Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Massachusetts

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 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs from the Dan Paul Foundation, including work in Massachusetts. Grants up to US $15,000 may support child advocacy, poverty and homelessness services, refugee enrichment, and youth environmental education such as clean air and water initiatives.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support arts and science programs, including in Massachusetts. Awards of more than US $100,000 may fund program, capital, or limited general support, and may benefit organizations integrating arts or STEAM into environmental justice education efforts.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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 Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

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.

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.

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 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.