Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

MassDEP Commercial Refrigeration Grant

This program provides financial incentives for retail food businesses, food banks, and nonprofit organizations to install more climate-friendly commercial refrigeration equipment.

Through its Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, MassDEP is providing financial incentives for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state.

MassDEP will pay your grant funds on a reimbursement basis after you submit invoices and required documentation.

Eligible Projects

Program funding to support projects for ultra-low-GWP systems is available for new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions in Massachusetts that plan to install refrigeration systems that contain ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerants. Eligible costs for ultra-low-GWP systems include the cost of the refrigeration equipment and its installation.

Eligible Project Types: Type I – New Facilities; Type II – Existing Facilities

Type II – Existing Facilities

Installation of ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerant systems

• Full system conversion
• Partial system conversion

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

MassDEP Commercial Refrigeration Grant

This program provides financial incentives for retail food businesses, food banks, and nonprofit organizations to install more climate-friendly commercial refrigeration equipment.

Through its Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, MassDEP is providing financial incentives for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state.

MassDEP will pay your grant funds on a reimbursement basis after you submit invoices and required documentation.

Eligible Projects

Program funding to support projects for ultra-low-GWP systems is available for new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions in Massachusetts that plan to install refrigeration systems that contain ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerants. Eligible costs for ultra-low-GWP systems include the cost of the refrigeration equipment and its installation.

Eligible Project Types: Type I – New Facilities; Type II – Existing Facilities

Type I – New Facilities

Installation of ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerant systems

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Mergers and Shared Services Fund

Organizations seek out mergers and shared services for many different reasons. We believe mergers and shared services are strategic tools for organizations to achieve mission fulfillment. This funding opportunity is intended for organizations who are exploring these opportunities as a tool for strength, expansion, and/or increased community benefit.

This fund will support nonprofits in various stages of exploration or implementation and anticipates funding discrete portions of the work based on where an organization is. We recognize there is a large continuum of strategic partnership opportunities, however, this fund is solely focused on shared services for small nonprofits and organizational restructuring. 

Requests are accepted for consideration year round.

Focused on professional development and networking, OTS invites Massachusetts diversity, equity, and inclusion nonprofits and other oligonucleotide researchers to apply for its Local Delivery Grants. Eligible applicants are current Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society members organizing grassroots meetings that share knowledge, support junior scientists, and promote diverse participation in oligonucleotide therapeutics research.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts that support underserved youth ages 6–21 with education, youth development, arts, or enrichment programs can seek program or general operating support. With a mission to foster intellectual, personal, and artistic growth, William E Schrafft & Bertha E Schrafft Charitable Trust prioritizes small to medium community-based groups in Boston and New Bedford, including those advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit organizations running experiential, after-school, or alternative education programs in Massachusetts can apply for Island Foundation’s Alternative Education Grants to support youth-focused initiatives. Funding can cover general operations or projects that connect young people to the natural world, promote community service, honor diverse learning styles, and expand access and opportunity for at-risk youth, including DEI-oriented efforts.

Massachusetts nonprofits, schools, tribal governments, and public agencies presenting touring performing arts can access funding through New England Foundation for the Arts’ NEST program, with awards up to US $15,000 toward artist fees. Eligible New England presenters, including those serving BIPOC or rural communities, may support performances, readings, screenings, and community engagement with regional, national, or international artists.

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

With a mission to expand educational achievement and employability, State Street Foundation provides Massachusetts nonprofits and accredited schools with general operating support. Organizations in counties where State Street operates that advance educational access, college success, workforce readiness, and racial equity in economic opportunity may be eligible, starting with an Expression of Interest.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on community development, education, human services, health, cultural programs, or diversity initiatives can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation grants. Eligible organizations must be physically located where the company has a business interest, such as Norfolk County, and may support local residents’ broad community needs.

Massachusetts nonprofits focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion in coastal North Shore communities can access funding through New England Biolabs Foundation for community-based environmental and cultural projects. Eligible efforts may include environmental education, arts-based initiatives, and civic engagement that promote environmental protection and foster community diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers that present touring shows or artists can receive funding to help cover touring artist or show fees. Grants from Mass Cultural Council help eligible venues increase their buying power when competing with resort-style casinos, supporting community access to diverse, high-quality live performances across Massachusetts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes can seek support for hunger relief, shelter, housing stability, economic development, and adult self-sufficiency programs. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with funding that prioritizes strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes, with preference for key employee center communities like Boston.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We are committed to helping young people develop the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in school to lay the foundation for satisfying and productive lives. Our education partners deliver high quality academic and college preparatory programming with a demonstrated ability to graduate students who then succeed in higher education and careers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations in Massachusetts and other Appalachian states can apply for up to US $100,000 to acquire conservation land or easements and related project costs. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy supports projects that enhance environmental resilience, connectivity, and community benefits, including for historically marginalized communities.

Massachusetts environmental nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and civic groups with projects in Berkshire County focused on water quality and related land issues may be eligible for this funding. Berkshire County organizations can access funding through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Berkshire Environmental Endowment Fund, which supports freshwater and land conservation; applicants must provide a 1:1 cash or in-kind match.

Nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship that support child and family well-being and vibrant, inclusive communities in Massachusetts, especially Martha’s Vineyard, may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Couch Family Foundation help strengthen early childhood development, family services, and community initiatives that promote diversity, equity, and inclusion in these cherished communities.

Nonprofit organizations serving people in Western Massachusetts with programs in affordable housing, workforce development, education, family services, food security, health, homelessness, seniors, or veterans can apply for the MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund. Eligible agencies must operate where MGM Resorts employees live and work and comply with the funder’s diversity and inclusion policies.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Facing Change: Sustainable Pathways Grant Program

Facing Change: Sustainable Pathways is a new grant program focused on sustainability, capacity and resiliency for smaller nonprofit organizations in Worcester and across the county. Through a grant from the City of Worcester, this two-year grant program will provide multi-year funding for nonprofits in Worcester, with limited additional funding available for eligible nonprofits in other parts of Worcester County. 

The focus of this grant program is on supporting pathways to sustainability for smaller nonprofit organizations. The program includes both unrestricted funding and facilitated peer cohorts.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We have a special interest in building effective pathways to economic independence in New Bedford through education, entrepreneurship and economic development. Our New Bedford partners leverage the strengths of the region (its people, culture, history, agriculture, fishing and seacoast resources) to provide pathways to life success for youth and young adults.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We value introducing all young people to high quality arts to develop their own skills as well as a passion for the arts. Our arts and culture partners offer direct instruction in the visual and performing arts as well as meaningful exposure to a wide range of arts disciplines.

We believe that nurturing the personal and interpersonal development of young people sets them up to thrive in adulthood. Our youth development partners provide developmental, mentoring, skill-building, and recreational opportunities during out of school hours (after-school, evenings, weekends and summers).

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts that are designated Long Term Care Ombudsman programs can apply for the City of Boston’s Older Americans Act Long-Term Care Ombudsman Grant Program to deliver ombudsman services. Funding supports protecting residents’ rights, resolving nursing and rest home complaints, and advocating for institutionalized older adults in Boston’s long-term care facilities.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Worcester County Weatherization Assistance Grant Program

National Grid has partnered with Greater Worcester Community Foundation – through our Worcester County Green Fund – to support nonprofit organizations that help households reduce their winter and year-round energy costs. As a Sponsor of the Mass Save Programs, National Grid offers qualifying income-eligible households a variety of no-cost upgrades, including comprehensive home energy assessments, insulation and air-sealing upgrades. For residents living in single family (1-4 unit) homes:

• Low-income customers are defined as those earning up to 60% of state median income (“SMI”)
• Moderate-income customers are defined as those earning 61% SMI up to either 80% area median income (“AMI”) or 80% SMI (whichever is greater)

This funding is available to Worcester County nonprofit organizations that already do this type of home energy improvement work themselves, or sub-contract vendors to do this type of work as part of their existing service mix. The goal of this funding is to supplement existing National Grid programs and enable weatherization assistance.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We value introducing all young people to high quality arts to develop their own skills as well as a passion for the arts. Our arts and culture partners offer direct instruction in the visual and performing arts as well as meaningful exposure to a wide range of arts disciplines.

Essex County Community Foundation

Since 1998, Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) has proudly served the 34 unique cities and towns of Essex County. What started as an organization solely dedicated to strengthening our region’s nonprofits, has evolved – along with our communities – to an innovative and deeply connected Foundation inspiring system based social change.

Essex County Community Foundation inspires philanthropy that strengthens the communities of Essex County by managing charitable assets, strengthening and supporting nonprofits, and engaging in strategic community leadership initiatives. Our ultimate goal is to improve the quality of life in the 34 towns and cities of Essex County.

• We help donors of all sizes elevate their giving by managing charitable assets, sharing our local expertise and providing philanthropic guidance and education.
• Essex County’s 4000+ nonprofit organizations are doing smart, innovative work. We support their critical efforts with education, resources and funding.
• To solve our region’s most complex social issues, we invest and engage in community leadership initiatives driven by our Systems Philanthropy approach to change.

Essex County Veterans Fund 

The Essex County Veterans Fund aims to build community and increase access to critical support services for the 30,000 veterans that call Essex County home. Through grant-making and capacity-building, the initiative will leverage collective funding to make a significant difference in the quality of life for these local heroes and their families.

Our investments will be focused on multiple areas across two different rounds of grantmaking in 2026: Honoring Our Veterans and Serving Those Who Served Us. 

Grant Round 2 - Serving Those Who Served Us

Focus Areas

• Health and Wellness – strengthening the capacity of organizations to effectively provide mental health, disability, and other health services to veterans with diverse experiences and needs.

• Basic Needs and Economic Opportunity – increased access to food, clothing, supplies, and housing; career counseling and workforce training.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting underserved youth ages 6–21 through education, arts, or youth development programs can apply for the William E Schrafft & Bertha E Schrafft Charitable Trust’s program or general operating grants. Organizations in Boston and New Bedford with strong diversity, equity, and inclusion practices and measurable outcomes may be especially competitive.