Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits developing or preserving affordable housing can seek $50,000 to $100,000 for new construction, rehabilitation, or major repairs for low- or moderate-income residents. With a mission to expand equitable and affordable housing, Charlesbank Homes provides capital grants for Massachusetts projects that tap multiple funding sources and go beyond standard capital reserves.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on affordable housing, homelessness, or related community services can seek up to US $5,000 to support local programs. Bluestone Bank Charitable Foundation also considers economic development, health and human services, education, youth, financial literacy, and capacity-building projects that benefit low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts and other Vermont Mutual Insurance Group territories can seek funding for programs that build healthy lives and strong communities, including equitable and affordable housing, homelessness, and hunger. Vermont Mutual Insurance Group also supports education, youth development, life skills, and other community-based initiatives that enhance quality of life.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community needs, including those in Massachusetts, can receive matching donations through Regions Bank’s program. Regions Bank provides eligible U.S. nonprofits with up to US $1,000 per recent retiree in matched gifts to support housing, economic development, and community services.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing in Massachusetts can benefit from Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for full-time associates. Eligible housing, community development, and related nonprofits within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by Regions employees or recent retirees, helping deepen individual giving impact.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts seeking support for affordable housing and community development projects can apply for Washington Trust Charitable Foundation grants. Washington Trust Charitable Foundation supports equitable and affordable housing, revitalization, and related community programs in its market area, including Massachusetts, with consideration for capital needs, campaigns, and specific projects.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Massachusetts working on equitable and affordable housing, homeownership, and community development can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support neighbors, education, and workforce initiatives. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen safe, inclusive communities, expand financial capability, and create measurable, sustainable economic outcomes.

Massachusetts Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) was established in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents. HLC also distributes funding to municipalities, oversees the state-aided public housing portfolio, and supports programming for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

HLC offers programs to help prevent homelessness and to help people afford housing. It also offers housing programs and financial assistance for municipalities, local housing authorities, non-profit organizations, and developers. HLC administers programs for people seeking shelter, affordable housing and home energy assistance, as well as for developers, municipalities and others. 

Community Planning Grant Program

The Community Planning Grant Program (CP) awards funds that may be used for a variety of activities related to community planning, such as a community plan, zoning revision, or planning for housing. As planning and zoning grants, funds must support direct community engagement efforts to involve community members in the planning process and/or produce planning or zoning document(s) and/or related materials in draft, phased, or final product form.

The CP awards a maximum grant of $150,000 to single applicants. Funding over this maximum will only be considered for joint and regional applications on a case-by-case basis, at EOHLC’s discretion, based on project need, outcomes, impact, and scope of engagement plan and implementation. Applicants are encouraged to conduct due diligence to determine accurate estimates of project costs to better understand actual costs of the proposed project.

Nonprofit organizations developing or supporting housing and services for older adults in Massachusetts can apply for grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000 to fund capital, operating, and program needs. Grants from Charles H. Farnsworth Trust help Greater Boston and statewide groups expand affordable, supportive housing, community-based services, and planning or research to improve senior housing options.

Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities

The Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (HLC) was established in 2023 to create more homes and lower housing costs for Massachusetts residents. HLC also distributes funding to municipalities, oversees the state-aided public housing portfolio, and supports programming for individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

Massachusetts Rental Voucher Program (MRVP)

MRVP is a state program offering rental assistance in the form of vouchers to low-income families (similar to Section 8). The vouchers take 2 forms: tenant-based (mobile) or project-based.

Types of Vouchers and What They Cover

Like Section 8, with MRVP you can apply for a rental voucher to help you pay rent. There are 2 types of vouchers: project-based vouchers are tied to specific housing units, and mobile or tenant-based vouchers can travel with you to new locations. 

For either voucher, you will pay at least 30% of your net monthly income towards rent. Even if you are eligible for a voucher, you will be placed on a waiting list because of high demand. 

Tenant-based or Mobile Vouchers

• Use them for any housing unit that meets the standards of the state sanitary code
• The amount you can get for a mobile voucher is limited based on the your voucher size and zip code.

Project-based Vouchers

• These are tied to specific housing units
• The owner rents these units to you, and you receive voucher payments for as long as you continue to live in the unit
• Some local housing agencies maintain waiting lists

How Much You’ll Pay

With a voucher, you'll usually pay around 30% of your income toward rent. You can see the maximum rent amount a voucher will help pay toward in any city or town.

