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

The East Boston Foundation

The foundation was formed in 1998 to administer a generous $9.6 million commitment from the Massachusetts Port Authority as part of community mitigation and to offset the impacts associated with Massport's $4.4 Billion Logan Airport Modernization Program.

Categories of Grants

The Board of Trustees of the East Boston Foundation has identified the following categories of grants, which in the discretion of the Board may be amended from time to time. Grant requests and applications shall be grouped into various categories and identified as follows:

Mini-grants

The Foundation recognizes the need for supporting programs and initiatives in the community, which may qualify for one of the above stated categories, but seeks an amount which is considered nominal by the Foundation.

Each year the Foundation will allocate an amount towards funding of the mini-grant program.

The Foundation will accept requests for these grants on an informal basis and may exercise discretion and control over the disbursement of such funds by making either a direct vendor type payments on behalf of the organization or a payment to the organization itself. An organization seeking a mini-grant shall submit a request to the Foundation at least ten (10) days prior to the stated deadline on its own letterhead and signed by an authorized representative of the organization. The request shall include an itemized list of items for which the Foundation is being asked to fund. If approved, the Foundation will then make a direct payment on behalf of the organization to the specific vendor, up-to the awarded amount.

The Foundation will not make payments to individuals.

The Elizabeth Lord Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports residents of Templeton pursuing postsecondary education. This fund is part of over 40 scholarship opportunities aimed at fostering education in the region, emphasizing community commitment to educational advancement. Applicants can benefit from specific selection criteria tailored to various educational needs, helping to empower students in their academic journeys.

The Captain Christopher Sullivan Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports students from Princeton, MA who have completed their first year of college. This fund is part of over 40 scholarship opportunities aimed at fostering education in the region. With specific selection criteria established by donors, the scholarships address various educational needs, promoting growth and development for local students.

The Barr Foundation's Education Program is dedicated to transforming public high school experiences across New England, emphasizing excellence and equity for all students, particularly those from marginalized backgrounds. By supporting innovative models, investing in a skilled educator workforce, and fostering community engagement, the program aims to ensure that every student is well-prepared for their future. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships with public schools and organizations committed to these goals.

The Tribal Cultural Council Program, administered by the Mass Cultural Council, empowers Tribal Cultural Councils to distribute funds for arts, humanities, and science initiatives within their communities. This program prioritizes local decision-making, allowing councils to tailor eligibility requirements based on community input. TCCs can fund diverse projects, from artist residencies to public art and community events, while ensuring a minimum grant amount of $250 to support impactful initiatives.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Massachusetts support communities facing emergencies that disrupt safe drinking water availability. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants assist in constructing and repairing water systems. Eligible applicants include public bodies and nonprofit organizations in rural areas with populations under 10,000. The program addresses issues like droughts, floods, and chemical spills, ensuring communities can restore access to clean water quickly.

The Shannon Community Safety Initiative in Massachusetts focuses on combating gang violence through a collaborative approach involving strategic research and support from the Statewide Research Partner. This initiative aligns with the OJJDP Comprehensive Gang Model, providing funding and resources to local sites to enhance prevention, intervention, and law enforcement strategies. The program aims to promote community safety by addressing the root causes of gang-related issues and fostering partnerships among various stakeholders.

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 Public Art for Spatial Justice Grants support Massachusetts artists in creating public art that embodies spatial justice and fosters community engagement. These grants prioritize projects led by BIPOC artists, focusing on disrupting harmful narratives and cultivating expressions of justice in public spaces. By encouraging artistic collaborations and community-rooted initiatives, the program aims to reimagine public culture and contribute to more equitable futures. Projects must take place in Massachusetts and engage the public realm.

The Massachusetts Elks Scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing a bachelor's degree at accredited colleges. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Elks Association, this program focuses on supporting candidates demonstrating financial need, academic merit, and strong citizenship. Eligible students must be graduates of accredited high schools and endorsed by a local Elks lodge. This scholarship aims to empower youth through education, ensuring no discrimination based on race or gender.

The Philanthropy Connection Grant supports Massachusetts organizations through unrestricted general operating grants. It aims to empower nonprofits by connecting them with a network of female philanthropists, enhancing their funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial stability, meet revenue criteria, and be located in the Greater Boston area. The grant prioritizes missions addressing poverty, income inequality, and employment readiness among others. Organizations with significant financial losses or lacking independent 501(c)(3) status are ineligible.

CSX Charitable Investments offers the Pride in Service Grants to support organizations that honor and assist military members and first responders. Focus areas include safety, mental health, community bridging, workforce development, and addressing food insecurity. Eligible organizations include those with 501(c)(3) status, government entities, and educational institutions. Grants aim to uplift communities and recognize the contributions of those who serve, while ensuring alignment with specific charitable criteria.

The Rogers Family Foundation Fund supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, health, human services, community development, and the arts in Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley and North Shore, as well as Southeastern New Hampshire. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and not classified as private foundations. Proposal deadlines are March 1 and September 1, with specific funding interests prioritized for program support.

