Best Diversity Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Educational institutions, government programs, and qualifying 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts can seek funding for safety, education, and community development projects that build stronger, better-prepared communities. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help organizations improve auto and home safety, expand affordable housing and job training, and strengthen education, which may benefit diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on diversity, equity and inclusion, community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, or sports sponsorships can seek support to strengthen local communities. Bank of America Foundation supports programs that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and shelter, and advance economic and social mobility through its regional U.S. sponsorships.

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.

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.

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.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

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.