Executive Office of Economic Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Economic Development works to strengthen the state’s economy by supporting business growth, attracting investment, expanding economic opportunity, and helping communities across Massachusetts thrive.

HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP)

Competitive grant program available to all Massachusetts municipalities for a variety of horizontal infrastructure related activities to support and unlock housing.

The HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP) is a competitive grant open to municipalities for a variety of infrastructure projects associated with housing development. This grant program awards funds based on the project’s nexus with housing, transportation, infrastructure, and community development needs.

Applicants should request funding to support a complete project or complete phase(s) and must provide clear justification for the requested amount. 

Ineligible entities must apply in partnership with an eligible entity.

Executive Office of Economic Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Economic Development works to strengthen the state’s economy by supporting business growth, attracting investment, expanding economic opportunity, and helping communities across Massachusetts thrive.

MassWorks Infrastructure Program

MassWorks provides grants to communities to help them prepare for success and contribute to the long term strength and sustainability of our Commonwealth.

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program is a competitive grant program that provides the largest and most flexible source of capital funds to municipalities and other eligible public entities primarily for public infrastructure projects that support and accelerate housing production, spur private development, and create jobs throughout the Commonwealth.

Project Categories: Infrastructure Pre-Development; Infrastructure Construction; and Small Town Road Improvement

Infrastructure Pre-Development Grants

Pre-Development applications are intended to benefit the pre-development costs (design and engineering costs) of public infrastructure costs and make it feasible for municipalities and other units of local government to secure funding the execution of design documents related to publicly owned and operated infrastructure. Pre-development grants are not available to subsidize the pre-development soft costs of private developments associated with the applications.

The ROSS Rapid Response Program (RRP) by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides expedited funding to assist communities in addressing urgent social needs. This program offers one-time cost-reimbursable grants for service coordination and direct services, especially in response to emergencies like natural disasters or public health crises. By streamlining the application process, the RRP empowers local leaders to efficiently support residents in HUD-assisted housing, promoting self-sufficiency and resilience.

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP Opportunity

About RSVP

Established in 1971 and now one of the largest senior volunteer programs in the nation, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP engages people ages 55 and older in a diverse range of volunteer activities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers tutor children, help prepare simple taxes, assist victims of natural disasters, provide nutrition/food support, facilitate opioid and substance abuse education workshops, and serve in their communities in many other ways. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers choose how, where, and how often they want to serve, with commitments ranging from a few hours to a maximum of 40 hours per week. While serving, AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP volunteers improve their own lives by staying active and civically engaged. 

Funding Priorities

AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP programming is designed to meet community needs. Applicants may propose activities intended to address community needs by thoroughly explaining the unmet need and activities to be completed by volunteers to address that need. In addition, AmeriCorps is interested in programming that addresses agency priorities. AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP priorities for this funding opportunity are:

• Supporting Older Adults and Caregivers: Provide respite, support groups, system navigation, care coordination, and resources for older adults, including custodial grandparents, and caregivers.
• Helping Older Adults Re-enter the Workforce: Offer job readiness, mentoring, training, and remove barriers to employment for older adults (volunteers provide services, not seek jobs).
• Building Strong Families: Support parents in helping children succeed, mentor parents, connect families to resources, and strengthen community partnerships.
• Preventing and Mitigating Fraud and Scams: Use digital navigators and other strategies to protect older adults from financial fraud and exploitation, including emerging AI-driven scams.
• Reducing Homelessness: Develop or renovate affordable housing, assist people experiencing homelessness in finding and maintaining permanent housing, and address housing needs for vulnerable populations.
• Supporting Behavioral Health Initiatives: Improve mental health, reduce isolation, prevent substance use, provide harm reduction tools (Naloxone, fentanyl test strips), peer support, and recovery services.

Award Funding Requirements

Applicants must construct the budget in the following manner. The federal share of the budget must not exceed $75,000 plus up to $350 for every unduplicated volunteer, whether or not they serve in an outcome-based work plan. 

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

Graduate students in urban planning, policy, public administration, economics, or related fields can apply for the NCRC Fellowship for Equitable Development, which provides a US $20,000 stipend for eight months of part-time, community development project work. Massachusetts affordable housing nonprofits may participate as host organizations if located within an hour of a selected host site and apply separately as hosts.

