Best Grants for Nonprofit Child Care Centers in Massachusetts

Nonprofit child care centers and tax-exempt organizations in Massachusetts serving mostly low-income families can seek capital funding to develop or improve facilities, including outdoor play areas, HVAC, indoor reconfiguration, safety upgrades, accessibility, and security. Grants from MassDevelopment help cover US $200,000 - US $499,999 in rehabilitation costs for early education and out-of-school time spaces.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Nonprofit organizations, town departments, and community groups in Massachusetts serving the Brookline community can apply for Brookline Community Foundation’s Safety Net grants, with awards up to Up to US $25,000 for essential services and emergency assistance. Programs providing or expanding child care assistance and related family support may be especially relevant for nonprofit child care centers.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations, municipalities, and religious groups serving Nantucket residents can seek funding for projects improving quality of life, including affordable childcare, housing, mental health, and related services. Community Foundation for Nantucket supports practical, collaborative, and sustainable programs that address critical island needs and may benefit nonprofit child care centers expanding services or capacity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Massachusetts, especially those serving Worcester County, can apply for Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Community Grant Program; awards US $2,500 - US $25,000 for project or operating support. Child care and youth programs may be funded under basic needs, youth development, health, or economic opportunity focus areas.

Nonprofit organizations planning community or child care–related events, especially near Springdale, Arkansas or Dakota Dunes, South Dakota, can seek sponsorship funding for highly visible projects that benefit local families and communities. Tyson Foods welcomes proposals that clearly demonstrate community benefit, event visibility, and how sponsorship dollars support the organization’s primary mission and tax-deductible activities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) childcare centers seeking capital improvements can apply for up to US $100,000 to expand or enhance facilities, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Focused on child care services, Franklin Square House Foundation prioritizes economically and racially integrated centers with at least 50% subsidized slots and strong readiness to create new childcare spaces.

501(c)(3) nonprofits improving educational outcomes for children and youth can apply for Comis Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $75,000 to pilot programs or build capacity. While the foundation’s core focus areas are specified regions and some national organizations, Massachusetts child care and early learning providers may be eligible if they meet these priorities.

Focused on child and family services, nonprofits in Massachusetts that serve Lowell residents can apply for Theodore Edson Parker Foundation mini-grants to support child care and related programs. 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor, especially smaller groups aiding children and other underserved populations, may receive up to US $7,500, with quarterly reviews.

Massachusetts child care and social service nonprofits addressing essential needs in crisis, especially for marginalized communities, can access funding through the Boston Foundation’s Safety Net Grants. Eligible 501(c)(3) or fiscally sponsored organizations in Essex, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, or Suffolk counties may receive US $50,000 in two-year general operating support for services like childcare, housing, food, health, or legal assistance.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) child care and youth-serving nonprofits can access funding through the Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation for programs that strengthen economic and educational opportunities for low-income families. Support may include child care services, after-school programs, affordable housing, health access, and related community development efforts in disadvantaged communities in the U.S. and abroad.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) child-focused organizations in Massachusetts can apply for grants up to US $15,000 to support children’s health, wellness, and related services. Grants from 15 and the Mahomies Foundation help U.S. child care and youth-serving programs expand resources for early childhood development, child care services, mental health, disabilities, and child welfare initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) child care and youth-serving organizations in Massachusetts and parts of New Hampshire can seek US $15,000 - US $20,000 from the Anna B Stearns Charitable Foundation for programs benefiting women+, girls+, children, and youth. Focus areas include child care services, education, job training, youth development, and related community services that build independence and self-sufficiency.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating for at least three years and serving Cape Cod residents can seek more than US $2,500 to support child care, family services, and related community programs. Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust funds capital projects, scholarships, and programmatic or multi-year initiatives within its five community impact pillars.

501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts serving children, veterans, seniors, or people experiencing homelessness can apply for Yale Charitable Foundation’s Yale Appliance Foundation Grant, with awards up to US $10,000 for capital projects and purchases. Child care and early childhood organizations in Suffolk County that directly benefit these groups may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit and social service agencies in Massachusetts supporting Berkshire County women with cancer can access funding through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation; awards US $500 - US $1,000 for essential living and child care expenses. Grants help cover childcare, housing, utilities, transportation, food, insurance, and related costs so patients can focus on healing.

Nonprofit organizations serving the needs of children, including child care and early childhood programs in Massachusetts, can seek national partnership funding to expand their reach and scale. CAPTRUST Community Foundation provides its National Partnership Grant to local and national charities whose work aligns with its mission to support children-focused services.

