Best Grants for Capital Funding in Massachusetts

Agricultural producers, forestland owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices that improve soil, water, air quality, and wildlife habitat. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports projects on cropland, pasture, rangeland, forestland, and other farm or ranch lands that may include capital improvements to address priority natural resource concerns.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation grants, typically ranging from US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally support greater Chicago, eligible nonprofits in Massachusetts planning capital or program needs may find similar opportunities within this funding scope.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 for work that delivers actionable solutions to current water industry challenges. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association support may benefit Massachusetts students whose studies intersect infrastructure, sustainability, or long-term capital planning in the water sector.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Massachusetts working on affordable housing, education, workforce readiness, or small business growth can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen neighbors, expand educational access, and build workforce skills, with an emphasis on financial capability, measurable impact, and sustainable community development outcomes.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on self-sufficiency and humanitarian programs for women and children can apply for grants from The Father's Table Foundation, with awards up to US $750,000. Funding may support adult readiness, child welfare, health care, disaster relief, food security, microfinance, and related community-strengthening projects.

Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust help Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with capital and operating needs, awarding US $1,000 - US $7,500 for health and welfare, dental care, homeless shelters, food pantries, and youth services. Eligible organizations must be non-private foundations based in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Vermont seeking support for facilities, equipment, or related improvements.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3), (4), (6), and (19) nonprofits planning capital sustainability projects like renewable energy, energy efficiency, or resource conservation can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for community-serving initiatives. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help fund impactful infrastructure that advances environmental stewardship while generating measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Massachusetts conducting small-scale biomedical research can apply for NIH Academic Research Enhancement Awards to support research projects and student research experiences. NIH provides funding up to US $375,000 for institutions that award baccalaureate science degrees and have limited prior NIH support, across fields like public health, neuroscience, genetics, and medical education.

With a mission to strengthen communities, 501(c)(3) public charity organizations in Massachusetts can seek Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation support for affordable housing, youth development, financial inclusion, workforce training, and small business assistance programs; awards range from US $2,500 - US $10,000. Nonprofits serving primarily low-to-moderate income residents, especially in Rockland Trust branch communities, may benefit.

Accredited charities carrying out humanitarian, social, educational, environmental, or contemporary arts projects, including those in Massachusetts, can seek philanthropic support for program or project needs. La Roche prioritizes innovative, sustainable initiatives that leverage its expertise, engage employees, and involve local partners, with local affiliate offices funding organizations operating in their own countries.

Early-career research scientists at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions conducting clinical trials can apply for approximately US $140,000 in career development funding, including those collaborating with Massachusetts partners. Grants from the National Institutes of Health provide three to five years of mentored support to build independent global health research careers.

Nonprofit organizations in Hampden and Hampshire counties needing capital, equipment, or program development support can apply for grants up to US $50,000. Grants from the Beveridge Family Foundation help Massachusetts groups working in areas like youth development, health, education, arts, environment, housing, and human services with campaigns, renovations, land acquisition, and related projects.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with urgent or immediate needs can receive approximately US $2,500 to support their work. New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund prioritizes historically underfunded organizations advancing racial justice, community empowerment, health, education, youth development, and related social justice efforts, which may include capital or infrastructure needs.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering social or financial empowerment programs may be eligible for support, especially if serving communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Aegon Transamerica Foundation funds initiatives like financial literacy, workforce readiness, basic needs, arts access, health education, and community development that build self-reliance and more inclusive, resilient communities.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- or middle-income countries can apply for approximately US $140,000 from the National Institutes of Health to support mentored health-related research and career development. Massachusetts-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators on capital or program-related health projects may benefit from this opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking program, capital, or accessibility improvements can apply for US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Focus areas include education, youth programs, community initiatives, arts and culture, disabilities and universal access, environment, and historic preservation, with a preference for new or enhanced programs and one-time capital needs.

Massachusetts organizations planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives that offer tangible marketing or recognition benefits to sponsors can seek corporate sponsorship support from Biogen Foundation. Biogen provides funding for programs in areas like neurology, dementia, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, and related conditions, based on event details, alignment with its interests, and location.

Massachusetts 501(c) and 170(c) nonprofits working on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services can receive matching gifts for donations through Regions Bank’s program for recent retirees. Grants from this U.S.-wide program match gifts up to US $1,000, which may help bolster capital or other funding needs.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Massachusetts working on community development, education, financial wellness, arts, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible charities receive matches to donations made by full-time associates or recent retirees, providing additional support for their programs and potential capital needs.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits seeking capital, scholarship, or programmatic funding can apply for more than US $2,500 to support community-focused projects. Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust backs work on housing, health, financial literacy, education, and community development that benefits Cape Cod residents, including capital campaigns, multi-year initiatives, and new or expanding programs.

The William P. Wharton Trust Grant supports projects that align with the vision of its patron, focusing on tangible outcomes. It prioritizes land conservation efforts that protect natural resources over recreational use. The Trust aims to leverage funds for impactful environmental initiatives and encourages collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental units, while grants are limited to direct project costs. Notably, the Trust avoids funding for overhead, construction, and educational programs for youth below college level.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts.

Our Mission

MassCEC's mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climatetech innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, while advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader and growing the state’s clean energy economy.

2030 Fund

About the 2030 Fund

The $50M 2030 Fund is a signal to the market that Massachusetts is committed to the commercialization of climate technologies. MassCEC invests impactfully and countercyclically in Massachusetts’ most promising climate technology innovators. Our investments support climatetech companies as they de-risk their technology, reach early commercial milestones, and attract private funding for growth.  

Climatetech encompasses a wide range of tech solutions across sectors that further mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Portfolio companies work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, and/or serve as enabling solutions to achieve the Commonwealth’s climate goals. We invest across seven major sectors: energy; industry and manufacturing; transportation; buildings; agriculture, food and nature; carbon management; and adaptation and resilience.

The 2030 Fund invests in a variety of financial instruments, including SAFEs, convertible notes, equity, and venture debt. Investments typically range from $100k-$600k per check and may total $1.5M cumulatively. MassCEC is able to provide more patient capital than a typical private investor. Deploying strategic state capital, with no artificial pressures of fund lifetimes, the 2030 Fund can invest counter-cyclically, back founders through challenging market conditions, and work for successful long-term exits. 

MassCEC considers new investments on a rolling basis. The timeline from pitch to close of investment is typically three to five months.

The Island Foundation offers Environment Grants to support projects in coastal regions of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, focusing on marine and coastal resource conservation. Priority is given to initiatives addressing climate change, promoting sustainable landscapes, and enhancing community health through environmental conservation. The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for those engaged locally, to apply for funding that strengthens both ecological and community resilience.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.