Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Massachusetts

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Massachusetts and beyond can seek Global Impact Cash Grants to scale innovative programs. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with overhead generally at or below 25 percent, and are accepted year-round via an initial LOI process.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Massachusetts can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, community revitalization, affordable housing, and job training, which may benefit communities facing environmental justice concerns.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on early childhood education or community and economic development can access funding through PNC Foundation to support low- and moderate-income children, families, and neighborhoods. Programs such as neighborhood revitalization, community services, or arts and culture that improve conditions in overburdened communities may be eligible, where PNC has a significant presence.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, wildlife, or related humanitarian efforts in the Southern U.S. may be eligible for Robinson Foundation support. While the foundation does not fund capital projects, it backs single-year projects with tangible impact, which could benefit environmental justice and advocacy partners connected to Massachusetts communities.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and justice in coastal Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island can apply for Island Foundation support for general operating or project-based needs. Grants may fund marine and coastal protection, climate and renewable energy initiatives, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, environmental health, and capacity-building for local conservation and environmental justice efforts.

Nonprofits, training providers, and other organizations in Massachusetts that deliver clean energy workforce training for underserved communities can apply for Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants, with awards up to US $1,200,000 over two to three years. With a mission to expand equitable clean energy careers, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center supports programs that build career pathways and pipeline training for climate-critical jobs, benefiting environmental justice communities.

Massachusetts and Vermont nonprofit organizations, schools, and local governments can apply for Vermont Community Foundation’s Deerfield River Enhancement Fund, offering up to US $14,000 for watershed conservation and stewardship projects. Eligible projects must occur in or directly benefit the Deerfield River Basin, including activities like monitoring, trail work, education, events, and improving public access.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth with disabilities or serious health conditions in Massachusetts can seek funding for capacity building, programs, capital, multi-year projects, start-up, or general operating support. With a mission to aid vulnerable children, John W. Alden Trust also supports research on diseases affecting children and may benefit groups addressing environmental justice–related health disparities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on human services, fairness and justice, education, healthcare, or environmental programs can seek general operating support through this program, with awards from US $30,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from Cummings Foundation help locally based organizations in Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and select Norfolk communities, including those advancing environmental justice and advocacy work.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations showing measurable outcomes and, ideally, active Ameriprise volunteer engagement may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofits, schools, and workforce organizations in Massachusetts can seek funding to run clean energy career awareness, exploration, and training programs for students and young adults from environmental justice communities and other underrepresented groups; awards up to US $600,000. Grants from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center support planning, capacity-building, and work-based learning in the clean energy sector.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with environmental, education, health, social service, civic, or cultural programs can access funding through Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards of US $5,000 - US $25,000. Organizations advancing environmental work, including environmental justice and advocacy, may be competitive if they meet the foundation’s priorities and annual application cycle requirements.

Environmental and wildlife conservation nonprofits in Massachusetts can seek storytelling funding to highlight their community impact. J.W. Couch Foundation supports environmental conservation, wildlife conservation, food and waste management, and related preservation, education, and wellness work across the U.S.; eligible 501(c)(3)s and aligned for-profits may be especially relevant for environmental justice and advocacy efforts.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

Nonprofits, workforce programs, and other organizations building clean energy career pathways in Massachusetts can access funding for work-based learning, skills training, and service opportunities for ages 18–24. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center supports workforce development in energy efficiency and clean heating and cooling, including planning and implementation grants up to Up to US $375,000 over two years.

Organizations planting trees in Massachusetts environmental justice neighborhoods can apply for US $20,000 - US $100,000 to expand urban tree canopy on public and private property. Focused on environmental justice and community greening, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s program seeks measurable environmental, health, and energy-efficiency benefits for disadvantaged communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community programs. Environmental justice groups serving underserved youth and families may be especially competitive across education, hunger, housing, and greening initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on community projects in Boston that reduce air pollution or its health impacts can apply for the City of Boston’s Community Clean Air Grant Program, with awards up to US $200,000. Projects that monitor, prevent, or cut greenhouse gas emissions in vulnerable, environmental justice communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, which may include environmental justice and advocacy initiatives that model effective, scalable community solutions.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant through social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief may be eligible for this international funding, including work in Massachusetts. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller 501(c)(3) and qualifying foreign entities with revenues of $300,000 to $3,000,000, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000.