Best Grants for 501(c)(3) in Massachusetts

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Red Sox Foundation provides programmatic grants to support non-profits focused on health, education, and recreation in New England. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000, with larger requests by invitation only. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and can only apply once per year. The foundation emphasizes its commitment to making a positive impact in the community, although it cannot support every request due to the volume of applications.

Title II, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides supplemental resources to school districts to improve high quality systems of support for excellent teaching and leading.Strategic Objectives: 

DESE partners with districts, schools, and programs to:

• Strategic Objective 1 — "Whole Student" : Cultivate systems to support the whole student and foster joyful, healthy, and supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn. 
• Strategic Objective 2 — "Deeper Learning" : Promote deeper learning so that all students engage in grade-level work that is real-world, relevant, and interactive. 
• Strategic Objective 3 — "Diverse and Effective Workforce" : Develop and sustain a workforce that is diverse, culturally responsive, well-prepared, and committed to continuous improvement, so that all students have equitable access to effective educators. 

• Increase student achievement consistent with challenging State academic standards;
• Improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders;
• Increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and
• Provide low-income and minority students equitable access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders.

Navigant Credit Union 

Navigant Credit Union is the longest-operating, member-owned credit union in Rhode Island. Since its founding in 1915, Navigant Credit Union has been dedicated to providing its members with unparalleled financial products and services, while working every day to stay committed to the financial well-being of the families, businesses and communities we serve. 

Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation Grant

For over a century, Navigant Credit Union has been committed to making a meaningful difference in the community. In 2017, we established the Navigant Credit Union Charitable Foundation to further amplify our impact in five strategic areas:

• Education & Financial Literacy: Organizational and capital support for programs, supplies, building products, sports facilities and teams.
• Social Services: Financial support for programs and organizations for children, veterans, hunger and housing.
• Public Health, Safety & Well-Being: Support for programs addressing public safety, emergency care and eradication of disease.

The Carolyn L. Kuckein Student Research Fellowship, awarded by Alpha Omega Alpha Honor Medical Society, supports first and second-year medical students conducting research over 2 to 12 months. With a total funding of $7,000, students can receive reimbursement for travel expenses up to $1,000 for presenting their findings at national conferences. Eligibility requires enrollment in schools with active AΩA chapters, while those taking a year off for research or holding a PhD are ineligible.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in Massachusetts to support charitable purposes aligned with its mission. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits, government entities, and state-recognized organizations, while ineligible parties include labor organizations and individuals. The Foundation funds educational programs related to firearms safety and marksmanship, promoting responsible shooting sports and hunting safety. Grant requests must adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring support for activities that foster public well-being and community engagement.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Early College Support Grant - Programs in Year 3 and Beyond of Designation

The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide resources that support Designated Early College programs in their ongoing efforts to reimagine the high school experience, ensuring that all students are meaningfully engaged and prepared for post-secondary success. The funds allocated through this grant are intended to assist both the Designated Secondary School and its partnering Institution(s) of Higher Education (IHEs) in the continued development, implementation, and sustainment of their Early College initiatives.

Programs in Year 3 and Beyond of Designation is for high schools in their third year of their first Designation or beyond.

Targeted state funds are intended to support Designated Early College programs in building and sustaining capacity in an equitable and effective manner.

Early Literacy Consortium Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund the development, launch, and continuation of partnerships between eligible sponsoring organizations and PK–12 districts to promote improved teacher preparation and development in evidence-based early literacy instruction and improved early literacy outcomes for PK–3 students. All students deserve access to high quality instruction, and it will take collaborative and innovative efforts on the part of both districts and educator preparation programs to ensure that PK–3 educators have the pre-service training as well as the ongoing professional development needed to well-serve Massachusetts students. The goal of this grant program is for both districts and sponsoring organizations to benefit from collaboration through multi-year consortia developed to impact early literacy teaching and learning through preparation of candidates and ultimately hiring and employment of effective Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities PK–2/PK–8 teachers.

Priorities

DESE seeks to award Early Literacy Consortium grants to entities that:

• Are committed to prioritizing literacy equity and excellence, and want to collaborate with districts and sponsoring organizations in their region to make this a reality
• Demonstrate favorable conditions and the resources, including time and commitment, necessary to make and sustain meaningful partnerships that have the potential to improve student outcomes in early literacy
• Bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to the activities articulated in the grant proposal, including but not limited to classroom educators, PK–12 administrators, higher education faculty and leadership, program supervisors, teacher candidates, and students where appropriate
• Are actively investing in equity, inclusion, and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices for all learners

Competitive priority will be given to:

