Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER) supports Massachusetts farms in enhancing energy efficiency and adopting alternative energy solutions. This competitive grant aims to promote sustainability within agricultural operations, ensuring that farms can maximize both environmental and economic benefits. Applicants must be engaged in commercial agriculture, with property actively used for at least three years. For further details and applications, refer to the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

The NESOT Paper of the Year Award, presented by the Northeast Society of Toxicology, recognizes outstanding publications in toxicology by graduate students or postdoctoral fellows. Eligible applicants must be NESOT members affiliated with institutions in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, or Vermont. Papers must be published or in press in peer-reviewed journals between December 1, 2024, and November 30, 2025. The award includes a certificate and a $1,000 honorarium.

The Charles H. Farnsworth Trust Grant aims to support older adults in living independently and with dignity, focusing on affordable housing and essential support services. Established in 1930, the trust funds projects related to housing development, healthcare services, and community planning. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $250,000, prioritizing projects in the Greater Boston area that enhance the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.

Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network Grant

The Challenge: Increase the Supply of Heat Pump and HVAC Technicians

A growing supply gap in heat pump and HVAC technicians is increasing the risk of a bottleneck in statewide building retrofit and decarbonization efforts that are critical to meeting the Commonwealth's climate goals.

About Heat Pump & HVAC Training Network

The Heat Pump and HVAC Technician Training Network Program provides HVAC technician workforce training implementation and equipment grants to community colleges. These grants provide direct funding and technical assistance to community colleges to establish or upgrade HVAC training centers. By increasing access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure, the colleges can build and scale career pathways that help Massachusetts residents access and advance in HVAC mechanic and technician occupations.

This program implements the commitment to launch additional HVAC training programs at community colleges statewide that Governor Maura Healey announced during her 2024 State of the Commonwealth address.

Award Potential

• Up to $1,200,000

Strand A: Implementation Grants

It is anticipated that Planning Grantees applying for Strand A: Implementation Grants will include and address all components detailed below. If funding is not needed for a particular component, applicants should detail and explain the existing capacity or alternative braiding funding in their application narrative.

Strand B: Additional Training Seats

Implementation Grantees that demonstrate strong completion and placement outcomes are eligible to request additional funding under Strand B: Additional Training Seats. Implementation Grantees may apply for funding to cover all components except Component A: Equipment, Installation, and Program Design Costs to Establish or Upgrade HVAC and Heat Pump Training Centers. There are no specific component allocations for Strand B applicants; however, applicants must follow the per participant allocation guidelines included in Section 6: Eligible Funding Uses.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Accessibility & Engagement

For museums, parks, other public spaces without a specific I/DD focus wanting to make property or equipment improvements and additions to better include visitors with I/DD.

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.

Transportation Equity Needs and Barriers Assessment

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (“MassCEC”) is seeking qualified consultants or professionals with experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation; working with and understanding the needs of burdened populations and community-based organizations (“CBOs”); data collection/synthesis; communication; project management; and clean transportation technologies to serve as a project manager under MassCEC’s Transportation Equity Needs and Barriers Assessment.

The goal of this Initiative is to coordinate robust stakeholder engagement and synthesize key transportation needs and barriers identified through this engagement, which can then inform future MassCEC and other state clean transportation programming.

The Consultant will be responsible for:

• Ongoing management and reporting;
• Partnering with and compensating CBOs to provide input on transportation needs and barriers and to assist with engagement efforts;
• Facilitating robust outreach and engagement to residents of Burdened Areas through surveys, interviews, focus groups, attendance at community events, and other methods to collect feedback on key transportation needs and barriers; and
• Synthesizing information collected to identify and prioritize key transportation needs and barriers that should be addressed by the state.

The Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation, established in 1984, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Stamford and Worcester, New York, and Winchendon, Massachusetts. By funding charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation supports various initiatives, including community health services, historical preservation, education, and public safety. Organizations aligned with these goals are encouraged to apply for grants to foster community spirit and cooperation.

