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

St. Baldrick's Foundation

The St. Baldrick's Foundation is a volunteer and donor powered charity committed to supporting the most promising research to find cures for childhood cancers and give survivors long and healthy lives. It started with a friendly dare: would you shave your head to raise money for kids’ cancer research? What happened next would change the world. This bold act of baldness has gained major momentum, since its start in 2000. Today, we have more than 1,000 head-shaving events taking place around the world at pubs, restaurants, schools, churches, parks, firehouses, military bases – you name it. It is our constituents’ way of changing the world, in a meaningful way. Volunteers also raise funds through athletic challenges, livestream fundraisers and many other activities.

Since the Foundation's first grants as an independent charity in 2005, St. Baldrick's has invested more than $380 million in childhood cancer research grants worldwide.

About Allied World

Allied World Assurance Company Holdings, Ltd, through its subsidiaries, is a global provider of insurance and reinsurance solutions. The company operates under the brand Allied World and has supported clients, cedents and trading partners with thoughtful service and meaningful coverages since 2001. Since the inception of St. Baldrick’s, Allied World has supported childhood cancer research through the Foundation, and it is the largest of many reinsurance company sponsors, making this life-saving mission a top priority.

Survivorship and Supportive Care Research Grant

These grants are for specific one-year research projects which are hypothesis-driven and focus on areas related to survivorship and supportive care of children and adolescents with cancer. Examples include but are not limited to: studies related to the burden of morbidity, cause-specific mortality, understanding the pathogenesis of treatment-related complications, patient-reported outcomes or quality of life, health communication, health promotion, and psychosocial support across the trajectory from diagnosis to survivorship or end-of-life care.

Projects must have direct applicability and relevance to pediatric cancer. They may be in any discipline of basic, clinical, translational, or epidemiological research.

The IRSS RIFM Special Award for Inhalation Toxicology offers a $500 prize for trainees contributing to inhalation toxicology research. Sponsored by the Society of Toxicology, this award encourages innovative evaluations of inhaled toxicants, exposure science advancements, and risk assessment research. Applicants must submit a one-page summary of their work and a pending abstract for presentation at the SOT Annual Meeting, alongside a mentor's support letter. This award aims to promote excellence in the field.

The Young Forester Leadership Award, presented by the Society of American Foresters (SAF), recognizes exceptional leadership from young forestry professionals under 40 years old. This award highlights contributions to forestry through innovative projects and sustained leadership roles. Recipients receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration for the SAF national convention, and support for travel expenses up to $500. This prestigious accolade aims to encourage the next generation of forestry leaders to excel in their professional endeavors.

The SAF National Awards Program includes the John A. Beale Memorial Award, recognizing exceptional voluntary service in forestry by SAF members. Established to honor John Beale's legacy, this award is presented at the SAF national convention and includes a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration, and up to $500 for travel expenses. Nominees must demonstrate sustained commitment to the SAF and its mission, showcasing leadership and promotion of forestry principles.

The Stem Cell Grants: Travel Award supports students, postdocs, and faculty attending scientific conferences and workshops related to stem cell research. Up to $1,200 is available for each application, with a maximum of two applications per PI lab each calendar year. Priority is given to those presenting at stem cell meetings and workshops. All applications must be submitted at least one week before travel to ensure funding consideration.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes exceptional contributions to forestry through its Honorary Membership award. This accolade is presented to individuals whose impact on the field is acknowledged by their peers, highlighting their distinguished service in advancing forestry knowledge and societal awareness. Awardees receive lifetime membership in SAF along with complimentary convention registration. The program seeks to honor those, including non-professional foresters, who have made significant strides in forestry, both domestically and internationally.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Rita Reis Wieczorek Scholarship for Maternal-Infant and Pediatric Nursing

Created in 2020, by Rita Reis Wieczorek, EdD, RN, PNP, FAAN, together with NEF. Dr. Wieczorek is an NEF Board Member Emeritus and longtime board member. This scholarship is the first NEF Scholarship to focus on maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. For over four decades Dr. Wieczorek has devoted her career to providing the best maternal-infant and pediatric care to her patients as well as teaching the highest standards of care to master's and doctoral nursing students, motivating them to excel in their care for the well-being of mothers, infants and children.