• Partnerships established in FY23, FY24, FY25, or FY26 that have a proven track record with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE of working towards the grant’s priorities and goals and can provide positive evidence of impact
• Partnerships that include districts that have implemented or will be implementing high quality instructional materials for early literacy instruction
• Limited to early literacy curricular materials that meet the Department’s definition of high quality as defined by Curriculum Ratings by Teachers CURATE at the time of application.
  • Additionally, if the district’s core instructional materials do not include a foundational skills component but does meet the criterion listed above, evidence-based foundational skills curricular materials must be in use as well.
• Partnerships that include districts with systems and structures in place to run a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) for early literacy in grades PK-3.
• Partnerships that include districts and schools in chronically underperforming status and the Strategic Transformation Region
• Partnerships whose mission and strategic plan includes intentional, targeted actions to diversify the teacher workforce
• Partnerships that leverage the Professional Standards for Teaching and 2024 Model Teacher Evaluation Rubric to promote culturally and linguistically sustaining instructional practices
• Partnerships whose action plan explicitly addresses training and support for program supervisors and/or supervising practitioners responsible for overseeing Elementary, Early Childhood, or Moderate Disabilities teacher candidate’s field-based experiences

Category 1 — Districts or Sponsoring Organizations in the Visioning Stage of Launching a Consortium

Applicants in this category are at the very beginning stages of planning and have not firmly established multiple partnerships.

The MA Conservation Partnership Grant supports non-profit organizations in acquiring land for conservation or recreational use. It offers funding for projects that involve land acquisition or due diligence on donated land. The program, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs, aims to enhance public access to natural resources and address climate change through sustainable land management practices. This initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve the Commonwealth's natural heritage for future generations.

Early Literacy Consortium Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund the development, launch, and continuation of partnerships between eligible sponsoring organizations and PK–12 districts to promote improved teacher preparation and development in evidence-based early literacy instruction and improved early literacy outcomes for PK–3 students. All students deserve access to high quality instruction, and it will take collaborative and innovative efforts on the part of both districts and educator preparation programs to ensure that PK–3 educators have the pre-service training as well as the ongoing professional development needed to well-serve Massachusetts students. The goal of this grant program is for both districts and sponsoring organizations to benefit from collaboration through multi-year consortia developed to impact early literacy teaching and learning through preparation of candidates and ultimately hiring and employment of effective Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities PK–2/PK–8 teachers.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) seeks to award Early Literacy Consortium grants to entities that:

Are committed to prioritizing literacy equity and excellence, and want to collaborate with districts and sponsoring organizations in their region to make this a reality

Demonstrate favorable conditions and the resources, including time and commitment, necessary to make and sustain meaningful partnerships that have the potential to improve student outcomes in early literacy

Bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to the activities articulated in the grant proposal, including but not limited to classroom educators, PK–12 administrators, higher education faculty and leadership, program supervisors, teacher candidates, and students where appropriate

Are actively investing in equity, inclusion, and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices for all learners

Category 2 — Newly Established Consortia in the Planning Stage of Launching Early Literacy Programming

Applicants in this category have an established partnership with multiple sponsoring organizations and public school districts (four or more organizations in total) in their region and are designing and planning to implement programming that will advance effective early literacy instruction.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

Early Literacy Consortium Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund the development, launch, and continuation of partnerships between eligible sponsoring organizations and PK–12 districts to promote improved teacher preparation and development in evidence-based early literacy instruction and improved early literacy outcomes for PK–3 students. All students deserve access to high quality instruction, and it will take collaborative and innovative efforts on the part of both districts and educator preparation programs to ensure that PK–3 educators have the pre-service training as well as the ongoing professional development needed to well-serve Massachusetts students. The goal of this grant program is for both districts and sponsoring organizations to benefit from collaboration through multi-year consortia developed to impact early literacy teaching and learning through preparation of candidates and ultimately hiring and employment of effective Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities PK–2/PK–8 teachers.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) seeks to award Early Literacy Consortium grants to entities that:

Are committed to prioritizing literacy equity and excellence, and want to collaborate with districts and sponsoring organizations in their region to make this a reality

Demonstrate favorable conditions and the resources, including time and commitment, necessary to make and sustain meaningful partnerships that have the potential to improve student outcomes in early literacy

Bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to the activities articulated in the grant proposal, including but not limited to classroom educators, PK–12 administrators, higher education faculty and leadership, program supervisors, teacher candidates, and students where appropriate

Are actively investing in equity, inclusion, and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices for all learners

Category 3 — Established Consortia Implementing Early Literacy Programming

Applicants in this category represent an established partnership with multiple sponsoring organizations and school districts with a clear, strategic plan for the consortium’s work.

The Bernard and Carolyn Torraco Memorial Nursing Scholarships, funded by the UNICO Foundation, offer $2,500 scholarships to students pursuing accredited nursing programs in the United States. These scholarships support nursing students of all ethnicities who demonstrate financial need and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens and enrolled in a campus-based program, with a focus on continuing their studies within the academic year 2025-2026.