Through the Water Quality Monitoring Grant (“WQMG”) program, MassDEP seeks to support both new and ongoing water quality monitoring initiatives conducted by federally recognized tribal nations located in the Commonwealth, community water quality monitoring groups, and other non-profit organizations. Such initiatives, include: (1) direct monitoring of rivers, streams, lakes, ponds, and estuaries through field and laboratory work; (2) associated capacity-building actions (including, but not limited to training and outreach) that improve the organization’s ability to monitor surface waters through field and laboratory work; and (3) developing regional and long-term monitoring programs and networks. 

FY2027: MassSTEP ABE and MassSTEP ESOL

MassSTEP models offer adults the opportunity to acquire adult education (AE), workforce training (occupational skills training1), and workplace preparation activities simultaneously.

MassSTEP ABE2 models provide AE concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training to accelerate learning outcomes, including student attainment of a high school credential, one or more relevant industry-recognized credentials (IRCs), and living wage employment in high-demand occupations.

MassSTEP ESOL3 models provide ESOL instruction concurrently and contextually with civics education, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training to accelerate learning outcomes, including student attainment of one or more relevant IRCs and living-wage employment in high demand occupations.

These grants are designed for partnerships among education providers, approved workforce training providers, employers, and workforce partners to implement a MassSTEP model. Grants must be developed consistent with Public Law 113-128, Sections 201 through 243 .

Priorities are to support applicants that demonstrate:

• A MassSTEP model that is desirable, feasible, and sustainable.
• Career pathway development in priority occupations as shown in the WIOA local plan .
• A model that includes concurrent and contextualized adult education instruction, workforce preparation activities, civics education (MassSTEP ESOL), and workforce training (requirement).
• A program design of about 16 weeks or less in length (requirement).
• Partnership with one or more local area employers in the occupation that includes, but is not limited to, assistance with job placement (requirement).
• Student attainment of one or more IRCs (requirement) and a high school credential (MassSTEP ABE requirement).
• Collaborations with local MassHire Workforce Boards, MassHire Career Centers, and/or State-approved Career Technical Education Chapter 74 (CTE) Programs.
• Commitment to delivering a program that adheres to the FY24-FY28 Policies for Effective MassSTEP Programs in Community Adult Learning Centers and Correctional Institutions and MassSTEP Brand Standards and Implementation Guide.

Funding:

Funding is subject to state and federal appropriation. Up to $3,061,413 is available for this grant funded program.

The Ernest Morgan Memorial Scholarship, managed by CommunityGiving, supports central Minnesota student athletes and leaders to pursue higher education outside their home states. This scholarship aims to expand students' horizons and experiences, with a total award of $5,000 available. Open to high school seniors from specific schools, applicants are encouraged to apply online and demonstrate their leadership or athletic skills. This initiative enhances educational opportunities and fosters personal growth among local youth.

The Charles A. King Trust Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, established in 1936, aims to support research into human disease and improve treatments. It offers funding for postdoctoral fellows and clinician scientists in advanced stages of their training in basic, preclinical, and clinical research. This program fosters the development of independent investigators in biomedical research, particularly in health services and population health, helping them achieve their career goals.

The purpose of Community Workforce Partnerships Grant is to support community-led workforce development initiatives that support economic mobility within a single Massachusetts municipality. Projects must respond to a community-defined economic need or opportunity and demonstrate a clear link to stable employment and/or wage growth within one year.

About 

The National Sea Grant College Program was established by the U.S. Congress in 1966 and works to create and maintain a healthy coastal environment and economy. The Sea Grant network consists of a federal/university partnership between the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) and 34 programs in every coastal and Great Lakes state, Puerto Rico, and Guam.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium is a regional collaboration that includes 8 Sea Grant programs in 7 Northeast states: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont.

The Northeast Sea Grant Consortium collaborates on regional initiatives in research, education, extension, and communications—leveraging local expertise to create regional benefits and accomplishments.

American Lobster Initiative (ALI) Collaborative Research

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative is pleased to announce funding to support new collaborative research projects that closely align with emerging lobster industry and management needs. This request for proposals (RFP) adds to the substantial breadth of previous ALI-funded research by prioritizing projects that create “actionable science” (outputs and findings of the scientific process are useful to and usable by end-user communities) through the co-creation of information and/or products. 

