Best Grants for Global Health in Massachusetts

The Bud Tackett Legacy Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports students from Ayer-Shirley Regional High School, Lunenburg High School, or Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship embodies the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the North Central Massachusetts region, providing vital support to students aiming for academic and vocational success.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program was created through Section 5 of chapter 288 of the Acts of 2018 to aid municipalities of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in their efforts to revitalize their downtown and commercial areas by encouraging new occupancy of long-term vacant storefronts. An award from the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program in the FY27 Round of the Community One Stop for Growth allows a municipality to request tax credits for Vacant Storefronts to be assigned to an eligible business within the community by the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC). 

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

Creating Health Access for Next Generation Equity (CHANGE) Grant Program

Launched in 2023, the AstraZeneca Foundation’s signature Creating Health Access for Next Generation Equity (CHANGE) program works to improve access to quality healthcare.

Beginning April 1, 2026, the AstraZeneca Foundation will accept grant requests of $200,000 - $220,000 for review and consideration for its next cohort of CHANGE grant awardees. Organizations receiving funding in 2026 may be considered for renewed funding on an annual basis for two additional years, contingent upon meeting objectives, funding availability and approval by the Foundation’s Board of Trustees.

The intent of the grants is to provide general operating support for organizations working in innovative, collaborative ways at the community level to help improve access to quality healthcare in their community during the grant year and beyond. Our aim is for funded organizations to maximize the benefit to community members and community-based organizations and to work toward continuing their services beyond potential AstraZeneca Foundation funding.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.

The Indian Environmental General Assistance Program (GAP), administered by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), provides crucial funding to tribal governments and intertribal consortia for developing environmental protection programs. Since 1992, GAP has focused on remediation of pollutants and, more recently, supports climate adaptation initiatives. The program emphasizes tribal sovereignty while aiding in capacity building, policymaking, and establishing joint EPA-Tribal Environmental Plans to effectively address environmental challenges faced by tribal communities.

The National Maritime Heritage Grant NOFO is a comprehensive overview, prepared by the National Park Service (NPS), of their federal Maritime Heritage Education Grant Program. Education grants advance maritime heritage through public education for a wide audience. Eligible activities advance America’s maritime heritage in addition to at least one of the following: (1) Develop educational activities concerning historic marine resources, including archaeological sites and (2) Facilitate public connection and access to maritime heritage and resources. 

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The Mabel A. Horne Fund Grant, established in 1957, aims to enhance educational, human services, and healthcare for underserved populations. This private fund supports general operating and program-related requests, encouraging small capital expenses. Most grants are for one year, with occasional multi-year support available. The initiative seeks to empower communities by providing essential resources for impactful programs.

Early College Support Grant - Programs in Year 3 and Beyond of Designation

The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide resources that support Designated Early College programs in their ongoing efforts to reimagine the high school experience, ensuring that all students are meaningfully engaged and prepared for post-secondary success. The funds allocated through this grant are intended to assist both the Designated Secondary School and its partnering Institution(s) of Higher Education (IHEs) in the continued development, implementation, and sustainment of their Early College initiatives.

Programs in Year 3 and Beyond of Designation is for high schools in their third year of their first Designation or beyond.

Targeted state funds are intended to support Designated Early College programs in building and sustaining capacity in an equitable and effective manner.

The HKS Center for Public Leadership's Equity Fellowship aims to empower diverse, talented students committed to promoting equity within society. This fellowship offers financial support for a master's degree at Harvard Kennedy School, along with a comprehensive leadership development program. Recipients will connect with exceptional peers and mentors, focusing on enhancing their impact in communities, particularly among marginalized populations. The fellowship encourages applications from individuals with a demonstrated commitment to addressing disparities across various sectors.

The Municipal Road Safety Grant (MA) provides funding for police departments in Massachusetts to enhance traffic safety initiatives. It encourages flexibility in implementing strategies beyond traditional enforcement, including community outreach and specialized training. Grants are tiered based on population size, offering up to $65,000 for larger municipalities. The program aims to reduce roadway crashes, injuries, and fatalities by supporting innovative traffic safety programs and fostering positive community-police interactions.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

The USTA New England Game Changer Grant offers up to $20,000 to support innovative projects that promote tennis and healthy communities across New England. This funding opportunity is aimed at high-impact initiatives that align with USTA New England's mission. Please note that ongoing program expenses like court time and coach salaries are not eligible for funding. Providers can seek assistance through the USTA Tennis Venue Services application process.

