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

MassDOT seeks to expand mobility for older adults and people with disabilities across the Commonwealth through filling gaps in the transportation network, complementing – not duplicating – existing services, and supporting coordinated models of transportation. Through this cycle, MassDOT will be awarding accessible vehicles. 

The Island Foundation offers Alternative Education Grants aimed at supporting experiential education programs, after-school initiatives, and alternative education schools. Established in 1979, the Foundation emphasizes unconventional approaches that connect youth with their environment, promote community service, and embrace diverse learning styles. They prioritize funding for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, with a focus on maritime trades and programs benefitting at-risk youth.

The Arts Fund Grants provide vital support for emerging artists from Australia and the USA, facilitating their artistic development through grants of up to $5,000. This funding can be used for travel, living expenses, tuition, and other related costs. Eligible applicants must be citizens or permanent residents of either country and have a formal offer from an accredited institution. The program emphasizes merit-based opportunities across various artistic fields, fostering international collaboration and cultural exchange.

The Nationwide Fishing Trap Removal, Assessment, and Prevention (TRAP) Program aims to eliminate derelict fishing traps nationwide. Focused on collaboration, it emphasizes standardized data collection, quantifying impacts, and comprehensive data sharing. With an annual budget of up to $1,475,000, the program supports 6 to 15 projects, providing grants ranging from $50,000 to $200,000 for 18-month initiatives. This effort significantly enhances marine resource conservation by reducing bycatch mortality and removing abandoned traps.

The Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) is a state-funded 50% reimbursable matching grant program established in 1984 to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites (cultural resources) listed in the State Register of Historic Places. By providing assistance to historic cultural resources owned by nonprofit or municipal entities, the Massachusetts Historical Commission hopes to ensure their continued use and integrity. 

The Community Facilities Grant Program in Massachusetts provides essential funding for developing community facilities in rural areas. This program supports public bodies, non-profits, and federally recognized tribes in purchasing, constructing, or improving vital services such as healthcare, education, and public safety. Eligible areas are rural communities with populations under 20,000, aiming to enhance quality of life through accessible facilities and services. Funding is available year-round, emphasizing support for low-income communities.

The Grants-In-Aid of Undergraduate Research provides funding for Harvard College undergraduates conducting faculty-supervised research. Supported by the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University Herbaria, and the Arnold Arboretum, this initiative encourages projects in plant biology and related fields. Eligible applicants can receive stipends for on-campus and field research, with a focus on projects utilizing Harvard's research collections. This program aims to enhance undergraduate research experiences and support senior honors theses.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Massachusetts aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. These grants prioritize projects that benefit rural areas and offer funding without a maximum limit, although smaller requests are favored. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as business planning, training, and community development, fostering economic growth in underserved regions.

The Small Business Transportation Technical Assistance Center (Region 1) is funded by the U.S. Department of Transportation to provide critical support for small businesses in the transportation sector. This initiative, under NOFO Number OST/OSDBU-2026-SBTTAC-Region 1-FY2026-1, aims to establish a center that offers technical assistance and resources for small and disadvantaged businesses, ensuring their growth and success in the transportation industry.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

Title III of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides supplemental resources to local school districts to help ensure that English learners (ELs) and immigrant children and youth attain English proficiency and develop high levels of academic achievement in English, assist teachers and administrators to enhance their capacity to provide effective instructional programs designed to prepare ELs and immigrant children and youth to enter all-English instructional settings, and promote parental, family, and community participation in language instruction programs for parents, families, and communities.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. 

Priorities: 

• Increase the English language proficiency of ELs by providing effective language instruction programs that meet the needs of ELs and increase student academic achievement
• Provide effective professional development designed to improve the instruction and assessment of ELs, to enhance the ability of teachers and school leaders to understand and implement curricula and assessment practices and measures, and to increase children's English language proficiency or substantially increase the subject matter knowledge, teaching knowledge, and teaching skills of teachers
• Provide and implement other effective activities and strategies that enhance or supplement language instruction programs for ELs which shall include parent, family, and community engagement activities

Small Business Technical Assistance Grant Program

The Small Business Technical Assistance (SBTA) Grant Program supports Massachusetts-based nonprofit organizations that provide technical assistance and business support services to small and microbusinesses. Eligible applicants include certified Community Development Corporations (CDCs), certified Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs), and other nonprofit organizations with established community-focused small business assistance programs.