To reach this goal, the ALI seeks to support collaborative research practices, the sharing of knowledge, expertise, and resources/capacities amongst the many people who comprise the American lobster industry. Projects must be developed and led by collaborative research teams that include at least one fishing industry representative, such as a commercial fisherman or a representative from a commercial fishing business, including cooperatives, dealers and processors. This call emphasizes research conducted with and for the industry, offering an exciting opportunity to support and elevate industry-research-management partnerships to address current ecological, regulatory, and socio-economic challenges faced by the American lobster fishery.

The Sea Grant American Lobster Initiative invites proposals for collaborative research projects to be funded from December 1, 2026 to December 31, 2028. Projects can be up to two years in duration, with a recommended duration of no less than 18 months. 

This opportunity is designed to support collaborative research conducted by those affiliated with the American lobster industry (including shoreside supply chain businesses), and any public or private higher education institution, municipal, state, federal, or tribal entity, research laboratory, or other community or non-profit institution. This opportunity is not open to single investigator proposals.

A total of $400,000 is available to support up to 8 two-year project awards. Project budgets cannot exceed $100,000 (including all direct and indirect costs), and must include non-federal cost share is required for this competition. See full RFP for guidance.

The Great Apes and Gibbons Program Grant, administered by the Arcus Foundation, supports conservation efforts for great apes and gibbons across 24 priority landscapes in Africa and Asia. The program emphasizes sustainable coexistence between humans and wildlife, having awarded over 2,000 grants to more than 500 organizations globally. Funding is not available for individuals or specific lobbying activities, ensuring resources are directed towards impactful conservation initiatives.

The UWGNB Community Impact Grants aim to enhance local communities by funding projects focused on Healthy Community and Child and Youth Opportunity. This initiative prioritizes access to basic needs, mental health, and youth development programs. Eligible applicants include non-profits and public entities, with one application allowed per organization. The funding supports programs that foster health and learning, ultimately helping individuals and families thrive in the Greater New Bedford area.

The US Department of Health & Human Services, through the NIH, invites applications for innovative approaches to implement SBIRT/P for addressing alcohol, tobacco, and other drug use in adults facing health disparities. This funding opportunity encourages research that tests screening, brief interventions, and referrals for treatment or prevention services. Applications are due on specified deadlines from February 2024 through March 2027, fostering collaboration with healthcare and community partners to enhance public health outcomes.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

Service Objects In-Kind Grants support non-profit organizations dedicated to environmental conservation and sustainability. By leveraging their data validation services, they aim to assist projects that promote ecological health and responsible resource management. The program prioritizes applications with clear, measurable objectives and impactful outcomes within one to three years. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status in the U.S. are eligible, while initiatives lacking detailed plans or focusing on generalized education will not qualify. This grant fosters community involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Santander Charitable Sponsorship Program focuses on supporting low- to moderate-income communities primarily in the Northeast and Florida. With a commitment of $100 million in charitable giving, the program addresses key community development needs, including affordable housing, job creation, financial education, and disaster relief. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or be public agencies, demonstrating capacity to meet community needs. Unsolicited applications are not accepted.

The Shannon Community Safety Initiative Local Action Research Partner Grant aims to combat gang violence through a collaborative approach involving regional strategies and multi-disciplinary partnerships. Funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this initiative seeks to enhance program operations by providing strategic insights and continuous feedback. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts public entities and nonprofit research organizations dedicated to fulfilling a public purpose, ensuring effective intervention and prevention efforts are maintained.

The Charles F. Bacon Trust Grant supports educational, human services, and health care programs for underserved populations, with a focus on elderly women. Established in 1928, the trust encourages grant requests for operating and program support, including small capital expenses. Most grants are awarded for one year, but multi-year support may occasionally be granted. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable communities through targeted assistance and resources.

