Best Grants for Capital Funding in Massachusetts

The PLTW Biomedical Science initiative, backed by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to broaden access to innovative STEM programs for K-12 students in Massachusetts. This program encourages schools to implement or expand their Biomedical Science offerings, enabling students to develop essential skills for future careers. By providing financial support for necessary resources, the initiative fosters a passion for STEM education and enhances enrollment in these critical fields.

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.

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.

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 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 Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program supports innovative projects that enhance sustainable agriculture practices through collaboration between agricultural service providers and farmers. With funding up to $30,000, the program encourages research and education initiatives that address sustainability challenges in Northeast farming systems. It aims to foster partnerships that lead to better agricultural practices and community well-being, focusing on involving farmers directly in project development.

The Standard's Corporate Giving Program emphasizes community support and employee engagement, reflecting its foundational mission to enhance financial well-being. Established in 1906, the program focuses on Healthy Communities, Disability and Empowerment, Cultural Development, and Education. With a funding range of $500 to $25,000, it aims to make a substantial impact in the lives of individuals and families facing challenges. The Standard Charitable Foundation, launched in 2006, further extends this commitment by supporting organizations that align with its philanthropic goals.

The Ella T. Grasso Literary Scholarship, provided by the UNICO Foundation, offers two $1,000 awards to college students of Italian descent. Candidates must submit an original essay or short story celebrating their heritage while being enrolled in a full-time, accredited U.S. college for the 2026-2027 academic year. This initiative highlights UNICO's commitment to supporting educational endeavors and preserving Italian culture within America.

The Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program, managed by the Leary Firefighters Foundation, supports paid and volunteer fire departments across the US, focusing on training, equipment, and technology enhancements. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts occasionally available. Departments must demonstrate proactive problem-solving efforts. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships aimed at achieving impactful results, particularly in response to emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.

Purpose:

Option 2: 0436 Innovation Carrer Pathways Planning Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant is to provide Innovation Career Pathway program resources to an Local Educational Agency who intends to seek Innovation Career Pathway designation from Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationDESE in school year 2026–2027.

Priorities

• Supporting applicants in the preparation of their Innovation Career Pathway designation application materials and preparing to implement school-wide My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP as part of the pathway development.
• Priority will be given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region and districts and schools that have not received an Innovation Career Pathway designation.

Funding- Option 2

Approximately $450,000 An Local Educational Agency LEA may submit only one application for a maximum award of $15,000 to prepare Innovation Career Pathways Designation applications. This Request for Proposal is the governing document for these grant funds. Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change. If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this Request for Proposal.

Fund Use

Funds may be used for costs associated with out-of-school time training and meeting time for team members to create the scope and sequence and implementation plan. Allowable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Stipends;
• Consultant fees;
• Supplies and materials associated with planning;
• Other costs related to creative and effective development of a scope and sequence.

Funds must be used in alignment with the purpose and priorities outlined and as described in a budget, budget narrative, and required program information that is submitted to the Department's Office of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE).

DESE Competitive Grant Submission Policy

Competitive grant applications are considered submitted when the grant application is submitted by the Superintendent or their designee through the "Local Educational Agency Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved" step in Grants for Education Management System. In order to be considered for competitive funding, applicants must submit a grant application through the Local Educational Agency Superintendent Approved stage by the due date and time listed in the Request for Proposal.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union Donation Request aims to support local non-profits that enhance community well-being through initiatives focused on health, education, and economic revitalization. The foundation encourages applications for event sponsorships and charitable projects that align with their mission of fostering vibrant neighborhoods and providing essential services. Interested organizations should submit requests at least six weeks before their events for timely consideration.

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 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 SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

Creative youth development (CYD) is an intentional practice that fosters active creative expression through the arts, humanities, and sciences, while developing core social, emotional, and life skills, for youth of all ages. Creative youth development programs approach young people as active agents of their own change, with inherent strengths and skills to be developed and nurtured. The overall goal is that culture plays a major role in supporting the growth of creative, productive, and independent minded citizens and thriving communities.

YouthReach Program Description

The goal of YouthReach is to promote integration of substantive out-of-school arts, humanities, and science opportunities into a collaborative response to the needs of young people and communities. The program aims to develop and deepen opportunities for young people to create a more just and equitable society through their art-making and to position creative youth development programs as key leaders in discovering and developing opportunities to improve the livability and economic vitality of their communities. To this end, YouthReach works to foster dynamic cross-sector collaborations to ensure young people’s academic, professional, and personal success.

YouthReach supports innovative programs that:

• Provide safe and healthy youth spaces
• Are assets-based
• Are youth driven
• Foster the development of positive relationships and social skills
• Set high expectations for growth and learning
• Address the broader, cross-sector context in which creative youth development exists

Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT)

The Residential Assistance for Families in Transition (RAFT) program provides short-term emergency funding to help you with eviction, foreclosure, loss of utilities, and other housing emergencies.

RAFT provides up to $7,000 per 12-month period so your family can stay in your current home or move to a new one. You may use the money for rent, utilities, moving costs, and mortgage payments.

Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Program

This competitive program increases downtown vitality through planning and capital implementation grants to municipalities.

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is pleased to announce the MDI Capital Grant Program, through the FY27 Community One Stop for Growth.

The Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program (“MDI Capital”) strengthens the economic and cultural vitality of the Commonwealth’s downtowns, village centers, and main streets by investing in vibrant, livable centers that attract residents, stimulate business activity, and promote equitable regional growth.

Building on the foundation of the original MDI Technical Assistance program, MDI Capital helps municipalities transform their downtowns into thriving, walkable, and inclusive destinations.

Through a combination of design and implementation grants, the program advances both local and statewide economic development priorities by reducing vacancies, increasing pedestrian activity, and fostering resilient, business-friendly districts that enhance quality of life and reinforce Massachusetts’ reputation as an exceptional place to live, work, and invest.

MDI Capital funds the following project types:

Planning:

• Downtown/Village Center Improvement Plan
• District Management Creation

Implementation:

• Public Realm & Streetscape Improvements
• Wayfinding & Signage Improvements
• Public Facilities & Gathering Spaces Improvements

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 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.

Underutilized Properties Program

Targets underutilized, abandoned, or vacant properties.

The Underutilized Properties Program is part of the Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process of community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. It is designed to allow applicants to apply for consideration of multiple sources of funding to support multiple phases and facets of a project. 

What makes a good project?

A good project provides public purpose in one or more of the following categories: creating jobs, driving innovation, eliminating blight, increasing housing production, supporting economic development projects, increasing the number of commercial buildings accessible to persons with disabilities, conserving natural resources through targeted rehabilitation, and/or reuse of vacant and underutilized property owned by the applicant.

While a particular application may not satisfy every criterion, application review is based on the totality of the facts and circumstances. Review criteria assesses the likelihood that the use of the requested funding will advance a project towards increased public benefits:

• Clarity, Purpose, and Users of the Space
• Ecosystem Analysis and Partnerships
• Goals of the Project
• Economic Impact
• Project Execution

Funding

No set maximum but typical awards are anticipated to range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 for Building Capital Improvements and up to $250,000 for Pre-Development.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

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.

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.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5418 - Optimizing PFAS Treatment Systems for Multi-contaminant Removal and Operational Benefits

Project Objectives

The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Grant supports Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that teach mechanical arts, provide employment for the disabled, or utilize vocational training for troubled youth. The program focuses on smaller organizations in need, often providing equipment or tools rather than cash grants. This targeted assistance aims to empower individuals with physical or mental challenges, fostering development through practical training and support.