The Gifford Pinchot Medal, awarded by the Society of American Foresters, honors exceptional contributions by forestry professionals in North America. Recognizing achievements in administration and practice, this medal is presented every odd-numbered year at the SAF national convention. Recipients receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary registration, and up to $500 for travel expenses. This prestigious award highlights the importance of leadership and innovation in the forestry profession.

The Greater Boston Council on Alcoholism Grant Program supports innovative education, prevention, and research initiatives targeting alcohol and drug use disorders. This charitable foundation emphasizes equity and justice, providing funding between $2,500 and $7,500 to non-profits in Greater Boston. GBCoA seeks to empower organizations that address diverse community needs while measuring the impact of their programs, fostering a deeper public understanding of addiction and its treatment.

The Trail Accelerator Grants aim to enhance mountain bike trail communities by providing essential planning and design services. With funding between $10,000 to $30,000, these grants support local organizations in creating sustainable trail systems. The initiative encourages projects that increase access and promote community engagement, particularly focusing on diversity and inclusion. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to match funds, ensuring collaborative efforts to improve trail networks and experiences for all riders.

About Colin Farrell FoundationThe Colin Farrell Foundation is committed to transforming the lives of individuals and families living with intellectual disability through education, awareness, advocacy, and innovative programs. Inspired by his two sons, he is excited and deeply humbled by the hope that the Colin Farrell Foundation can help those who the larger systems of governance have neglected.

CFF Innovation GrantsWe’re looking for bold, scalable solutions focused on one or more of these priority areas:

• Affordable co-housing models for individuals and families
• Employer-partnered day programs and inclusive job opportunities
• Tools and technologies that enhance accessibility at home and in community spaces
• Cross-sector collaborations between public, private, and nonprofit organizations

This funding opportunity aims to support Early Stage Investigators (ESIs) in conducting preclinical HIV/AIDS research using Nonhuman Primate (NHP) models. Eligible applicants must have at least two years of postdoctoral experience and be within ten years of their terminal degree. The initiative aligns with the NIH Strategic Plan for HIV and HIV-Related Research, targeting the reduction of HIV incidence, development of therapies, and advancement in research areas related to HIV.

The National Fish Passage Program (NFPP) offers vital assistance for removing barriers to aquatic life, enhancing safety, and promoting local economies. By investing in projects like culvert replacements and floodplain restorations, the program not only supports native fish populations but also delivers significant economic benefits, estimated at $1.5 million for every $1 million invested. With a recent allocation of $15 million, including $5 million for specific restoration initiatives, NFPP continues to advance aquatic connectivity nationwide.

The Cooperative Endangered Species Conservation Fund supports habitat conservation through land acquisition grants. Established in 1997, this program aims to minimize conflicts between listed species conservation and land use. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service provides matching grants to state agencies for projects that ensure the long-term protection of habitats. By acquiring land or conservation easements, this initiative facilitates species recovery and helps prevent future listings under the Endangered Species Act, enhancing overall ecosystem health.

This funding opportunity invites renewal applications for existing NINDS-supported clinical trial cooperative agreements (U01) that require additional time and resources. The National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS) expects applicants to request only what is necessary for trial completion, without introducing new aims. Discussions with NINDS prior to submission are encouraged. Eligible applications must be renewals of previously approved cooperative agreements under specified NIH funding announcements.

The Ronald Barnes Memorial Grant, offered by The Guild of Carillonneurs in North America, supports North Americans pursuing studies in carillon performance, composition, music history, or instrument design. Established in 1998 to honor Ronald Barnes, a significant figure in carillon music, the grant has awarded over US$140,000 since 2007. For the 2025 cycle, grants of up to US$14,138 are available, depending on the number of successful applicants, promoting education in this unique art form.

Generally the Community Foundation's scholarships are awarded to applicants who have high financial need. Applicants with household income exceeding $100,000 are less likely to be awarded, but applying will allow you to be considered for targeted scholarships.