The EmPower Massachusetts program, managed by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center, provides crucial funding ranging from $5,000 to $150,000 for innovative projects that enhance clean energy access for underserved communities. This initiative supports capacity building and the exploration of novel solutions, helping organizations implement impactful programs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, making it easier for communities to engage in clean energy advancements and contribute to the state's climate goals.

The EmPower Massachusetts Implementation Grants, offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), provide funding to enhance energy access for underserved communities. Grants range from $50,000 to $150,000 and are aimed at implementing community-based projects that address energy burdens. This initiative supports innovative solutions and strengthens organizational capacity, ultimately contributing to the Commonwealth’s clean energy goals and fostering equitable access to clean energy benefits.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health with Coordination and Optimization of Resources and Partnerships (MA FRESH CORP)

Purpose

The purpose of this state-funded targeted grant program is to support MA FRESH CORP affiliates to ensure local food system activities - including local food system education and local procurement in Child Nutrition Programs - are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community through investment in internal personnel or contracted partnerships that support institutionalized programs that promote food literacy. Grant funds will support further off-boarding technical assistance and guidance to support the retention of internal personnel and food system education workplans past the grant period.

Fund Use

MA FRESH CORP is designed to ensure local food system activities — including local food system education and local procurement in Child Nutrition Programs — are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community through investment in internal personnel or contracted partnerships that support institutionalized programs. This funding seeks to support the retention of internal personnel and food system education workplans as awardees work to transition their programming model to other sustainable funding models.

Funding will be prioritized for the budget areas described below. Applicants may apply for up to 50% of the total funding expended for FY26 Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health Coordination and Optimization of Resources and PartnershipsMA FRESH CORP in the following budget categories. Total funding requests may not exceed $50,000.

• Professional Salaries: For the coordination and implementation of local food system education and/or local procurement by full-time, salaried and benefited positions, part-time positions, or for the expansion of hours/stipending of internal personnel - such as nutrition professionals, educators, or community/family stakeholders.
• Contracted Services: To provide technical assistance, coaching, professional development, the development of resources such as program protocols or curriculum and/or strategic planning consultation. The hiring of a contracted partner should be in service of cultivating program structures that elevate internal staff capacity and should not be used primarily to support the direct execution of direct farm to school programming by the contracted partner.
• Professional Development Expenses (Other Expenses): To attend farm to school, food literacy, agricultural or culinary oriented workshops, trainings, or conferences. Associated costs may include registration fees, travel fees, mileage, compensation/stipends for out-of-work time, or the cost of substitutes required to provide coverage for personnel attending professional development opportunities.

Equipment, supply, and infrastructure costs capped at 10% of the total budget request are allowable but will be contingent on budget availability once priority budget areas described above are funded for eligible applicants.

MA FRESH CORP awardees will be required to:

• participate in periodic grant meetings, professional development opportunities and technical assistance
• track local spending (dollar value) within Child Nutrition Programs during the grant period
• complete a funding succession plan

Priority will be given to MA FRESH CORP affiliates that:

• Have created a job description and/or consultant scope of work that ensures local food system activities are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community
• Have current programming in all three core areas of farm to school: Classroom (such as food system curriculum and school garden activities), Cafeteria (such as local menu offerings) and Community (such as farm field trips, family engagement or food system partnerships).
• Have successfully onboarded farm to school personnel or contracted partners through MA FRESH CORP funding and are seeking to retain these personnel and contracted partnerships through the duration of the 2026-2027 school year
• Have effectively stewarded use of MA FRESH CORP funding awarded to date
• Are committed to identifying strategies for retaining farm to school personnel or contracted partners through alternative funding strategies outside of the MA FRESH CORP grant program
• Are willing to participate in program evaluation and off-boarding technical assistance activities, including the completion of a funding succession plan.

The Abelard Foundation, established in 1958, supports progressive social change projects located east of the Mississippi River. With an average grant size of $12,000, they prioritize new initiatives with budgets under $350,000. The foundation emphasizes community organizing, civil rights, and empowering marginalized groups. Eligible applicants must be associated with a nonprofit organization and demonstrate a commitment to local leadership and broader policy connections. The board meets biannually to decide on approximately 15 grants per year, focusing mainly on general support.