The David M. Rubenstein Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School supports first-year joint-degree students from HKS and Harvard Business School, fostering leaders equipped to tackle global challenges. This fellowship offers financial aid, a comprehensive leadership development program, and a network of exceptional peers and mentors. Candidates are evaluated based on their commitment to public service and leadership potential. Since its inception in 2008, it has aimed to enhance the intersection of business, government, and nonprofit sectors.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The FDC Foundation, established in 2008, is a private non-profit dedicated to providing grants to 501(c)(3) public charities across three main areas: Health & Nutrition, Education, and Housing. The foundation supports initiatives that improve nutrition, assist diabetic individuals, enhance early childhood development, and promote housing opportunities for those in need. However, it does not fund for-profit entities or international organizations, nor does it provide grants for specific excluded purposes.

The Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation Grant, established in 1959, seeks to address crucial issues in criminal and juvenile justice systems, particularly in Massachusetts. The foundation prioritizes funding for research, innovative reintegration programs for offenders, and effective community collaboration models. Grants support new projects, proven initiatives, and organizations with a strong track record. Requests for funding are due by February 1st, with decisions made by May 31st, ensuring timely support for impactful projects.

The Mabel Louise Riley Foundation provides grants to support low-income children and youth in Boston. With a focus on education, human services, and neighborhood revitalization, the foundation funds projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 and are available to Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Exclusions include multi-year support and unrestricted operating funds. The foundation aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable families through targeted assistance.

The Susan A. Robbins Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports female students pursuing a BS Degree in STEM, with a preference for Engineering. This scholarship is part of over 40 opportunities aimed at fostering educational growth in the region. The foundation manages charitable funds to benefit local students and is committed to promoting education and community development.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is offering a competitive planning grant for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to establish Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs). This initiative aims to create a diverse educator workforce by providing equitable access to teaching through low-cost, job-embedded training. The grant supports workforce assessments, program designs, and partnerships, focusing on enhancing teacher diversity and preparation quality, ultimately contributing to long-term workforce stability in Massachusetts education.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Transition to College grant program (Transition Program) is to provide a foundation of services, free of charge, within Massachusetts colleges that enable adult learners to enroll, persist, and complete postsecondary education.

Self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal of Transition Program services. To that end, applicants may propose Transition to College services and College Support Services as described below.

Priorities:

The following priorities have been established for Transition to College Services:

• establish two or more Memoranda of Agreement with DESE-funded Community Adult Learning Centers (CALCs) or Correctional Institutions (see Appendix A in FY 2024 – FY 2026 Massachusetts Policies for Effective Transition to College Programs);
• enroll and retain at least one cohort of 15 adults, prioritizing students previously enrolled in DESE-funded CALCs or Correctional Institutions for a program design lasting one academic year;
• incorporate at least one cohort strategy (e.g., students' enrollment in a common course, ongoing group advising);
• fully integrate students into the college;
• provide academic instruction, including a College for Success course, and intensive advising;
• offer a program design that focuses on providing students in-person or hybrid classes and on-campus experiences;
• offer at least two credit-bearing courses (3 credits per course);
• provide access to additional credit-bearing courses (priority funding will be given to proposals that propose high numbers of credit-bearing courses above the required minimum).

The College Support Services program is an optional service offering intended for colleges interested in providing services to Transition students after one academic year. It is DESE's expectation that these students have achieved some level of self-sufficiency and would not need the same level of intensive advising they had in their first academic year. Applicants will need to describe the need for continued services and how they will provide a gradual release of responsibility in order for students to achieve full self-sufficiency.

The following priorities have been established for College Support Services:

• propose a number of Transition students to serve and retain;
• propose a period of time to serve these students (maximum of two semesters or one academic year);
• propose advising and other services to build on the self-management competencies students acquired in the first academic year such as ongoing advising that will move students to self-sufficiency.
• provide additional services such as access to credit-bearing courses and facilitating students' transition to four-year colleges.

