Best Grants for Capital Funding in Massachusetts

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and is administered at the State and territory level. CSBG funding supports activities that help to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals to become self-sufficient. In Massachusetts, CSBG funding is at the core of a network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) which mobilize resources and communities to fight poverty. Through CSBG support, CAAs can respond to the causes and conditions of poverty by delivering services and strategies tailored to meet priority needs unique to their communities.

The Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust collaborates with PLTW Engineering to enhance K-12 education access in Massachusetts. Grants are provided to support new or expanded PLTW programs in under-resourced schools, covering costs like participation fees and necessary equipment. Schools must offer at least one PLTW Engineering course in the upcoming academic year. This initiative aims to foster STEM education and improve opportunities for students in public and charter schools.

The New England States Touring (NEST) Grant supports nonprofit organizations in New England to present performances, readings, and screenings by regional and international artists. With three funding tiers—NEST 1, NEST 2, and NEST 3—this initiative aims to enhance community engagement, foster collaborations, and promote diversity in the arts. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 to fund projects that occur between June 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance STEM education for K-12 students in Massachusetts. This initiative provides grants to under-resourced public and charter schools, enabling them to implement or expand PLTW Launch programs. By fostering interest in STEM disciplines, it helps prepare students for future careers. Eligible schools can apply for funding to offset costs related to program implementation, ensuring broader access to essential educational resources.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The PLTW Launch program, funded by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance access to STEM education for K-12 students in Massachusetts. Grants are available for under-resourced schools to implement or expand PLTW programs, covering expenses like training and necessary materials. This initiative not only supports educational growth but also empowers teachers and students, fostering a stronger foundation in science and technology. Schools can apply to benefit from this valuable resource for educational enhancement.

The Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust collaborates with PLTW to enhance the accessibility of PLTW Gateway programs for K-12 students in Massachusetts. Grants are intended for the implementation or expansion of these programs in under-resourced schools, covering costs related to launching or expanding PLTW initiatives. Eligible applicants include public and charter schools in Massachusetts, and the grants support various allowable expenses, ensuring equitable access to quality education.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance educational opportunities for K-12 students in Massachusetts. Grants are available to assist schools in implementing or expanding PLTW programs, which are designed to foster hands-on learning in STEM fields. Eligible public and charter schools can apply for funding to cover essential program costs, ensuring more students have access to innovative educational experiences.

The Artist Resource Trust (A.R.T.) Fund for Organizations Grant supports mid-career visual artists (aged 35+) in New England and parts of New York. Established in 1996, it provides annual funding to nonprofit organizations for commissions, purchases, or engagements with these artists. Eligible organizations must match funds 1:1 in cash and have specific geographic ties. The grant emphasizes quality and commitment in artistic work, aiding in the growth and visibility of mature artists.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The State Agency Traffic Safety Grant in Massachusetts provides up to $6.5 million in funding for state government agencies to enhance road safety. This grant, administered by the Office of Grants and Research, focuses on critical areas such as impaired driving, child passenger safety, and distracted driving. By targeting these priority areas, the program aims to significantly reduce traffic crashes and improve overall safety on Massachusetts roadways.

The Underserved Communities Traffic Safety Grant Program in Massachusetts aims to enhance road safety for vulnerable populations. It supports projects utilizing crash data to identify community needs and implement educational initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries. Partnerships with local organizations are encouraged to foster a comprehensive approach to traffic safety. Key focus areas include impaired driving, pedestrian safety, and seat belt usage. The program aspires to achieve zero fatalities on the roads.

The George I. Alden Trust offers a Higher Education Grant aimed at supporting independent colleges and universities in New England, New York, Pennsylvania, and New Jersey. The Trust prioritizes capital needs to enhance the educational experience, approving grants up to $100,000 for first-time applicants. Eligible institutions must have a minimum of 1,000 full-time undergraduate students and demonstrate a commitment to educational excellence and effective administration.

The Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) offers Special Projects Grants to support initiatives that enhance access to civil legal aid and improve the administration of justice. These grants are available for projects that may not meet the traditional eligibility criteria of the IOLTA Grants Program, but align with the MBF’s mission to ensure equal access to legal resources for all, especially vulnerable populations. Interested applicants should contact the MBF Grants Office for eligibility discussions.