The program is designed to help nonprofits deliver services that strengthen businesses with:

• Fewer than 20 employees, and
• Annual revenues of no more than $2.5 million.

For FY27, grants of up to $150,000 are available to support programming that promotes business growth, stability, job creation, and local economic development. Program goals include:

• Expand the availability and quality of technical assistance for small and microbusinesses.
• Build organizational capacity among nonprofit providers serving small businesses.
• Increase equitable access to capital, guidance, and business resources.
• Strengthen local and regional small business ecosystems across Massachusetts.

The Gleitsman Leadership Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School empowers emerging social activists with financial support for their master's program, alongside a co-curricular program enhancing leadership skills. Fellows are selected based on their potential to create transformative social impact and are provided with mentorship and a network to facilitate community engagement. This fellowship embodies HKS's mission to cultivate principled public leadership and bridge theory with practice in various sectors.

Farm Readiness Grant Program

The Farm Readiness Grant Program provides reimbursement funding for installation-ready capital improvements that help Massachusetts farms maintain and modernize core infrastructure within their existing footprint. The program supports the purchase and installation of durable equipment and systems that improve operational reliability, food production and handling capacity, resource efficiency, environmental performance, and overall farm readiness. This accelerated funding opportunity is designed for farms that are prepared to move forward immediately with commercially available projects that address deferred or time-sensitive needs and can be completed on a short timeline.

Projects funded through this program must:

• Be installation-ready and commercially available at the time of application
• Result in the purchase, replacement, or upgrade of a durable capital asset
• Be located within the existing farm footprint (no new construction)
• Not require permitting
• Be able to be purchased, installed, and fully completed by June 30, 2026
• Be paid for in full by the applicant prior to reimbursement
• Support active commercial agricultural production in Massachusetts
• Deliver a clear, near-term operational improvement once installed

What you can get

• Maximum award: $50,000 per farm
• Reimbursement grant
• Minimum cash match: 20%
• One application per agricultural operation

The Battlefield Preservation Fund Grant aims to support initiatives that preserve battlefields and related historic sites. This funding encourages planning and educational efforts, particularly those that engage new audiences in preservation activities. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofits in specified states. Grants can be used for staff support, consultant fees, and educational materials. Applicants must provide a one-to-one match for funding, ensuring strong community involvement in preservation efforts.

The Red Sox Foundation offers event sponsorship opportunities to support community initiatives in New England and Lee County, FL. Sponsorships range from $1,000 to $10,000, with a focus on health, education, and recreation. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the Foundation's mission to enhance the lives of children, families, and veterans. Applications for sponsorships over $10,000 are by invitation only, fostering impactful community partnerships.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Agricultural Composting Improvement Grant Program (ACIP) aims to enhance agricultural composting operations by providing funding for equipment and facility upgrades. Eligible projects can receive up to 75% of total costs, capped at $75,000. This initiative supports sustainable practices in farming by improving compost management and facilitating on-farm compost use. Interested applicants should refer to the Climate Smart Agriculture Program for application details.

The Atlantic Flyway Shorebird Initiative Grant supports crucial conservation efforts for shorebirds during their migration along the Atlantic Flyway. This initiative addresses threats such as human disturbance, habitat loss, and hunting in critical areas from the U.S. Atlantic coast to the Caribbean and South America. By promoting coordinated research and management, the initiative aims to ensure the survival of species like the American oystercatcher and red knot, fostering healthy migratory pathways.

The Partners for Places Jobs and Inclusive Infrastructure Initiative Grants aim to support communities by leveraging infrastructure funds to create equitable projects that benefit underserved areas. This pilot program will provide funding for local workers through career training and inclusive economic practices. With grants ranging from $45,000 to $120,000, the initiative focuses on enhancing human infrastructure, fostering collaboration among key partners, and ensuring that frontline communities directly benefit from project implementations.

The External Collaborative Research Grants by Boehringer Ingelheim support academic and clinical scientists in proposing research studies. These grants facilitate collaboration with Boehringer Ingelheim, which may provide intellectual and financial support. Applicants must assume full responsibility for their research while complying with regulatory standards. The funding should cover research costs, excluding salary support for the collaborative partner. Interested investigators must apply online for consideration.

