Best Grants for New Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The PLTW Engineering program expansion, supported by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance access to innovative educational opportunities for K-12 students in Massachusetts. Grants are designated for under-resourced schools to implement or expand PLTW programs, covering costs for additional courses, teacher training, and essential supplies. This initiative seeks to foster interest in engineering and technology among students, ensuring they receive a comprehensive education that prepares them for future careers.

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.

Technical Support Service

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is issuing this Request for Proposals (RFP) to solicit bids from qualified vendors to provide Level 1 technical support services and limited Microsoft 365 operational support. MassCEC is transitioning to a governance-led hybrid IT operating model, where MassCEC retains internal IT leadership and employs its own on-site support technician. Under this model, the selected vendor will provide remote Level 1 ticket handling and Microsoft 365 support limited to user access, permissions, and service availability. This RFP does not seek full managed Microsoft 365 services or deep platform configuration.

The One Stop is a single application portal and collaborative review process that allows applicants to access a series of grant programs that support community economic development. The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) partners with the Executive Office of Housing and Livable Communities (EOHLC) and Massachusetts Development Finance Agency (MassDevelopment), to make targeted grant investments based on a Development Continuum. 

The Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) is federal funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) that was created through the Economic Opportunity Act of 1964 and is administered at the State and territory level. CSBG funding supports activities that help to reduce poverty, revitalize low-income communities, and empower low-income families and individuals to become self-sufficient. In Massachusetts, CSBG funding is at the core of a network of Community Action Agencies (CAAs) which mobilize resources and communities to fight poverty. Through CSBG support, CAAs can respond to the causes and conditions of poverty by delivering services and strategies tailored to meet priority needs unique to their communities.

The Expand Massachusetts Stories-Open Track grant offers up to $20,000 for projects that collect, interpret, and share narratives about Massachusetts, focusing on voices often overlooked. Eligible projects range from oral histories to community exhibitions and documentary films. The program prioritizes underrepresented experiences and aims to engage local communities in meaningful dialogue. Applicants must be compliant with regulations ensuring accessibility and equity, while funding cannot support individuals or profit-driven projects.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England

The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) was established in 1953 to be the fundraising arm of the New England District of Kiwanis. Since its inception, KFNE has raised and distributed millions of dollars.The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) has as its essential mission “Improving the world one child and one community at a time”. KFNE has a long history of providing a variety of programs and community service projects that benefit the youth of New England.

Kiwanis Foundation of New England Grant Program

• The Kiwanis Foundation of New England (KFNE) Club Grant Program is open to any Kiwanis Club of the New England and Bermuda District in good standing. Requesting clubs should submit a written proposal no more than three pages in length.

• The greatest consideration/weight will be given to those proposals that benefit the largest number of children.

• Additional weight will be assigned to those requests that are original or innovative in nature (i.e. a dream or something the writer/submitter has always wanted to do but was restricted due to financial constraints) vs. those that are for supplies or basic materials.

• Extra weight will be also be assigned to those projects/programs where matching funds would be used to leverage the grant that would be received.

• Awards will be limited to no more than $1,000, although the Committee reserves the right to recommend higher amounts in extraordinary circumstances. No Kiwanis Club may receive more than $1,000 in grants within a three-year period.

• The committee will bring its recommendations to the KFNE Board meeting three times a year.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

North Baptist Church of New Bedford Community Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship awards to: A graduating senior from New Bedford High School, Greater NB Regional Vocational High School, Fairhaven High School, and Bristol Agricultural High School, who plans to attend a two-year school, trade school, or school/certificate program in preparation for work in a trade or healthcare profession.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

New Bedford Woman's Club Scholarship

The New Bedford Woman's Club Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarships for tuition assistance during the first year at a two- or four-year accredited college or university. Scholarships are for graduating seniors of New Bedford High School and Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School based on 50% financial need and 50% academic performance.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Raymond E. Carr Scholarship Fund

Supporting students attending American International College, Elms College, Springfield College, Western New England University or Westfield State University

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

Fall River Chamber Foundation/James T. Waldron Scholarship

The Fall River Chamber Foundation James T. Waldron Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide an annual scholarship award to a South Coast region graduating High School senior(s) attending an accredited two- or four- year college or university.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

David Cappannari Scholarship

The David Cappannari Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide tuition assistance to graduating Plymouth high schools seniors who plan to attend college.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

College Club of New Bedford, Inc. Scholarship

The College Club of New Bedford, Inc. Fund provides scholarships to young women who are graduates or graduating seniors of the following high schools: New Bedford, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical, Bishop Stang, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

Clayton Bond Auman Maritime Scholarship

The Clayton Bond Auman Maritime Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarship awards to students who show financial need, demonstrate a good work ethic, have family ties to the sea, intend to attend a maritime institution or major in a marine-related program.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

Amy Edwards Second Wind Initiative Scholarship

The Amy Edwards Second Wind scholarship is available for women who are seeking a way to improve their ability to find meaningful employment and to create positive change within their communities, a “second wind.” This scholarship is for women enrolling in courses at Bristol Community College or the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth.

