Best Hampden County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Molly Efron Scholarship

To support a Monroe County female high school senior planning to attend a four-year college or university to study science, technology, engineering, or math.

Number and Size of Awards

Two awards of $1,000 each; paid in one lump sum.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Kingfisher Rotary Club - John A. Francis Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors of Kingfisher County High Schools who exhibits a strong work ethic along with high moral character and integrity. In partnership with the Kingfisher Rotary Club.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

Kinlee Denton Memorial Scholarship

Love like Kinlee. This scholarship will honor a graduating senior from Kingfisher or Kay County who has a strong character and is a caring, forgiving person in their school and community. College acceptance required.

Communities Foundation of Oklahoma

The Communities Foundation of Oklahoma stems from the vision of Tom McCasland Jr., and Gene Rainbolt. Two decades ago, these gentlemen formed a shared vision to create a single philanthropic organization to serve the charitable needs to rural communities across the great state of Oklahoma. Today, CFO has grown to assist hundreds of efforts in more than 45 counties.

Scholarship Opportunities

CFO offers over 100 diverse scholarship opportunities, empowering students across the state to pursue their educational goals. Each scholarship is tailored to meet unique needs, making higher education more accessible for all.

McCasland Foundation Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to graduating seniors in Stephens County who has a minimum GPA of 2.5 and demonstrates character, leadership and participation in school activities. In partnership with The McCasland Foundation.

Levine Impact Lab

The Levine Impact Lab powers equitable transformation by investing in nonprofit leadership, building community organizations’ capacities, and building their capacity to accelerate positive social and environmental change.

We combine venture-capital expertise and inspired philanthropic thinking to radically amplify the value of giving.

Levine Impact Lab Operational Support Program

The Levine Impact Lab’s Operational Support Program is an 18-month, high-engagement operational partnership designed to help environmental organizations move strategic and financial priorities forward.

At the core of the program is hands-on operational support: our team works side-by-side with your leaders to drive progress on a critical project, whether it’s strengthening your financial infrastructure, increasing earned revenue, or planning for growth.

This is a working partnership. The grant funding and peer-learning community are designed to support and accelerate your momentum.

We are the best fit for organizations that:

• Operate at the intersection of environmental impact and social enterprise
• Are past the startup phase but still in a critical growth stage
• See LIL as a thought partner in unlocking strategy, scale, and sustainability
• Show up with clear goals and a commitment to moving the work forward

More information about participation commitments here.

What is Operational Support?

To get the most out of this program, organizations must come prepared with a specific project, workstream, or organizational challenge they want to tackle over the 18 months with operational support. 

Potential Area(s) of Support: 

• Financial strategy and planning
• Fundraising, development and donor engagement strategy
• Cost structure analysis
• Program development or expansion
• Corporate partnership strategy 
• New location or geographic expansion
• RFP support/capital planning
• Strategic planning
• Board engagement

Find examples of what past cohorts have worked on here.

People

The success of this program relies on having the right organizational leaders at the table. Each organization must commit two senior staff members who are equipped to make key decisions, drive implementation, and stay closely involved throughout the 18-month engagement. These leaders must:

• Have clear decision-making authority and/or strong backing from the Executive Director or CEO
• Be directly involved in the project or challenge the organization is addressing
• Be able to commit time, energy, and focus to move the work forward

There will also be opportunities to include additional staff members in operational projects, as needed, to ensure the right voices and expertise are present. 

Who this might include: Executive Director and Finance Director, Business Development Manager and Operations Lead, or Marketing Manager and Development Director, depending on the nature of your project.

What We Offer

• Tailored 1:1 operational support and strategic advising
• A national cohort of up to 10 organizations
• Peer network of strategic thought partners
• Virtual and in-person workshops and events
• Private Slack channel
• Exclusive alumni programming
• Grant funds over two years
• Supportive peer-learning community
• Accelerated organizational growth and momentum through strategic partnership with LIL

View Program Flyer here.

