Best Grants for Preschools in Massachusetts

The Massachusetts Preservation Projects Fund (MPPF) is a state-funded 50% reimbursable matching grant program established in 1984 to support the preservation of properties, landscapes, and sites (cultural resources) listed in the State Register of Historic Places. By providing assistance to historic cultural resources owned by nonprofit or municipal entities, the Massachusetts Historical Commission hopes to ensure their continued use and integrity. 

About Regions

Regions Financial Corporation is a member of the S&P 500 Index and is one of the nation's largest full-service providers of consumer and commercial banking, wealth management and mortgage products and services. Regions serves customers across the South, Midwest and Texas.

Regions Foundation

Regions Foundation supports community investments that positively impact the communities served by Regions Bank. The Foundation engages in a grantmaking program focused on priorities including economic and community development; education and workforce readiness; and financial wellness. The Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3) corporation funded primarily through contributions from Regions Bank.

Matching Gifts Program

Full-time associates and recent retirees (up to 5 years after retirement) of Regions and its affiliated companies can request a Regions Matching Gift to eligible organizations. The recipient organization must be a 501(c) or 170(c) organization located in the Regions footprint (except for accredited educational institutions, which may be located anywhere in the United States) and has a primary mission that clearly fits one of these categories:

• Economic and community development: Supporting economic prosperity through affordable housing, job creation, small-business development, homebuyer education and retention, neighborhood revitalization and stabilization, food security/hunger relief.
• Education and workforce readiness: Supporting career prosperity through student competency and skill building, college and career readiness, educational access and success, credential building and employment and educator training and resources.
• Financial wellness: Supporting financial prosperity through K-12 and college financial education, adult and workforce financial empowerment.
• Arts and culture: Organizations that promote visual or performing arts, historic or science museums, zoos, botanical gardens, libraries, parks or public radio and television.
• Service members and Veterans: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting U.S. military service members and veterans.
• Individuals with disabilities: Organizations that have a primary mission of supporting individuals with disabilities.

Regions Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees

Retirees of Regions and its affiliated companies are eligible for the Matching Gift Program for up to 5 years after retirement (the gift date must be within the first 5 years of retirement). Regions will match donations of $25 or more, up to a total of $1,000 per year per retiree.

The Regions Community Affairs team will contact the organization on your behalf to verify the gift and review eligibility.

The Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment & Infrastructure Grants aim to equip Massachusetts residents for the growing clean energy workforce, projected to expand by over 34,000 jobs by 2030. These grants provide up to $800,000 in funding for organizations that facilitate career pathways and upskilling in climate-critical occupations. Applicants can focus on various strands including training for new workers and upskilling for existing employees, ensuring a skilled workforce to meet state climate goals.

The Emerging Adult Reentry Initiative in Massachusetts aims to reduce recidivism among young adults by providing essential funding for community reentry programs. These programs offer comprehensive pre- and post-release services, ensuring participants receive the support needed to reintegrate successfully. Collaborating with correctional partners, the initiative focuses on identifying and monitoring at-risk individuals, while a Technical Assistance Provider enhances program effectiveness through strategic support and research. This initiative is vital for enhancing public safety.

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 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 Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant aims to combat gang and youth violence through a comprehensive strategy involving social intervention, suppression, opportunity provision, organizational change, and community mobilization. With approximately $11.1 million in funding, the initiative supports multi-disciplinary approaches and encourages applicants to allocate more resources to public housing sites. This grant reflects a commitment to enhancing community safety and addressing the root causes of violence effectively.

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.

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.

General Program Development Funds

Each year WHOI Sea Grant allocates part of its budget for Program Development (PD) funds. The National Sea Grant Office allows state programs to award these funds to enhance their strategic plan goals. Typical awards are $1,000 - $5,000. Projects exceeding $5,000 should be discussed with the Woods Hole Sea Grant director prior to submission.

Awards are generally for small research projects and proof-of-concept with the intent of seeding an idea for later development into larger funding proposals. Other credible uses of these funds include extension, education, communications, travel, graduate student support, and workshops or conferences. Applicants must express how the proposed project will add value to WHOI Sea Grant’s research, extension, education, and outreach efforts in the program’s current strategic focus areas. The WHOI Sea Grant management team will make decisions on Program Development awards two times per year.

