Best Grants for International Development in Massachusetts

Agricultural producers, forestland owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can access funding through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program to implement conservation practices on eligible lands. USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service supports projects that improve soil and water quality, enhance wildlife habitat, address invasive species, and build climate and drought resilience, which may benefit organizations engaged in international development-related agriculture and resource management work.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can apply for McGraw Foundation support, typically awarding US $2,000 - US $10,000. Although grants generally favor the greater Chicago area, Massachusetts international development nonprofits with overlapping program areas may be eligible for project or general operating support.

Graduate students researching drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental research, the Dr. Philip C. Singer Scholarship from American Water Works Association may benefit students in Massachusetts contributing to international development and clean drinking water efforts.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Massachusetts can seek KeyBank Foundation support for community development, affordable housing, education, and workforce readiness programs, with awards of US $10,000 - US $25,000. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen safe, inclusive neighborhoods, expand financial literacy, and improve academic and career outcomes for residents in states where the bank operates.

Nonprofits supporting women, children, and vulnerable families through international development, humanitarian aid, and self-sufficiency projects can access funding from The Father's Table Foundation. The funder provides Massachusetts organizations and other U.S.-based groups with up to US $750,000 for programs such as education, employment readiness, microfinance, food security, clean water, health care, and anti-trafficking efforts.

Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust help Massachusetts nonprofits and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Maine, New Hampshire, and Vermont fund health and welfare, dental care, camperships, homeless shelters, and food security programs; awards US $1,000 - US $7,500. Organizations serving vulnerable populations through capital or operating projects may be eligible.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects benefiting eligible Massachusetts communities. Grants from Green Mountain Energy support initiatives like renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, and environmental stewardship, which may complement international development-focused programming.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical and public health research, including international development–related health projects, can apply for small-scale research funding to enhance their research environment and student experience. The National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 for institutions in the U.S. and territories that have historically received limited NIH support.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) public charities in Massachusetts serving primarily low- to moderate-income residents can seek $2,500 - US $10,000 to support affordable housing, youth programs, financial education, workforce development, and small business support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation prioritizes organizations in counties where the bank operates branches.

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, education, community, environmental, or arts initiatives in Massachusetts and worldwide can seek philanthropic support for high-quality, sustainable development projects. La Roche prioritizes accredited charities whose international development work can engage its expertise, logistics, and employees, and that collaborate with local authorities and established partners in the countries where projects operate.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can secure approximately US $140,000 to support mentored clinical research and career development in global health. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Massachusetts-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators on international development–related health research build long-term capacity abroad.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working in areas like youth development, health, education, arts, environment, and human services can seek funding for program development, capital projects, equipment, and research. Grants from the Beveridge Family Foundation help Hampden and Hampshire County organizations, including those with international development components, support poor and underserved people and strengthen community well-being, with awards up to US $50,000.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with urgent needs can receive approximately US $2,500 for immediate, one-time expenses supporting racial equity, social justice, and community empowerment. New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund prioritizes historically underfunded organizations whose leaders build shared narratives, increase transparency, and strengthen communities, which may include internationally focused development work based in Massachusetts.

Early-career research scientists at low- or middle-income country institutions conducting health-related research can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award from the National Institutes of Health, with awards of approximately US $140,000. Massachusetts-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators on international development and global health priorities may benefit from this mentored career development support.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on social or financial empowerment, community development, basic needs, arts access, health, or financial literacy may be eligible for support in markets where Transamerica operates. Aegon Transamerica Foundation prioritizes innovative programs that build self-reliance, resilience, and inclusion, and that offer opportunities for employee engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations can seek funding for education-focused programs, community initiatives, arts and culture, or youth services that benefit disadvantaged people, including youth. Focused on education, John Ben Snow Memorial Trust invites U.S. nonprofits, including those in Massachusetts, to apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 for new or enhanced programs and short-term support.

Organizations in Massachusetts planning health-related congresses, events, or initiatives can seek corporate sponsorships that provide Biogen Foundation with tangible benefits like exhibit space or recognition. Biogen considers a wide range of neurological and related disease areas, so international development nonprofits with relevant medical or public health programming may be eligible for event support.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Massachusetts working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees.

Massachusetts 501(c) or 170(c) organizations focused on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s retiree matching gifts program. Eligible nonprofits may receive up to US $1,000 per year in matched donations from recent Regions retirees whose gifts they cultivate.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving Barnstable County can seek more than US $2,500 for capital projects, scholarships, and program expansion across community building, health, housing, and family support. Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust supports organizations whose work directly benefits Cape Cod residents and fits one of its five impact pillars.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The William P. Wharton Trust Grant supports projects that align with the vision of its patron, focusing on tangible outcomes. It prioritizes land conservation efforts that protect natural resources over recreational use. The Trust aims to leverage funds for impactful environmental initiatives and encourages collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental units, while grants are limited to direct project costs. Notably, the Trust avoids funding for overhead, construction, and educational programs for youth below college level.

The Island Foundation offers Environment Grants to support projects in coastal regions of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, focusing on marine and coastal resource conservation. Priority is given to initiatives addressing climate change, promoting sustainable landscapes, and enhancing community health through environmental conservation. The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for those engaged locally, to apply for funding that strengthens both ecological and community resilience.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is a quasi-state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

Our Mission

MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy. MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued.

2030 Fund

About the 2030 Fund

The $50M 2030 Fund is a signal to the market that Massachusetts is committed to the commercialization of climate technologies. MassCEC invests impactfully and countercyclically in Massachusetts’ most promising climate technology innovators. Our investments support climatetech companies as they de-risk their technology, reach early commercial milestones, and attract private funding for growth.  

Climatetech encompasses a wide range of tech solutions across sectors that further mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Portfolio companies work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, and/or serve as enabling solutions to achieve the Commonwealth’s climate goals. We invest across seven major sectors: energy; industry and manufacturing; transportation; buildings; agriculture, food and nature; carbon management; and adaptation and resilience.

The 2030 Fund invests in a variety of financial instruments, including SAFEs, convertible notes, equity, and venture debt. Investments typically range from $100k-$600k per check and may total $1.5M cumulatively. MassCEC is able to provide more patient capital than a typical private investor. Deploying strategic state capital, with no artificial pressures of fund lifetimes, the 2030 Fund can invest counter-cyclically, back founders through challenging market conditions, and work for successful long-term exits. 

MassCEC considers new investments on a rolling basis. The timeline from pitch to close of investment is typically three to five months.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.

The Sustainable Materials Recovery Program (SMRP) Municipal Grants support municipalities in enhancing recycling, composting, and waste reduction initiatives. Through the Recycling Dividends Program (RDP), eligible cities and towns can receive funding by implementing effective waste management policies. This program encourages local efforts to divert waste from landfills, thus promoting sustainable practices and environmental responsibility. MassDEP evaluates applications based on established criteria, ensuring that communities meet the necessary standards for funding.