Purpose:

Option 2: 0436 Innovation Carrer Pathways Planning Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant is to provide Innovation Career Pathway program resources to an Local Educational Agency who intends to seek Innovation Career Pathway designation from Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationDESE in school year 2026–2027.

Priorities

• Supporting applicants in the preparation of their Innovation Career Pathway designation application materials and preparing to implement school-wide My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP as part of the pathway development.
• Priority will be given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region and districts and schools that have not received an Innovation Career Pathway designation.

Funding- Option 2

Approximately $450,000 An Local Educational Agency LEA may submit only one application for a maximum award of $15,000 to prepare Innovation Career Pathways Designation applications. This Request for Proposal is the governing document for these grant funds. Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this Request for Proposal.

Fund Use

Funds may be used for costs associated with out-of-school time training and meeting time for team members to create the scope and sequence and implementation plan. Allowable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Stipends;
• Consultant fees;
• Supplies and materials associated with planning;
• Other costs related to creative and effective development of a scope and sequence.

Funds must be used in alignment with the purpose and priorities outlined and as described in a budget, budget narrative, and required program information that is submitted to the Department's Office of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE).

DESE Competitive Grant Submission Policy

Competitive grant applications are considered submitted when the grant application is submitted by the Superintendent or their designee through the "Local Educational Agency Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved" step in Grants for Education Management System. In order to be considered for competitive funding, applicants must submit a grant application through the Local Educational Agency Superintendent Approved stage by the due date and time listed in the Request for Proposal.

Purpose

The purpose of this competitive grant is to provide designated Innovation Career Pathways with resources to support program implementation.

Priorities

• Supporting designees in the execution of their approved designation plan such that the Innovation Career Pathway program meets all criteria requirements.
• Priority will be given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region.

Funding

This Request for ProposalRFP is the governing document for these grant funds. Schools that were approved for their first Innovation Career Pathways program in Spring 2026 for implementation in School Year 26-27 are eligible for up to $75,000. All other schools with Innovation Career Pathways, designated between 2022 and 2026, are eligible for up to $50,000.

Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this Request for Proposal.

Fund Use

Funds from the state will be used to support designated Innovation Career Pathway's adherence to the five guiding principles .

Allowable funding expenses include:

• Program administration and coordination;
• Stipends for K–12 and higher education faculty;
• Curricular development;
• Engagement with MassHire boards and industry;
• Providing work-based learning opportunities for students;
• Professional development;
• Instructional-related supplies and materials;
• High quality college and career advising and My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) development throughout the school and embedded in the pathway;
• Industry recognized credentials;
• Expenses associated with student participation in dual enrollment courses;
• Student transportation.

DESE Competitive Grant Submission Policy

Competitive grant applications are considered submitted when the grant application is submitted by the Superintendent or their designee through the "Local Educational Agency LEA Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved" step in Grants for Education Management System. In order to be considered for competitive funding, applicants must submit a grant application through the Local Educational Agency Superintendent Approved stage by the due date and time listed in the Request for Proposal.

Louis P. and Betty A. Iacona Nursing Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to students in Monroe County pursuing a career in nursing.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $12,000; divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award may be split between two recipients and is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Minimum award $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four years.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Lorraine Halsch Memorial Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to college-bound students who have overcome adversity (i.e., family tragedy, illness, etc.).

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $6,000; divided into equal annual installments paid over four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award may be split between two or three recipients and is paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. Minimum award $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four years.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

KajjecK Scholarship

To provide financial assistance to Rochester City School District students pursuing a college degree. 

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $4,000; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters. ***Offered in even years. ***

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Jacqueline Hall Minet Travel Award for Cross-Cultural Understanding

To provide financial assistance to a Brighton High School student or a Rochester City School District high school student so that he or she can participate in a travel experience that offers significant opportunities for involvement in a foreign-language culture.