The Booth Ferris Foundation's Higher Education Grant Program offers crucial capacity-building support to eligible higher education institutions in New York State, requiring an annual budget exceeding $1 million. Established in 1957, the Foundation has contributed over $425 million to various charitable causes. This program focuses on enhancing institutional effectiveness and sustainability, ensuring that organizations can thrive and serve their communities effectively. Note that the Foundation does not fund requests from individual schools or certain types of support.

The George I. Alden Trust offers grants to YMCAs in Massachusetts, reflecting founder George Alden's enduring commitment to the organization. The Trust prioritizes capital projects and primarily provides outright grants, while occasionally offering challenge grants to enhance philanthropic support. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts YMCAs, with specific policies governing application frequency and eligibility after rejection. The Trust's mission is to serve the community, ensuring that educational and charitable initiatives thrive.

The Smith Family Foundation's Odyssey Award aims to drive innovation in biomedical research by funding high-risk, high-reward projects from junior investigators in Massachusetts. Launched in 2017, this initiative seeks to empower researchers to explore impactful ideas that could lead to breakthroughs in health care, particularly for underserved communities in Greater Boston. Institutions can submit up to two applications, fostering a competitive environment to support the brightest minds in science.

The Reading Frederick Douglass Together Grant, offered by Mass Humanities, encourages community engagement by supporting public readings of Douglass's powerful address, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" This initiative aims to foster a collective understanding of America's complex history. Nonprofit, educational institutions, and government organizations serving Massachusetts residents can apply, provided they focus on direct project costs. Mass Humanities seeks to promote civic dialogue and reflection through this unique literary experience.

The Toy Foundation Program offers a unique opportunity for nonprofit organizations to apply for toy donations to support children in need. The application period runs from January to June, with approved applicants receiving toys by the end of the year. This initiative, part of the Toy Chest program, has positively impacted over 35 million children since 2003, promoting play as essential for emotional and educational development.

The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program offers one-time funding for eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts at high risk of terrorist attacks or hate crimes. Applicants are required to provide matching funds equal to the grant amount. Priority is given to those demonstrating significant need and proposing effective security personnel solutions, particularly first-time applicants. This program fosters safer environments for vulnerable communities through strategic financial support.

Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative Technical Assistance Provider

The Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative provides funding for reentry programming for young adults with the goal of reducing recidivism and increasing public safety. Funding is available to help community reentry program sites provide pre- and post-release services to the target individuals and to work closely with a correctional partner to identify, serve and monitor program participants. A Technical Assistance Provider provides strategic, analytic, technical and research support for each program site.  

This program is made available through state funding.

The Office of Grants and Research (OGR) is responsible for managing state appropriated criminal justice funding awarded to the Executive Office of Public Safety and Security (EOPSS) from the Massachusetts State Legislature. The SFY27 Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative provides funds for pre- and post-release offenders currently within and/or outside the prison walls. This initiative is being supported by state funds authorized by Chapter 126 of the Massachusetts Acts of 2026, An Act Making Appropriations for Fiscal Yea

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

The High Priority HIV and Substance Use Research funding opportunity aims to support innovative research that addresses the intersection of HIV and substance use. Researchers are encouraged to submit proposals that include a detailed research plan and preliminary data, exploring new avenues for prevention, treatment, and potential cures for HIV among people who use drugs. Applications are due by 5 PM local time, with optional Letters of Intent recommended 30 days prior.

The Children, Youth & Families Capacity Building Grant Program aims to empower underserved youth by enhancing the effectiveness and sustainability of nonprofits. By funding capacity-building projects, the program supports organizations focused on youth development, fostering leadership, and addressing barriers to success. Grants are available to agencies in Sudbury and surrounding areas, with a preference for those that prioritize direct engagement with youth. This initiative strives to create a positive impact on the future of children, youth, and families.

Project Lead The Way is offering a rolling grant for schools to implement the PLTW Biomedical Science program for the 2026-2029 academic years. Eligible schools can receive up to $14,000 to cover participation fees and training costs. This grant encourages public, private, and charter schools across the U.S. to enhance their science curriculum, supporting students with engaging, hands-on learning experiences. Schools must commit to offering specific courses during the grant period to qualify for funding.