Target Allocation

These funds will be provided to projects that align with WHOI Sea Grant’s strategic goals and objectives. Development funds are limited such that we often have many more requests for funding than we can support.

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 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is launching the FY2027 Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program to support Local Educational Agencies in developing diverse pathways to teacher licensure. This initiative emphasizes equitable access for underrepresented communities through paid training and mentorship. The program aims to strengthen workforce stability while addressing critical staffing needs in special education, ESL, and STEM. Districts will receive planning grants to enhance educator preparation and community engagement, ensuring a high-quality and inclusive education system.

The Environmental Quality Incentives Program (EQIP) by USDA's NRCS in Massachusetts provides financial assistance for implementing conservation practices that enhance environmental quality. It supports agricultural producers by improving water and air quality, conserving water resources, and promoting soil health. With year-round applications, the program prioritizes reducing pollution, conserving water, and supporting wildlife habitats. Eligible lands include cropland, rangeland, and sensitive areas, ensuring comprehensive environmental benefits across diverse agricultural settings.

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. 

The NEBC Graduate Student Research Award offers up to $3,000 to support graduate students conducting botanical research on New England's flora, including plants, algae, and fungi. This award encourages projects involving field, lab, and herbarium work, as well as travel within the region. Open to all graduate students, it aims to foster significant contributions to systematic botany, plant ecology, genetics, and conservation biology.

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.

Department of Fish and Game (DFG)

The Department of Fish and Game’s mission is to conserve the Commonwealth’s abundant marine and freshwater fisheries, wildlife, plants, and natural communities, as well as the habitats that support them, for the benefit and enjoyment of all people.

Massachusetts Community Biodiversity Grants

About the Opportunity

The Community Biodiversity Grants program supports local efforts to protect and restore biodiversity everywhere.

The Massachusetts Biodiversity Goals establish an ambitious, whole-of-government approach to rebuild biodiversity and invest in nature to sustain our health and well-being, food security, economy, and way of life. The plan sets four key goals—Protect, Restore, Sustain, and Connect—each with specific strategies for action for 2030, 2040, and 2050. 

The Community Biodiversity Grants program seeks proposals for projects that drive on-the-ground progress towards the Biodiversity Goals. The program will award grants between $20,000 and $150,000 to support biodiversity conservation and bring nature to every neighborhood.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation offers grants to 501(c)(3) organizations in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. They focus on funding programs that enhance affordable housing, economic development, youth services, health, arts, and environmental initiatives. Multi-year grants may support capital projects and campaigns that directly benefit local communities. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with their mission to improve the quality of life in the areas they serve.

The Dam and Seawall Repair or Removal Program in Massachusetts provides funding to support projects aimed at enhancing and preserving the state's natural resources and scenic qualities. Established in 2013, it focuses on public health, safety, and ecological restoration. Applicants must adhere to specific requirements, including utilizing the Climate Resilience Design Standards Tool and submitting projects for MEPA review. This initiative underscores the commitment to sustainable environmental practices in Massachusetts.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' development finance agency and land bank. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to help Massachusetts grow and thrive. We are committed to achieving three core goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the state. 

Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Small Grant Program

The EEOST provides grants to tax-exempt nonprofit corporations, as defined by M.G.L. c. 180, and to organizations in which a non-profit corporation has a controlling interest, to develop or improve a child care facility in which at least 50% of the child care enrollment consists of low-income families who are eligible to receive public subsidy. Funding can be utilized for rehabilitation that may include but is not limited to major systems replacement, reconfiguration of classrooms, administrative and staff spaces, and the redesign and renovation of outdoor space.