MEL Community Foundation

Our values of equity, resilience, inclusivity, innovation and strengths-based approach always informs our work supporting English learners in schools.

Our mission is to support English learners in Massachusetts public schools by raising academic achievement and post-secondary educational attainment. The MEL Community Foundation hopes to create and support equitable and inclusive school communities where all students are exposed to rigorous curricula and expectations and the opportunity for post-secondary educational and career opportunities are the norm and not the exception for English learners.

MEL Community Foundation Grant

Developing district partnerships and effective K-12 programming will require strong design, implementation, and staffing. We’ll launch our partnerships and program support by partnering with targeted school districts in Massachusetts. Defining the model, determining the level of staffing required, and achieving operational excellence will take time, but program support in targeted school districts will quickly reveal gaps that need filling and strength areas that can be replicated as we bring program partnerships to more districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The MEL Community Foundation partners with nonprofits in the U.S. that support learning outcomes for English Learners in public schools. Although we are Massachusetts based, the MEL Community Foundation welcomes any 501(c)(3) charitable applicant and/or public school district provided the organization meets the criteria.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Dr. Allan George Rewbridge Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Allan George Rewbridge Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students attending Harvard Medical School.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

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 Community Endowment of Lexington Grant Program aims to foster philanthropic initiatives that address both immediate and long-term needs in Lexington. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program will provide up to $100,000 in funding for innovative projects, with individual grants capped at $15,000. Focus areas include health services, arts, environment, and community building, encouraging collaboration among local organizations to enhance the quality of life for residents.

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.

This program supports the expansion of emergency care and assistance for survivors of human trafficking during the 2026 FIFA World Cup events.

Through this opportunity, the Office of Grants and Research is making funds available to Massachusetts-based nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations that specialize in providing emergency care and assistance for survivors of human trafficking. 

Throughout the months of June and July, over 2 million visitors are expected to visit Massachusetts for the 2026 FIFA World Cup games and related events. These events, accompanied by an influx of tourists from around the world, are expected to heighten the risk of trafficking-related activity.  

This state funding is intended as emergency supplemental support to help organizations secure the additional staff and resources needed to respond to increased referrals from first responders, hotel staff, ride‑share drivers, and others assisting potential human trafficking victims, as well as individuals seeking services themselves.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' development finance agency and land bank. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to help Massachusetts grow and thrive. We are committed to achieving three core goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the state. 

Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Small Grant Program

The EEOST provides grants to tax-exempt nonprofit corporations, as defined by M.G.L. c. 180, and to organizations in which a non-profit corporation has a controlling interest, to develop or improve a child care facility in which at least 50% of the child care enrollment consists of low-income families who are eligible to receive public subsidy. Funding can be utilized for rehabilitation that may include but is not limited to major systems replacement, reconfiguration of classrooms, administrative and staff spaces, and the redesign and renovation of outdoor space.

• Category 1: Improvements to outdoor play spaces including the creation or enhancement of natural play spaces that integrate nature-based materials (e.g. rocks, water, logs, plants) to promote unstructured play, exploration, creativity, and connection to the outdoors.
• Category 2: Investment in improvements to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, including windows and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
• Category 3: Reconfiguration of indoor spaces, including classrooms, gross motor rooms, and bathrooms.
• Category 4: Emergency repairs and system upgrades that impact the health and safety of occupants including roof replacement and upgrading electrical and life safety systems. Information Technology upgrades or purchases are not eligible and will not be considered.
• Category 5: Physical environment modifications, including accessibility or other improvements to support the inclusion of children and adults with special needs.
• Category 6: Security enhancements to prevent and respond to potential threats including but not limited to the installation of security cameras and access control systems.

The H+H Stone Fellowship, offered by the Handel and Haydn Society, is a unique two-year program designed for early-career musicians in period instrument performance. This fellowship emphasizes diversity and inclusion, especially encouraging musicians from underrepresented socio-cultural backgrounds. Participants will receive mentorship, training, and performance opportunities, fostering their artistic growth within a vibrant musical community in Boston. Applications are open to string instrumentalists through a competitive audition process, with a focus on creating a more equitable field in classical music.

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.

The goal of MassDOT’s Community Transit Grant Program is to provide and strengthen the transportation services available to meet the mobility needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. It is recognized that these populations have transportation needs which are often not met by conventional automobile or public transportation, and require specialized assistance to access services, employment, medical care, and other important destinations.  This grant is for  those who are interested in applying for funding to operate transportation or promote mobility management to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income people. 

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. 

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 George W. Wells Foundation Grant supports quality educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underserved populations. Established in 1934, it primarily funds one-year grants, with occasional multi-year support. Eligible applicants include IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) public charities, particularly those serving Southbridge, Massachusetts. The Foundation encourages requests for both general operating and program support, allowing for small, program-related capital expenses to be included.