Best Grants for Community Service Projects in Massachusetts

Focused on health, welfare, and basic needs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 for capital and operating support. Funding may assist community service projects such as homeless shelters, food pantries, free dental clinics, youth and family services, and summer camperships.

New and emerging 501(c)(3) community service organizations in Massachusetts serving under-resourced youth and families can apply for Forest Foundation’s regional grants, which support operating costs and special projects. Eligible agencies must have budgets under $500,000 and limited government funding, and grants are awarded by invitation following an initial inquiry and site visit.

501(c)(3) nonprofits planning major capital projects to enhance direct services can apply for Yawkey Foundation’s Transformational Capital Grants, with awards up to US $5,000,000. With a mission to strengthen health, education, human services, youth athletics, arts and culture, and conservation, it supports organizations in Eastern Massachusetts counties and Georgetown County, South Carolina undertaking impactful facility developments.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits running community health projects can access funding through Reliant Foundation’s Community Grants, with awards from US $2,500 - US $35,000. Funding supports programs in Central and MetroWest Massachusetts that improve health and well-being, especially those addressing substance use disorders, children’s mental and behavioral health, and reducing stigma around these issues.

Massachusetts community organizations, nonprofits, schools, and public agencies running arts, education, environmental, or health and social service projects can access funding through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Barrett Fund. Eligible projects must benefit residents of Adams, Cheshire, or Savoy and may include programs, capital improvements, or general operating support with a required one-to-one cash, service, or in-kind match.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

Nonprofit organizations serving Hampden County residents with community development, education, health, arts, or basic needs projects in Massachusetts can seek operating, program, capital, capacity-building, or emergency funding. With a mission to strengthen long-term community well-being, the Irene E and George A Davis Foundation prioritizes innovative, preventative efforts that expand opportunities for low-income and underserved populations.

Focused on community development and revitalization, nonprofits in Boston and its neighborhoods can apply for Mabel Louise Riley Foundation grants of US $50,000 - US $100,000 to support low-income children, youth, and families. Funding in Massachusetts can back new or expanding programs, capital projects, arts access, vocational training, foster care support, and affordable housing or shelters.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations running community development, public safety, youth, health, or volunteer service projects in Winchendon can seek funding to improve quality of life and local infrastructure. Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation also supports education, historic preservation, housing, and religious organizations’ community services in its designated communities.

The Island Foundation's Womxn and Girls Grant aims to support organizations that address the root causes of inequality for womxn and girls in the U.S. By focusing on innovative, community-driven solutions, the Foundation seeks to empower womxn and girls of color through initiatives that enhance access to healthcare, economic security, and political representation. With a commitment to systemic change, this grant fosters intergenerational collaborations and prioritizes sustainable organizations working towards gender equity.

Massachusetts nonprofits leading community-based environmental or cultural projects can access funding through New England Biolabs Foundation for work in coastal North Shore communities. Eligible projects include conserving biodiversity, sustaining ecosystem services, advancing food sovereignty, and using the arts or civic engagement to promote environmental protection and community diversity, equity, and inclusion.

Nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities, and higher education institutions in Massachusetts can apply for Mass Cultural Council’s Cultural Facilities Fund to plan, renovate, expand, or repair cultural facilities. Funding supports capital projects, feasibility and technical assistance, and systems replacement planning, which may benefit community-serving cultural centers and revitalization projects that strengthen local community life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Worcester County and nearby Massachusetts communities can seek funding for community-focused programs, including culture, education, healthcare, social services, animal shelters, and more. With a mission to support diverse local needs, Schwartz Charitable Foundation provides grants of US $2,500 - US $5,000, reviewed quarterly throughout the year.

Nonprofit organizations providing community-focused human services, education, healthcare, or fairness and justice programs in Massachusetts can receive general operating support from Cummings Foundation, with awards ranging from US $30,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from Cummings Foundation help Massachusetts community development and revitalization efforts, especially in Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and select Norfolk County communities.