The Municipal Road Safety Grant (MA) provides funding for police departments in Massachusetts to enhance traffic safety initiatives. It encourages flexibility in implementing strategies beyond traditional enforcement, including community outreach and specialized training. Grants are tiered based on population size, offering up to $65,000 for larger municipalities. The program aims to reduce roadway crashes, injuries, and fatalities by supporting innovative traffic safety programs and fostering positive community-police interactions.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The HKS Center for Public Leadership's Equity Fellowship aims to empower diverse, talented students committed to promoting equity within society. This fellowship offers financial support for a master's degree at Harvard Kennedy School, along with a comprehensive leadership development program. Recipients will connect with exceptional peers and mentors, focusing on enhancing their impact in communities, particularly among marginalized populations. The fellowship encourages applications from individuals with a demonstrated commitment to addressing disparities across various sectors.

The David M. Rubenstein Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports first-year joint-degree students from HKS and Harvard Business School, fostering leaders equipped to tackle global challenges. This fellowship offers financial aid, a comprehensive leadership development program, and a network of exceptional peers and mentors. Candidates are evaluated based on their commitment to public service and leadership potential. Since its inception in 2008, it has aimed to enhance the intersection of business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

Early College Support Grant

The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide resources that support Designated Early College programs in their ongoing efforts to reimagine the high school experience, ensuring that all students are meaningfully engaged and prepared for post-secondary success. The funds allocated through this grant are intended to assist both the Designated Secondary School and its partnering Institution(s) of Higher Education (IHEs) in the continued development, implementation, and sustainment of their Early College initiatives.

Programs in Years 1 and 2 of Designation

Programs in Years 1 and 2 of Designation is for high schools in their first or second year of Designation.

Targeted state funds are intended to support Designated Early College programs in building and sustaining capacity in an equitable and effective manner.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Special Education, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for U.S. students pursuing degrees in Special Education. Eligible candidates must have a minimum GPA of 3.0 and plan to continue their studies into the 2026-2027 academic year. This scholarship supports students with various disabilities, ensuring that education is accessible and equitable for all.

The Dogs for Joy Grant, funded by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, supports the integration of trained facility dogs in pediatric hospitals. These dogs provide emotional support, help children cope with medical procedures, and enhance overall well-being. The program aims to increase the presence of in-residence dogs, as research highlights their positive impact on reducing anxiety and improving patient outcomes. Grants typically cover multi-year funding, promoting innovative animal-assisted therapy approaches in healthcare settings.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Transition to College grant program (Transition Program) is to provide a foundation of services, free of charge, within Massachusetts colleges that enable adult learners to enroll, persist, and complete postsecondary education.

Self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal of Transition Program services. To that end, applicants may propose Transition to College services and College Support Services as described below.

Priorities:

The following priorities have been established for Transition to College Services:

• establish two or more Memoranda of Agreement with DESE-funded Community Adult Learning Centers (CALCs) or Correctional Institutions (see Appendix A in FY 2024 – FY 2026 Massachusetts Policies for Effective Transition to College Programs);
• enroll and retain at least one cohort of 15 adults, prioritizing students previously enrolled in DESE-funded CALCs or Correctional Institutions for a program design lasting one academic year;
• incorporate at least one cohort strategy (e.g., students' enrollment in a common course, ongoing group advising);
• fully integrate students into the college;
• provide academic instruction, including a College for Success course, and intensive advising;
• offer a program design that focuses on providing students in-person or hybrid classes and on-campus experiences;
• offer at least two credit-bearing courses (3 credits per course);
• provide access to additional credit-bearing courses (priority funding will be given to proposals that propose high numbers of credit-bearing courses above the required minimum).

The College Support Services program is an optional service offering intended for colleges interested in providing services to Transition students after one academic year. It is DESE's expectation that these students have achieved some level of self-sufficiency and would not need the same level of intensive advising they had in their first academic year. Applicants will need to describe the need for continued services and how they will provide a gradual release of responsibility in order for students to achieve full self-sufficiency.

The following priorities have been established for College Support Services:

• propose a number of Transition students to serve and retain;
• propose a period of time to serve these students (maximum of two semesters or one academic year);
• propose advising and other services to build on the self-management competencies students acquired in the first academic year such as ongoing advising that will move students to self-sufficiency.
• provide additional services such as access to credit-bearing courses and facilitating students' transition to four-year colleges.

Funding:

Approximately $3,500,000 is available. See the grant ranges below.

Transitions to College grants:

• One cohort of 15 students: up to $140,000
• Two cohorts of 15 students: $162,000 – $175,000

College Support Services: up to $50,000 (optional)

Fund Use:

Funds must be used in accordance with the FY 2024 – 2026 Massachusetts Policies for Effective Transition to College Programs. Programs should adhere to the community college's policies around student eligibility when determining the eligibility of prospective students.

Administrative costs may not exceed 5% of the total grant award.

Applicants may include indirect cost rates to recover certain business-related expenses necessary to support the proposed services. Please note that indirect costs count as administrative costs.

• Local Education Agencies (LEA) may apply the district rate .
• A non-LEA must reapply to DESE for an FY27 indirect costs rate (2 CFR 200.332v).