Best Fisheries Grants in Massachusetts

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services or social problem-solving programs in Massachusetts may be eligible for support to develop or expand their work. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches to societal issues and invites letters of inquiry from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

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.

Nonprofits and NGOs using technology to tackle crisis response, education, economic empowerment, or climate resilience challenges in Massachusetts and beyond can seek up to US $100,000 for innovative, early-stage programs. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving predominantly economically underserved communities pilot or scale tech-enabled solutions with strong potential for social impact.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Massachusetts can receive funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness and recovery, community revitalization, financial literacy, and K–12 or higher education, which may benefit organizations connected to fisheries communities.

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 nonprofits and humanitarian organizations supporting health, education, or disaster relief for marginalized communities can access funding through Semnani Family Foundation. Grants may benefit programs such as healthcare access, pediatric and women’s health, literacy, social services, or humanitarian aid. Fisheries-related groups with aligned community health or social service initiatives may be eligible within this broader focus.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts seeking support for charitable, scientific, medical, or educational programs that benefit U.S. communities may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help organizations with broadly impactful, well-managed services; fisheries-related nonprofits whose work fits these categories may qualify if all funded activities occur within the U.S.

Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution provides Massachusetts fisheries, aquaculture, and coastal research programs with US $1,000 - US $5,000 in Program Development funds for small research, extension, education, and outreach projects. Massachusetts-based institutions whose work supports healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries, environmental literacy, or resilient coastal communities may be eligible for these seed grants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on fisheries, marine, and coastal conservation in Massachusetts, especially in Southeastern counties, can apply for funding to support projects or general operations. Grants from Island Foundation help Massachusetts groups advance sustainable fisheries, working waterfronts, climate resilience, environmental justice, and community-based marine and coastal resource protection.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving the Southern region with programs in nature and wildlife conservation or related environmental work can apply for project support; capital projects are excluded. Robinson Foundation supports efforts that demonstrate fiscal responsibility and create tangible, meaningful impact, which may benefit fisheries-related conservation groups connected to Massachusetts partners operating in the South.

Insperity's Corporate Contributions program emphasizes community involvement and corporate citizenship, providing philanthropic grants and event sponsorships to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations. Eligible organizations must engage Insperity employees or contribute to the communities where they operate. The program aims to support nonprofits in achieving their service goals and enhancing community welfare. Applications must be submitted 90 days prior to events, and funding requests can be made once a year.

Owners of conserved private or municipal lands in Massachusetts can receive US $5,000 - US $75,000 for on-the-ground wildlife habitat restoration and management projects. Grants from Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs help support activities like invasive control, prescribed burning, tree clearing, and aquatic habitat improvements that may benefit fisheries and other species.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding in Massachusetts can seek support for their charitable programs. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides flexible funding that may benefit fisheries-related initiatives fitting these priorities, helping organizations address environmental and community needs in a changing world.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on basic needs, youth education, workforce readiness, or domestic violence services and located within 15 miles of a TJX site may be eligible for funding. The TJX Foundation supports programs that help vulnerable families and children access food, clothing, shelter, enrichment, and safety resources.

Grants from Lawrence Foundation help Massachusetts 501(c)(3) public charities, public schools, and libraries fund environmental, human services, disaster relief, and other eligible programs. U.S.-headquartered organizations, including those working on fisheries-related environmental projects, can request unrestricted general operating or project support, with typical awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $10,000.

Massachusetts fisheries and coastal conservation nonprofits can access funding through New England Biolabs Foundation for community-based projects in coastal communities along the North Shore. Eligible projects include conserving marine biodiversity, sustaining healthy reefs and fisheries, supporting food sovereignty, and using arts or education to promote environmental protection and community inclusion; an LOI is required before a full proposal.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Academic, research, and educational institutions in Massachusetts can seek up to US $250,000 for two-year projects addressing coastal and marine issues, including fisheries and aquaculture. Grants from Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution help Massachusetts fisheries and related programs advance healthy coastal ecosystems, sustainable fisheries and aquaculture, environmental literacy, workforce development, and resilient coastal communities, with required non-federal matching funds.

Undergraduate students pursuing environmental science or fisheries-related research in Massachusetts can receive paid summer research positions and mentorship through Northeastern University’s Jill Barrett Research Award in Biology. Northeastern University supports projects at its Boston/Nahant Marine Science Center or Mills College Oakland campus, offering housing in Oakland and professional development, conference support, and presentation training.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations improving community quality of life in Massachusetts and other areas with an O’Reilly Auto Parts presence can seek project, operating, or capital support for economic stability, workforce development, health, and disaster relief programs. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation prioritizes underserved and underrepresented individuals and families, including efforts that may intersect with coastal or fisheries-dependent communities.

Massachusetts fisheries and marine research organizations can access funding through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for projects studying offshore wind impacts and related ocean science. Grants of US $50,000 - US $500,000 support work on fisheries in Southern New England lease areas, wildlife and habitat, regional transmission planning, Gulf of Maine monitoring, and communicating existing science.

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.

Massachusetts environmental and community organizations working on biodiversity conservation, habitat restoration, or greening projects in Massachusetts can access funding through the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game; awards US $20,000 - US $150,000 for on-the-ground efforts. Fisheries-related initiatives that help protect, restore, sustain, or connect local ecosystems may be eligible.

Massachusetts fisheries organizations and research partners can access funding through Mid-Atlantic Sea Grant’s American Lobster Initiative Collaborative Research program to conduct actionable science for the American lobster industry. Eligible teams must be co-led by a researcher and an industry or community representative, and may receive up to US $100,000 for collaborative projects addressing ecological, regulatory, or socio-economic fishery challenges.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those in Massachusetts, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation’s humanitarian and social services grants. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller 501(c)(3)s and qualifying foreign entities worldwide with US $5,000 - US $250,000 for poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, and related human and social services programs.