The MMS&A Charitable Foundation provides organizational grants aimed at promoting equitable health outcomes for marginalized communities. They focus on funding non-profit organizations that deliver quality healthcare services to the un- and underinsured, as well as enhancing behavioral health services. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and have limited government funding. Capital campaigns, for-profit entities, and discriminatory practices are not supported. The foundation prefers innovative proposals over repeat requests, emphasizing new programs to address health inequities.

Massachusetts public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning historic preservation or community revitalization projects can seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 for planning, education, and outreach activities. National Trust for Historic Preservation’s National Trust Preservation Funds support technical studies, community forums, organizational capacity building, and innovative public programs that introduce new audiences to preservation and strengthen local community development efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Malden and surrounding Massachusetts communities can apply for Adelaide Breed Bayrd Foundation grants to support community services, healthcare, education, culture, and youth or elderly assistance projects. Funding may benefit community service and development initiatives, with a preference for capital improvements over operating deficits; requests are due the second Tuesday of February.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or those with fiscal sponsorship supporting children and families through early childhood, health, or community development work in Massachusetts, especially Martha’s Vineyard, may be eligible for this funding. Grants from Couch Family Foundation help strengthen organizational capacity, services, and community vibrancy with options for general operating, project, capital, and event sponsorship support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running education, economic development, affordable housing, or critical community needs programs in Massachusetts can seek up to US $10,000 in project support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Bristol County Savings Bank provides funding to groups serving specified Bristol, Norfolk, Plymouth, and Providence County communities, including Taunton/Attleboro and the SouthCoast.

Nonprofit agencies providing community-based services for women and children in crisis in Massachusetts can seek funding to improve health, safety, independence, and self-sufficiency. Chickering Foundation supports privately funded programs in Eastern Massachusetts counties that offer resources, build support networks, and raise awareness of underserved needs for women and children.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts serving children, adolescents, and young adults with mental illness, substance use disorders, learning disabilities, or intellectual disabilities can apply for the Tower Foundation’s Programs & Services Grants, awarding US $15,000 - US $50,000 for direct programs and services. Community service projects in eligible counties may be supported when they align with these focus areas.

Nonprofit and public entities in Massachusetts introducing or expanding mindfulness or Christian contemplative practices for underserved groups can apply for Trust for the Meditation Process grants of US $3,000 - US $5,000. Grants from Trust for the Meditation Process help short-term meditation courses, trainings, curricula, supplies, research, and related community service projects in the U.S.

Nonprofit organizations serving South Shore communities in Massachusetts can apply for the Harold Brooks Foundation’s grants to support education, health and mental health, food and nutrition, housing, and basic human needs programs. Funding may cover program or project costs and general operating support, including multi-year requests that benefit large numbers of local residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations using arts or artistic elements for community programs in Massachusetts can access funding via the White Family Foundation to support projects that empower residents, build cultural awareness, and educate youth. The foundation mainly supports Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts, so Massachusetts community service projects in Bristol, Norfolk, or Plymouth counties may be eligible.

The Yawkey Foundation offers Program and Small Capital Grants to nonprofit organizations making meaningful impacts in Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife. Grants can be up to $100,000 and support projects aligned with the nonprofit’s mission. Organizations are encouraged to submit Initial Proposals during designated periods, demonstrating strong leadership and community impact, particularly in underserved regions of Eastern Massachusetts.

Massachusetts nonprofits and community organizations serving immigrants, refugees, Indigenous communities, low-income youth, and the elderly can seek US $2,500 - US $10,000 for environment, health and welfare, arts and culture, education, and church-based social services projects. Focused on community needs, Adelard and Valeda Roy Foundation prioritizes greater Boston and underserved rural and urban areas, plus parts of Northern New England.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for community development, housing, youth, health, arts, education, or environmental projects can apply for grants from Washington Trust Charitable Foundation. Funding may support capital needs, multi-year projects, or specific programs that directly benefit local communities, including community service and revitalization initiatives.