Best Water Grants in Massachusetts

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.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based charities to apply during its March and September review cycles.

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.

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.

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.  

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.

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.

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.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports organizations aligned with its mission that have not received TJX funding in the past 12 months.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and arts access. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with grants that prioritize strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes.

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 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.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.