Virginia Valk Fehsenfeld Scholarship

Open to full time undergraduate students who are Kent County residents studying education, dietetics, nutrition, or human services and have a minimum 3.4 GPA.

The SAF National Awards Program celebrates outstanding contributions to forestry through various awards, including the Outstanding Local Unit Achievement Award. This award recognizes local units for their sustained leadership or special projects that benefit the Society of American Foresters and the forestry profession. Each awarded unit receives a $500 honorarium, complimentary convention registration, and funding for travel expenses, ensuring recognition and support for their impactful efforts in forestry.

The Melanoma Career Development Award (CDA) is offered by the Melanoma Research Foundation to support researchers dedicated to melanoma and its prevention. This award is designed for postdoctoral fellows with under five years of experience, research associates, scientists, staff scientists, assistant professors, and those focusing on melanoma prevention. The initiative promotes innovative research to advance understanding and treatment of melanoma, ultimately aiming to reduce its impact.

RRCU Gives Foundation Grant

Mission Statement:

RRCU Gives strengthens our region by providing meaningful financial support to nonprofits addressing hunger, housing, and financial education. Through our annual grant awards and major funding initiatives, we help local organizations grow, thrive, and create lasting change.

 We award grants annually, with applications in June and awards in August.

Focus Areas

• Hunger
• Housing
• Financial Education

The Grief Reach: Changemaker Supported Community Expansion Cycle offers up to $110,000 to enhance community programs for grieving children. Organizations are encouraged to innovate and expand their services to better meet community needs. The initiative, in partnership with the Judi’s House/JAG Institute, emphasizes training and resources for effective program evaluation over a three-year period, culminating in impactful community expansion projects.

The SAF National Awards Program recognizes outstanding contributions to forestry through various awards, including the Employer Leadership Award. This award honors employers who significantly support SAF members' professional engagement. Recipients receive a $500 honorarium, complimentary convention registration, and travel expense support. The program aims to celebrate the achievements of individuals and organizations in promoting sustainable forestry practices and enhancing professional development, ultimately driving excellence in natural resource management.

Who We Are

Buiding a stronger, More Vibrant Community

For over 70 years, the Scranton Area Community Foundation has served Northeastern Pennsylvania as a steward of charitable resources, a grantmaker, and a catalyst for positive change. Guided by our core values of collaboration, trust, integrity, innovation, and inclusivity, we work to ensure that our communities thrive with opportunities for all.

This scholarship is awarded to a student who intends to pursue nursing or a related field of study at a college or university, and who demonstrates academic achievement, good citizenship, service to others, leadership, and financial need.

The Nicholas Dahl Visiting Artist Scholarship, offered by the Provincetown Art Association and Museum, supports LGBTQIA+ artists aged 30 and under with a passion for various art forms. This one-week scholarship, available from November to April, includes lodging, workshop materials, and studio access. It aims to foster creativity and connections within the vibrant Provincetown arts community while promoting educational opportunities in the arts.

The CDC's Comprehensive Suicide Prevention Program for States aims to enhance public health approaches to suicide prevention across the U.S. By targeting high-risk groups, such as veterans and rural populations, the program utilizes data to identify prevention areas, assess existing programs, and implement evidence-based strategies. Key outcomes include improved partner engagement and a measurable reduction in suicide rates. This initiative allows potential applicants to prepare by reviewing relevant data and forming strategic partnerships ahead of future opportunities.

The Charles and Joan Hermanowski Family Foundation aims to enhance the lives of children and young adults in the U.S. by providing financial support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on arts, education, health, and welfare. Grants, capped at $10,000, must be utilized within one year and are not automatically renewable. The foundation seeks to support smaller charities that may not receive broad public backing, thus creating a more significant impact on individual communities.

The Senator Harold "Potch" Wheeler Memorial Scholarship, managed by the Community Foundation of Whitley County, honors the legacy of a dedicated public servant. This competitive scholarship is available annually to high school seniors from Whitley County who plan to pursue college education in public service or within the Indiana Department of Natural Resources. Recipients are chosen based on their embodiment of the ideals and character traits exemplified by Senator Wheeler.