Massachusetts nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing, hunger relief, education, or youth and family support can access funding through Wegmans Family Foundation to strengthen local communities. Grants may support housing stability, food access, youth programs, health, and economic mobility efforts that help families thrive and enrich neighborhoods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored community groups in Massachusetts working in Boston on equitable and affordable housing and related services can receive up to US $20,000 to scale ongoing programs. City of Boston’s Community Empowerment Fund prioritizes small-budget organizations serving historically marginalized neighborhoods, including Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) charitable corporations serving Greater Lawrence and the Merrimack Valley with affordable and equitable housing programs can access funding through the Abbot & Dorothy H Stevens Foundation; awards US $5,000 - US $15,000 for operating support. Additional grants may support capital projects, renovations, pilot initiatives, program expansion, and evaluation efforts.

National Association of Realtors provides Massachusetts housing and real estate associations with funding to educate REALTORS on fair housing and diversity topics. The Level 1 Fair Housing Grant offers up to US $3,000 for classes, speakers, forums, book clubs, and NAR’s At Home With Diversity and Bias Override trainings, using a reimbursement process.

Real estate associations and similar groups working on housing affordability education in Massachusetts can use this grant to host classes, forums, speakers, or stakeholder meetings on affordable housing issues. The National Association of Realtors offers Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants up to US $3,000, with one reimbursement-based award per association each calendar year.

The Level 2 Fair Housing Grant, offered by the National Association of Realtors, supports initiatives addressing fair housing issues within communities. With a maximum award of $7,500, this grant encourages associations to collaborate with local organizations to enhance outreach. Approved activities may include hosting educational symposiums, developing fair housing curricula, or creating promotional materials. This grant aims to foster inclusive communities by addressing housing opportunities and promoting awareness of fair housing rights.

Nonprofit and community-focused organizations working on equitable, affordable housing activities in Massachusetts can apply for up to US $7,500 to support broad-reaching community initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, National Association of Realtors provides funding for housing forums, consumer housing expos, or housing studies through its Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants.

Real estate associations planning comprehensive housing opportunity projects that expand affordable or equitable housing, including in Massachusetts, can apply for National Association of Realtors Level 3 Housing Opportunity Grants. Focused on scalable, partnership-based initiatives, NAR requires at least one non-REALTOR primary partner and significant REALTOR involvement; one-time events and limited-involvement studies are ineligible. Awards are up to US $15,000.

Professional and semi-professional musicians, music industry workers, or their close family members facing serious medical or mental health conditions can receive living and medical expense support in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Grants from the Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust help with rent, utilities, and other essential housing-related costs, which may interest affordable housing advocates in Massachusetts researching similar support models.

City of Boston Racial Justice Initiatives

The City aims to make sure all of us have access and support to thrive from childhood to retirement. We're focused on community impact, comprehensive policy advocacy, and systemic inequities.

Program Description 

This program seeks to build a solid foundation increasing participation in civil life for all residents, recognizing that historically underserved populations disproportionately face barriers to exercising their rights, whether at the ballot box, in housing, in accessing government services in their own language, or in navigating systems not designed with their needs in mind. 

This grant funds community organizations to build residents' knowledge of their civil rights and connect them to existing City, state, and federal resources, closing the awareness gap that leaves many residents unaware of protections and services that already exist. This grant funds education, outreach, and/or referral, not direct service delivery. Since City and State departments already provide fair housing enforcement, language access services, disability accommodations, or election administration, funded organizations will build awareness of and connect residents to those existing resources, rather than duplicating them, closing the gap between residents and the protections and services already available to them.

Funded program activities include:

Organizations may propose programming in one or more of the following eligible areas, based on their expertise and the needs of the communities they serve. Programming is not required to address every area, but proposed activities must fall under at least one eligible area.

• Civil Rights Education & Navigation: Know Your Rights workshops; referrals to and distribution of appropriate City, state, and federal civil rights resources and publicly available information, including printed and digital materials, without providing individualized legal advice or representation or creating new materials; and youth engagement programming, community forums, and leadership-development sessions.
• Voting Rights & Civic Access: Nonpartisan voter registration and education in low-turnout precincts, using existing City and state-approved voter information and multilingual materials.
• Fair Housing & Anti-Discrimination: Education regarding fair housing protections, discrimination, available resources, and pathways for reporting to the appropriate City and state agencies.
• Language Access: Community education regarding residents' ability to access government information, programs, and services in languages other than English, and connection to existing City and state language access resources.
• Disability Rights & Accessibility: Education regarding accessibility protections, reasonable accommodations, and accessible government programs and services, and connection to existing City and state disability resources.