhancing Communities. While not limited to Franklin County, Massachusetts, local nonprofits may share this opportunity with eligible students connected to their programs or communities.

Franklin County students pursuing nursing degrees can apply for the Gordon B. and Josephine Hewlett Memorial Scholarship, supporting undergraduate and, when needed, graduate study. Administered by The Foundation for Enhancing Communities, this scholarship aids residents with academic achievement, community service, and financial need, and may benefit local nonprofits helping students access higher education.

Franklin County, Massachusetts students pursuing vocational or technical training can access funding through the Foundation for Enhancing Communities’ Mabel M. Witmer Scholarship Fund. Eligible applicants plan to attend a trade or technical school, demonstrate financial need, and preference is given to residents of Cumberland or Franklin County who have work or co-op experience in their chosen field.

With a mission to strengthen communities, The Columbus Foundation provides Franklin County, Massachusetts education-focused seekers with scholarships supporting post-secondary study. Alumni of Girls on the Run of Central Ohio or children of its volunteers who are U.S.-based high school seniors or recent graduates with at least a 2.4 GPA can receive US $2,000 toward college, certification, or apprenticeships.

The Hansen Family Foundation Grant seeks to empower organizations that uphold the American values of life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness. Focused on diverse causes like children, education, animals, environmental conservation, humanitarian efforts, and arts, the foundation is committed to supporting initiatives that create positive change. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits, while political campaigns and organizations with high budgets or overheads are ineligible. This grant fosters impactful contributions to society.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

LGBTQ+ students pursuing higher education can receive $1,000 awards for university, trade school, or skill-based programs through the Cocoa Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund. Grants from Three Rivers Community Foundation help students from Benton and Franklin counties access academic and technology-focused opportunities, which may interest Franklin County, Massachusetts organizations supporting local youth education.

Students of color pursuing higher education or vocational training can receive scholarship support through the Gabe Morris Memorial Scholarship Fund, including those from Franklin County, Massachusetts. Focused on academic success for BIPOC students, Three Rivers Community Foundation awards US $1,000 for tuition or accredited skill-based programs like trade schools or technology boot camps.

Students who have lost a parent or guardian to cancer can receive higher education scholarship support through the Jim Noland Memorial Scholarship in Franklin County, Massachusetts. With a mission to foster perpetual giving, Three Rivers Community Foundation provides this aid to help eligible students pursue academic success and enrichment.

Students interested in business, finance, economics, or accounting who reside in Benton or Franklin County can receive scholarship support for college studies through the Richard C. Emery Business and Finance Scholarship. With a mission to strengthen local philanthropy, Three Rivers Community Foundation provides academic scholarship funding that may benefit Franklin County, Massachusetts–area programs guiding students toward higher education.

High school students pursuing a bachelor’s degree in science or engineering and needing financial assistance may be eligible for this scholarship, which supports academic success and enrichment. Grants from Three Rivers Community Foundation help Franklin County, Massachusetts students access higher education opportunities through the Thomas Evan Jones Memorial Scholarship.

High school graduates from Benton or Franklin County schools planning to major in music education with oboe or string performance can apply for the Victor and Jean Sands Memorial Scholarship for Oboe and Strings. Offered by Three Rivers Community Foundation, this scholarship supports future music educators pursuing both teaching and performance careers.

Students pursuing their first associate or bachelor’s nursing degree with financial need can receive up to US $15,000 for tuition and related costs; awards are renewable for up to ten semesters. This Deaconess Foundation program serves permanent residents of select Eastern Missouri and Southern Illinois counties, so Franklin County, Massachusetts nonprofits may share it with eligible local students who relocate.

Franklin County, Massachusetts medical students seeking funding for MD or DO programs can access support through Adirondack Foundation’s Dr. U.R. Plante Medical Scholarship; awards up to US $10,000 for medical school costs. Applicants must have strong ties to specified New York counties and plan to practice in underserved or remote communities.

Law students with strong academic records and financial need from or connected to Franklin County, Pennsylvania can receive scholarship support for a three-year J.D. program through the Faerie L. Angle Memorial Scholarship Fund. Grants from The Foundation for Enhancing Communities assist first-, second-, and third-year J.D. candidates, with added consideration for those attending Pennsylvania law schools.

Youth involved in Carroll County 4-H or FFA programs who demonstrate excellence in swine knowledge and skills can apply for this memorial award supporting their educational goals. Offered by the Community Foundation of Carroll County, it may benefit Franklin County, Massachusetts nonprofits that mentor or sponsor eligible participants connected to these programs.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.