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.

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 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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborative efforts addressing significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits working on fisheries-related initiatives may be eligible if they demonstrate exemplary, model partnerships with public, private, or social sector leaders.

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.

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 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.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, environmental, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment projects that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites organizations located within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to apply; fisheries-related community or education efforts may be eligible.

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.