Funding:

Approximately $3,500,000 is available. See the grant ranges below.

Transitions to College grants:

• One cohort of 15 students: up to $140,000
• Two cohorts of 15 students: $162,000 – $175,000

College Support Services: up to $50,000 (optional)

Fund Use:

Funds must be used in accordance with the FY 2024 – 2026 Massachusetts Policies for Effective Transition to College Programs. Programs should adhere to the community college's policies around student eligibility when determining the eligibility of prospective students.

Administrative costs may not exceed 5% of the total grant award.

Applicants may include indirect cost rates to recover certain business-related expenses necessary to support the proposed services. Please note that indirect costs count as administrative costs.

• Local Education Agencies (LEA) may apply the district rate .
• A non-LEA must reapply to DESE for an FY27 indirect costs rate (2 CFR 200.332v).

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Heriberto Flores Scholarship Fund

Supporting Springfield Technical Community College and Holyoke Community College graduates of Puerto Rican ancestry from Hampden or Hampshire Counties who plan to attend Massachusetts institutions of higher education.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Ralph J. Torraco Scholarship for Veterinary Studies, offered by the UNICO Foundation, provides two scholarships of $2,500 each for students pursuing veterinary studies at accredited U.S. colleges. Eligible candidates must be U.S. citizens, enrolled full-time, and maintain a GPA of 3.0 or higher. This opportunity supports diverse applicants and emphasizes community service, reflecting UNICO's commitment to Italian American heritage and educational advancement.

Early College Support Grant

The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide resources that support Designated Early College programs in their ongoing efforts to reimagine the high school experience, ensuring that all students are meaningfully engaged and prepared for post-secondary success. The funds allocated through this grant are intended to assist both the Designated Secondary School and its partnering Institution(s) of Higher Education (IHEs) in the continued development, implementation, and sustainment of their Early College initiatives.

Programs in Years 1 and 2 of Designation

Programs in Years 1 and 2 of Designation is for high schools in their first or second year of Designation.

Targeted state funds are intended to support Designated Early College programs in building and sustaining capacity in an equitable and effective manner.

The Frank W. & Carl S. Adams Memorial Fund Grant supports educational, human services, and health care initiatives for underserved populations. Established in 1925, it encourages applications for general operating support from organizations with budgets of $5 million or less. Multi-year requests are also considered. Annual gifts are awarded to Harvard Medical School and MIT for student scholarships, promoting continued educational excellence.

Early Literacy Consortium Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund the development, launch, and continuation of partnerships between eligible sponsoring organizations and PK–12 districts to promote improved teacher preparation and development in evidence-based early literacy instruction and improved early literacy outcomes for PK–3 students. All students deserve access to high quality instruction, and it will take collaborative and innovative efforts on the part of both districts and educator preparation programs to ensure that PK–3 educators have the pre-service training as well as the ongoing professional development needed to well-serve Massachusetts students. The goal of this grant program is for both districts and sponsoring organizations to benefit from collaboration through multi-year consortia developed to impact early literacy teaching and learning through preparation of candidates and ultimately hiring and employment of effective Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities PK–2/PK–8 teachers.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) seeks to award Early Literacy Consortium grants to entities that:

Are committed to prioritizing literacy equity and excellence, and want to collaborate with districts and sponsoring organizations in their region to make this a reality

Demonstrate favorable conditions and the resources, including time and commitment, necessary to make and sustain meaningful partnerships that have the potential to improve student outcomes in early literacy

Bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to the activities articulated in the grant proposal, including but not limited to classroom educators, PK–12 administrators, higher education faculty and leadership, program supervisors, teacher candidates, and students where appropriate

Are actively investing in equity, inclusion, and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices for all learners

Category 2 — Newly Established Consortia in the Planning Stage of Launching Early Literacy Programming

Applicants in this category have an established partnership with multiple sponsoring organizations and public school districts (four or more organizations in total) in their region and are designing and planning to implement programming that will advance effective early literacy instruction.