The New England Dance Fund Grant supports choreographers in New England by offering $500 to $1,000 for opportunities that advance their careers. This grant prioritizes diversity in artistic expression across various backgrounds and disciplines. Eligible applicants must maintain a Creative Ground profile and reside in one of the six New England states. The fund aims to empower artists through diverse opportunities such as residencies, workshops, and mentorships, fostering growth in the regional dance landscape.

The MBF IOLTA Grants Program, managed by the Massachusetts Bar Foundation, provides crucial funding to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts. Annually, it awards about 100 grants to support programs that deliver civil legal services to low-income individuals or enhance the justice system. These grants address a variety of legal issues, including domestic violence, housing, and discrimination, ensuring that vulnerable populations receive the necessary assistance to navigate legal challenges.

FY2027: Afterschool & Out-of-School Time Subgrant (ASOST-S)

The purpose of this federal and state competitive grant is to fund several regional or statewide non-profit entities with the ability to subgrant and provide wraparound support to afterschool and out-of-school time (ASOST) programs. The overall goal of the grant is provide subgrants and support to Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST programs, which will strengthen the quality of and increase access to learning and enrichment programming that improve academic, college and career readiness and social-emotional outcomes for youth.

Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST is inclusive of before-school, after-school, vacation and summer programming hours beyond school time.

For regional or statewide grantees to provide ongoing support, training, technical assistance, coaching, professional development, evaluation, fiscal management and oversight to Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST subgrantee programs.

For regional or statewide grantees to make subgrant awards to Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST programs to enhance quality criteria areas outlined in the Guidelines for Quality Enhancements in After-School and Out-of-School Time and increase access to high quality Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST programs that meet the following criteria:

• Programs that are operated by non-profit community-based organizations (CBOs) and school districts, including charter schools and collaboratives;
• Programs in communities or schools/districts where at least 25% of students served are considered low-income and/or are in schools in the strategic transformation region;
• Programs that specifically aim to welcome and serve students from all identities and backgrounds;
• Programs that support the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE's or Department's) Educational Vision, including supporting the whole student, deeper learning, and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices that contribute to affirming environments where students have a sense of belonging;
• Programs that engage and leverage knowledge and strengths of students, families, staff and community to inform programming design and decisions;
• Programs that offer comprehensive programming at least 3–5 days a week and/or at least approximately 150 hours per year/summer;
• Programs that are evidence/research-based; and
• Programs that have or want to strengthen partnerships with local schools and/or other community-based organizations.

This Request for ProposalRFP posting represents FY2027 Summer funds through 8/31/2026, which include approximately $3,000,000 through state line item 7061-9814 (Fund Code [FC] 527S), and $7,000,000 that is projected from state line item 7061-9611 (FC 0528) mainly for afterschool* (school year) funding for an approximate total of $10,000,000, pending appropriation.

Each grantee must award at least 93% of funds must be awarded as subgrants to Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST programs. The recommended range of yearly awards for each subgrant is $15,000-100,000, depending on size, scope of program and duration (e.g., if a summer component is included). Each grantee may use up to 7% of award may be used for overall administration and other costs, including indirect, as needed to provide support to awarded Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST subgrant programs. If indirect is included, it must be part of the 7%, and cannot exceed the applicant's approved rate or 5%, whichever is greater.

The Santander Bank Charitable Giving Program is committed to enriching communities through $100 million in charitable giving. It focuses on community development, emphasizing affordable housing, small business support, and financial education. Eligible applicants must be recognized as public charities by the IRS and demonstrate the capacity to serve community needs. The program aims to foster partnerships to uplift low- and moderate-income communities across its operational footprint, ensuring a lasting impact through philanthropic efforts.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The PLTW Biomedical Science Program Expansion, supported by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance access to vital STEM education for K-12 students in Massachusetts. This initiative facilitates the growth of existing PLTW Biomedical Science programs by providing grants to schools, enabling them to add courses, sections, and train teachers. By fostering interest in STEM disciplines, this program strives to cultivate the skills necessary for future leaders in an evolving global economy.