Best Grants for Environmental Conservation in Massachusetts

The Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust, established in 1992, focuses on supporting species conservation and blindness-related services in the Northeast United States. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 for conservation projects and $20,000 to $50,000 for blindness initiatives. Priority is given to endangered species and innovative research efforts. Organizations must be IRS-designated public charities. The Trust does not fund individuals or matching gifts, ensuring support goes directly to impactful projects.

The Cabot Family Charitable Trust, established in 1942, provides grants to nonprofit organizations in Boston and surrounding areas, focusing on youth and community development. The Trust supports initiatives in arts, education, environment, and health, prioritizing programs that enhance the growth of young children. While most grants are for one year, multi-year funding may be available for capital campaigns. Eligible organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and align with the Trust's philanthropic interests.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' development finance agency and land bank. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to help Massachusetts grow and thrive. We are committed to achieving three core goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the state. 

Brownfields Redevelopment Fund

Finances the environmental assessment and remediation of brownfield sites. Eligible applicants include community development corporations, nonprofit organizations, EDICs, and municipalities and their agencies for publicly owned sites with an identified developer. Applicants have a redevelopment project that will commence site work and construction within a short period of time; have a demonstrated immediate funding gap in the development budget; and provide a substantial public benefit to the community they are in by eliminating blight, through the creation of employment or housing opportunities. 

Eligible Projects

Projects eligible for funding through the Rolling Round program include the assessment and/or remediation of environmental contamination when necessary to redevelop vacant, abandoned, or underutilized properties. Above-ground contamination will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may not be used to remediate a building in advance of demolition. Funds may, however, be used for limited demolition to advance additional required environmental testing or assessment.

Environmental Site Assessment Projects

Up to $250,000 is available for environmental site assessment with an eligible scope submitted by a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional in good standing.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' development finance agency and land bank. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to help Massachusetts grow and thrive. We are committed to achieving three core goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the state. 

Brownfields Redevelopment Fund

Finances the environmental assessment and remediation of brownfield sites. Eligible applicants include community development corporations, nonprofit organizations, EDICs, and municipalities and their agencies for publicly owned sites with an identified developer. Applicants have a redevelopment project that will commence site work and construction within a short period of time; have a demonstrated immediate funding gap in the development budget; and provide a substantial public benefit to the community they are in by eliminating blight, through the creation of employment or housing opportunities. 

Eligible Projects

Projects eligible for funding through the Rolling Round program include the assessment and/or remediation of environmental contamination when necessary to redevelop vacant, abandoned, or underutilized properties. Above-ground contamination will be considered on a case-by-case basis and may not be used to remediate a building in advance of demolition. Funds may, however, be used for limited demolition to advance additional required environmental testing or assessment.

Remediation Projects

Up to $750,000 is available for site remediation with an eligible scope submitted by a Massachusetts Licensed Site Professional in good standing.

Nonprofit conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in the Appalachian states, including Massachusetts, can receive up to US $100,000 for fee or easement land acquisition projects that protect resilient, connected habitats and benefit communities. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy provides funding for capital, due diligence, stewardship, and community engagement costs.

The Appalachian Landscapes Project Capital Grant, offered by the Open Space Institute, supports vital conservation initiatives aimed at preserving biodiversity and enhancing landscape connectivity. Established in 1974, the OSI has protected over 2.5 million acres in the Eastern US and Canada, focusing on land that ensures clean drinking water and wildlife habitats. This grant is specifically for projects within the Appalachian Landscapes Project service area, promoting sustainable community benefits.

Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

The Department of Fish and Game’s mission is to conserve the Commonwealth’s abundant marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them, for the benefit and enjoyment of all people.

Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants

About the Opportunity

The Community Biodiversity Grants program supports local efforts to protect and restore biodiversity everywhere.

The Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals establish an ambitious, whole-of-government approach to rebuild biodiversity and invest in nature to sustain our health and well-being, food security, economy, and way of life. The plan sets four key goals—Protect, Restore, Sustain, and Connect—each with specific strategies for action for 2030, 2040, and 2050. 

The Community Biodiversity Grants program seeks proposals for projects that drive on-the-ground progress towards the Biodiversity Goals. The program will award grants between $20,000 and $150,000 to support biodiversity conservation and bring nature to every neighborhood.