Number and Size of Awards

Number of recipients and award amounts vary; maximum $2,000.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for expenses associated with travel abroad programs.

GardenScape Professional Association/Ted Burnett Memorial Scholarship

To award scholarships to residents of the Genesee-Finger Lakes region who are students of horticulture/landscaping.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $1,000; paid in one lump sum in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Harvey E. Anderson Scholarship

To be awarded to students who participate in Section V sports, have been diligent in academic and athletic endeavors, and exhibit self-motivation and extraordinary effort.

Number and Size of Awards

One award of $4,000 each to both a male and a female athlete; paid as $1,000 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Additionally, one non-renewable award of $1,000 to both a male and a female runner-up. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Kile, David O. & Marjorie B. Kile Scholarship

This scholarship is available to any Noble County resident who is at least 19 years of age with a high school diploma, or GED, in pursuit of higher education in a field of their choice. This scholarship is available to applicants planning to attend, or are currently enrolled, either full-time or part-time, in an accredited vocational school, or two-year or four-year college or university. The award is given one time, with no restriction on applying in subsequent years, for educational purposes only.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council Scholarship Fund

Awards a one time payment of $500 to a high school senior who will be accepted into a 2-year or 4-year accredited public or private institution of higher learning and is a Mayor’s Youth Advisory Council member, currently involved and having been involved for a minimum of two years, consecutively. 

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Schermerhorn, John and Mary Memorial Scholarship Fund

For a high school senior who is a Noble County resident who will graduate from Central Noble High School or East Noble High School or West Noble High School and is pursuing a career in an agriculture-related field. One-time payment of $500. 

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Slater, Jonah W. Memorial Scholarship Fund

For a resident of Noble County who is pursuing any sort of post-secondary education. Pays $500 one time for the fall.

Community Foundation of Noble County

At the Community Foundation of Noble County we are passionate about making Noble County an even better place to call home. Since 1991, area residents have been turning to the Community Foundation of Noble County to make their philanthropic giving as effective as possible, as we see it as our mission to serve as a catalyst for positive change. The Community Foundation of Noble County is a public charity 501 (c) 3 entity.

Scholarships

The Community Foundation of Noble County offers a wide range of scholarships to support local students in achieving their academic and career aspirations. 

Sneary, M.D. Max Memorial Scholarship Fund

Awards $2,500 one-time for a high school senior from Noble County to pursue a career in the medical field, with preference given to East Noble applicants.

Rochester Area Community Foundation

Rochester Area Community Foundation, in partnership with generous philanthropists and community partners, works to improve the quality of life for people who live and work in the eight-county region through its leadership and strategic grantmaking.

Our Mission: We are cultivating a thriving Greater Rochester region — powered by philanthropy, grounded in community, and sustained across generations.

Victor and Janet Salitan BOCES 2 Scholarship

Purpose of Scholarship

To provide scholarship assistance for BOCES 2 Career and Technical Education students planning to pursue post-secondary education.

Allowed Use of Award

Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.

Renewability

This scholarship is a one-time award and is not renewable.

Donor Information

This scholarship was established in 1979 to honor Victor Salitan. Victor served for 30 years as a school district attorney for several school districts and specifically for the Monroe 2-Orleans BOCES.

United Negro College Fund

“A mind is a terrible thing to waste.”®

For more than seven decades, this principle has remained at the heart of UNCF, enabling us to raise more than $5 billion and help more than 500,000 students and counting not just attend college, but thrive, graduate and become leaders.

We do this in three ways: By awarding more than 12,000 students scholarships, worth more than $65 million, each year. By providing financial support to 37 historically Black colleges and universities (HBCUs). And by serving as the nation’s leading advocate for the importance of minority education and community engagement.

MetLife Foundation Legacy Endowed Scholarship

The MetLife Foundation Legacy Endowed Scholarship Program was established by the MetLife Foundation to provide need-based scholarship support to college junior enrolled at US four-year HBCUs. Successful applicants must be currently pursuing a STEM, business, finance, or accounting degree, as a full-time student at a four-year HBCU.