Nonprofit organizations improving children’s lives through child care or child welfare services in Massachusetts may be eligible for project support. Focused on helping frontline programs for children, Thing 123 Foundation offers grants to U.S.-based charities, including international organizations based in the U.S., for mission-aligned initiatives rather than ongoing operating support.

Joseph G Markoly Foundation Inc

When Joseph Markoly originally established the foundation more than thirty years ago, its focus was on Alzheimer’s and heart disease support, funded through a number of the larger national disease-related organizations. Over time the focus has shifted to helping small to mid-size organizations in our local communities which support children and seniors in a variety of effective ways. 

Markoly Foundation was established in honor of Joseph G. Markoly, an entrepreneur and philanthropist who wanted to make a positive impact in people’s lives. Joseph’s family was affected directly by both Alzheimer’s and heart disease having lost a family member to each condition. For that reason, the foundation dedicates a majority of their resources to providing grants to organizations that focus on the treatment of each of these diseases. In addition, Markoly Foundation supports a variety of programs dedicated to helping children and seniors by providing services, supplies, programs and research in areas impacting these demographics.

Joseph G. Markoly Foundation Grant Support for Children’s Organizations

Children are the future of this world and the Markoly Foundation is proud to fund local programs dedicated to improving the lives of children and their families. From providing vision services for school kids to classes on parenting, we are proud to do our part to help fund critical community programs for families.

We are dedicated to providing funding for local nonprofit programs that improve the quality of life for all, but particularly for the children and elders in our community.

Theresa Alessandra Russo Foundation Inc

The Theresa Foundation honors the memory of Theresa Alessandra Russo by touching the lives of children with special needs and their families. The Foundation fosters each child’s unique abilities by supporting programs focusing on art, music, dance, drama, and recreation.

The Theresa Foundation has a vision of the world where artistic expression and physical recreation are just as important to adults as they are to children. We believe in a world where every child, regardless of ability or challenging conditions, is free to communicate through and participate in every art or recreational activity. A society without art is a society without soul. Art enables us to express our inner thoughts, fears, joys, and sadness.  

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program

The Theresa Foundation Grant Program is committed to providing financial support for programs in art, music, dance, drama, or recreation that are designed specifically for children with special needs in order to ensure that no one is excluded from these activities. 

We believe that every individual should have the opportunity to participate in art, music, dance, drama or recreation if they so choose. Our grant program works to provide direct funding for the success of these activities, while also promoting an environment of acceptance and inclusiveness where all can take part without judgment or fear. 

As of 2026, the Theresa Foundation has provided over $3,300,000 in grant funding for over 200 programs in 29 states throughout the country and 4 international grants. With your help we can continue to make a difference in the lives of those with special needs by providing them access to enriching experiences that would otherwise be out of reach. 

Massachusetts child care nonprofits and public sector programs can access funding for early childhood development and child care services, primarily in Norfolk and Plymouth counties. The Nord Family Foundation supports program activities and, in some cases, capital needs, especially for projects serving disadvantaged families and addressing root causes of social and economic challenges.

Nonprofits and public entities offering child care, early education, or youth programs in Greater New Bedford can seek $10,000 - $25,000 for one year of program support. Focused on healthy communities and child and youth opportunity, United Way of Greater New Bedford funds services in New Bedford and nearby Bristol and Plymouth County towns.

The Nordson Corporation Foundation Grant supports educational programs that enhance community quality of life. Focused on fostering self-sufficiency and job readiness, the Foundation values strong relationships and employee engagement. By funding diverse non-profit initiatives, it aims to ensure that all children have access to quality education and that communities thrive through enhanced educational opportunities. Currently, applications are invited only, aligning with their commitment to impactful community partnerships.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Community Grant: Operating Support Grant by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation aims to enhance the vibrancy of Worcester County by funding organizations aligned with focus areas such as Health & Wellbeing, Arts & Creativity, Youth & Families, and Basic Needs. This initiative encourages nonprofits to adopt equitable practices and engage community voices, while offering flexible funding options based on organizational budgets. The grant seeks transformative partnerships that address systemic barriers and foster community-driven solutions.

The Eastern Bank Foundation (EBF) is dedicated to empowering communities through its Neighborhood Donations initiative. By investing over $16 million in local organizations, EBF aims to support vital services and promote equity in Eastern Massachusetts, Southern New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. This program allows contributions to non-501(c)(3) organizations, reinforcing EBF's commitment to partnership and community-driven solutions, with donations typically ranging from $100 to $1,000.

The Eastern Bank Foundation offers community donations to support local needs and events in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply for donations ranging from $100 to $10,000, with an average of $3,000 to $4,000. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants can expect a decision within 60 days. Note that private foundations and organizations with certain IRS designations are ineligible.