The Dunkin' Joyful Spaces Grant supports children's hospitals and community health centers in creating joyful environments for pediatric patients. Launched in 2022, this initiative helps fund play areas, healing gardens, and other kid-friendly spaces, enhancing the hospital experience. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $65,000 annually, with a maximum of $150,000 over three years. This opportunity encourages creativity in designing spaces that provide comfort and joy to children and their families during hospital stays.

The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Grant Program (MA) provides one-time funding to nonprofit organizations, including faith-based and health care entities, to enhance safety and security measures. The program prioritizes applicants demonstrating significant need, particularly those facing threats related to their mission. Emphasis is placed on cost-effective solutions to address security vulnerabilities. This initiative aims to support organizations that have not previously received similar funding, ensuring a focus on those most in need.

The Commonwealth Nonprofit Security Personnel Grant Program offers one-time funding for eligible 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts at high risk of terrorist attacks or hate crimes. Applicants are required to provide matching funds equal to the grant amount. Priority is given to those demonstrating significant need and proposing effective security personnel solutions, particularly first-time applicants. This program fosters safer environments for vulnerable communities through strategic financial support.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Massachusetts provide essential funding for organizations aiding low-income families in constructing their own homes. By supervising self-help projects, these grants enable participants to contribute labor while receiving technical assistance. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, tribes, and private organizations. Funds can be used for technical support and recruitment, while ineligible uses include hiring construction workers or purchasing materials, ensuring that assistance remains focused on empowering families.

The Northeast SARE: Farmer Grant Program supports innovative sustainable agriculture projects by providing funding to farmers. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $30,000 enable farmers to conduct research, implement new ideas, and address issues affecting long-term sustainability. This program encourages proposals that explore diverse topics such as crop production, livestock raising, urban agriculture, and climate-smart practices. Successful projects promise significant benefits to farming communities while fostering collaboration and education within the agricultural sector.

The Gaming Mitigation Grants support Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers impacted by resort-style casinos. These grants are designed to enhance the arts ecosystem, ensuring access to performances while boosting local economies. Eligible centers must primarily focus on the arts and commit significant resources to performing arts. Applications for FY26 are currently closed, with a reopening expected in FY27, providing organizations a chance to secure funding for touring shows and artist fees.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Wilbur H.H. Ward Education Fund

To support individuals from Hampshire County attending University of Massachusetts Amherst with preference given to residents of the Town of Amherst.

The National Institute on Drug Abuse is funding pilot and feasibility studies aimed at preparing for substance use and HIV prevention research trials. The program encourages innovative interventions for substance use disorders and HIV eradication, focusing on stakeholder collaboration and practical application. Projects may include assessment of service models, intervention development, and community engagement. This initiative is designed to fill critical research gaps and enhance partnerships, although applications are not currently being accepted.

The Massachusetts Bar Foundation (MBF) offers Special Projects Grants to support initiatives that enhance access to civil legal aid and improve the administration of justice. These grants are available for projects that may not meet the traditional eligibility criteria of the IOLTA Grants Program, but align with the MBF’s mission to ensure equal access to legal resources for all, especially vulnerable populations. Interested applicants should contact the MBF Grants Office for eligibility discussions.

Bristol Myers Squibb Foundation Inc supports independent medical education to enhance healthcare professional competence and improve patient health outcomes. Their mission is to be a global leader in innovative medical education, focusing on evidence-based activities that address critical gaps in knowledge. By fostering excellence in healthcare, they aim to ensure measurable improvements in performance and patient outcomes across various disease areas.

FY2027: Safe and Supportive Schools Continuation Grant

Purpose:

The goals of this state funded safe and supportive schools continuation grant program are to:

• help support implementation of school-wide action plans created by Fiscal Year (FY) 2026 Fund Code (FC) 0335 Option 1 — Action Planning grantees in the prior year; and
• continue, expand, or extend the implementation and support efforts of FY26 FC 0335 Option 2 — Implementation and Support grantees.

Priorities:

The main priorities for this grant are to help ensure that each participating school creates an equitable, safe, positive, healthy, culturally-competent, and inclusive whole-school learning environment for all students, and makes effective use of a system for integrating services and aligning initiatives that promote students’ behavioral health and wellness.

These efforts are supported through school-based implementation of action plans that were created after completing the Safe and Supportive Schools Self-Reflection Tool (SaSS Tool) .

An additional priority for Option 2 — Implementation and Support grantees is to provide support for Option 1 grantees, other new Safe and Supportive Schools Self-Reflection ToolSaSS Tool users, schools and districts that are new to implementation, the Department, Safe and Supportive Schools Commission, and others as needed and appropriate.