Community Foundation of Monroe County

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

We award over 120 scholarships each year to Monroe County residents. Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Charles and Virginia Whitten Scholarship

For Monroe County high school seniors pursuing skilled trades.

NASA is seeking innovative proposals for Early Stage Innovations in In Situ Resource Utilization, specifically focusing on Lunar Water Purification. This initiative invites U.S. institutions of higher education to submit projects that address critical civil-space needs. Awards, anticipated to begin in June 2027, will support groundbreaking research in space technology. Collaboration among faculty is encouraged, and proposals must be submitted through the NSPIRES system.

The Early Stage Innovations (ESI26) program by NASA invites U.S. institutions of higher education to propose innovative, early-stage space technology research. Focused on technologies with low Technology Readiness Levels, the program emphasizes civil-space applications. Proposals should address specific topics, including advancements in hypersonic flows, autonomous technologies for lunar and Martian environments, and new materials for aerospace applications. Collaboration is encouraged among eligible institutions, with support from NASA's Space Technology Research Grants Program.

The Veterans Legacy Grants Program (VLGP) offers funding up to $400,000 to eligible entities for cemetery research related to Veterans’ interred in national, State, or Tribal cemeteries. It aims to create educational materials promoting community engagement and understanding of Veterans' histories. Administered by the Department of Veterans Affairs, the program provides resources for educational institutions to enhance public knowledge and appreciation of Veterans’ contributions and legacies.

MASS Timber Assembly RFP

MASS Timber Assembly is a 12-month cohort program for Massachusetts building project teams pursuing mass timber construction. Up to eight teams will be selected to receive grant funding, hands-on technical assistance, facilitated peer-to-peer learning, and workshop sessions with industry experts; all committed to sharing their experience about how to best advance individual projects and mass timber adoption more broadly.

MASS Timber Assembly is designed to:

• Advance the design and construction of mass timber projects in Massachusetts
• Build the capacity of Massachusetts-based project teams to design and construct mass timber buildings
• Generate knowledge to expand the market for mass timber in Massachusetts

Participants will receive:

• $40,000 in grant funding per project team
• A structured technical analysis of the project’s cost, construction schedule, and carbon impacts, developed collaboratively with the project team
• Dedicated 1:1 technical assistance from mass timber and embodied carbon experts
• Access to key decision makers in the mass timber supply ecosystem, including hands-on workshops and industry roundtables
• Peer-to-peer learning with seven other project teams navigating similar challenges
• In-person program sessions, including: a kickoff event, technical training from WoodWorks, a dedicated construction-management session, a mid-program industry roundtable, and a final showcase
• Shared team workspace and cohort communications tools
• A published case study in the MASS Timber Assembly project collection

Community Foundation of Monroe County

The Community Foundation of Monroe County (CFMC) builds a thriving, inclusive community through the power of philanthropy. By connecting generous donors with local causes, we help ensure Monroe County remains a place where everyone can thrive. Since our founding, we’ve been a trusted steward of community resources, fostering impactful collaborations and sustainable solutions to address challenges in education, health, poverty, and community development.

Scholarship Opportunities

We award over 120 scholarships each year to Monroe County residents. Whether you’re heading to college, pursuing a technical career, or furthering your education as an adult, there’s a scholarship for you.

Graceful Memories Memorial Endowed Scholarship

For Monroe County residents pursuing a career in medicine.

Reineman Family Scholarship

This scholarship recognizes and provides financial support to graduating high school students who participate in Hillside Work-Scholarship Connection.

Number and Size of Awards

• One award of $6,000; paid as $1,500 per year for up to four consecutive years of undergraduate study. Award paid in the Fall and divided equally between the Fall and Spring semesters.

Allowed Use of Award

• Awards may be used for tuition, fees, books, and other expenses associated with higher education.