• Category 1: Improvements to outdoor play spaces including the creation or enhancement of natural play spaces that integrate nature-based materials (e.g. rocks, water, logs, plants) to promote unstructured play, exploration, creativity, and connection to the outdoors.
• Category 2: Investment in improvements to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, including windows and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
• Category 3: Reconfiguration of indoor spaces, including classrooms, gross motor rooms, and bathrooms.
• Category 4: Emergency repairs and system upgrades that impact the health and safety of occupants including roof replacement and upgrading electrical and life safety systems. Information Technology upgrades or purchases are not eligible and will not be considered.
• Category 5: Physical environment modifications, including accessibility or other improvements to support the inclusion of children and adults with special needs.
• Category 6: Security enhancements to prevent and respond to potential threats including but not limited to the installation of security cameras and access control systems.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education 

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education oversees public education for pre-K through grade 12 across the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with a mission to strengthen the public education system so that all students are prepared for postsecondary success, meaningful employment, and responsible citizenship, while working to close proficiency gaps statewide. Its vision centers on equitable, high-quality, student-centered learning that supports academic achievement, culturally responsive practice, and inclusive opportunity for every learner. The Department’s funding priorities and programs emphasize equitable student access and outcomes, diversity and culturally responsive teaching, strong teacher effectiveness and professional development, family and community engagement, and strategic support—such as quality improvement grants, safe and supportive school initiatives, and data-driven accountability tools—that advance excellence and equity in Massachusetts public education.

FY2027: Title II, Part A: Supporting Effective Instruction

Purpose

Title II, Part A of the federal Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) provides supplemental resources to school districts to improve high quality systems of support for excellent teaching and leading.

Title II, Part A is one of four principal programs that are available to districts through formula grants under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA), the current reauthorization of ESEA. The other programs are Title I, Part A; Title III, Part A; and Title IV, Part A.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is guided by its Educational Vision where:

• All students in Massachusetts, particularly students from historically underserved groups and communities, will have equitable opportunities to excel in all content areas across all grades.
• Culturally and linguistically sustaining classroom and school practices will support students to thrive by creating affirming environments where students have a sense of belonging, engage in deeper learning, and are held to high expectations with targeted support.

DESE partners with districts, schools, and programs to:

• Cultivate systems to support the whole student and foster joyful, healthy, and supportive learning environments so that all students feel valued, connected, nourished, and ready to learn. Strategic Objective 1 — "Whole Student"
• Promote deeper learning so that all students engage in grade-level work that is real-world, relevant, and interactive. Strategic Objective 2 — "Deeper Learning"
• Develop and sustain a workforce that is diverse, culturally responsive, well-prepared, and committed to continuous improvement, so that all students have equitable access to effective educators. Strategic Objective 3 — "Diverse and Effective Workforce"

Priorities

The priorities of Title II, Part A are to:

• increase student achievement consistent with challenging State academic standards;
• improve the quality and effectiveness of teachers, principals, and other school leaders;
• increase the number of teachers, principals, and other school leaders who are effective in improving student academic achievement in schools; and
• provide low-income and minority students equitable access to effective teachers, principals, and other school leaders.

The TD Charitable Foundation's Capacity Building Fund empowers nonprofit organizations by providing grants aimed at enhancing their operational capabilities. Established in 2002, this initiative focuses on funding projects that promote job training, arts, and housing assistance, particularly for historically underserved communities. With a strong commitment to diversity and inclusion, the foundation seeks to support organizations that align with its TD Ready Commitment drivers, ensuring impactful and sustainable community development.

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 goal of MassDOT’s Community Transit Grant Program is to provide and strengthen the transportation services available to meet the mobility needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. It is recognized that these populations have transportation needs which are often not met by conventional automobile or public transportation, and require specialized assistance to access services, employment, medical care, and other important destinations.  This grant is for  those who are interested in applying for funding to operate transportation or promote mobility management to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income people. 

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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 Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation

 The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation was formed in 2011 by Harold Brown. Its goal is to provide support for local 501c3 organizations which serve the community. Annual funding ranges between $250,000 and over $1,000,000. The chairman is Ronald Brown. Other board members: Jameson Brown, Maura Nolan Brown, Harley Brown, Fred Lebow & Andrea Kozinetz.

Grants

The Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation funds a wide variety of charities, including those that engage in medical and scientific research and deliver medical services and those that provide educational, artistic/musical, and recreational activities for underserved youths. The Foundation also finances scholarships for qualified applicants, aid to those experiencing homelessness, capital renovations or new construction, and animal hospitals and shelters.

Past and current charities supported include but are not limited to the West End House, Franciscan Children’s Hospital, the Coolidge Corner Theatre Foundation, and the Benjamin Franklin Cummings Institute of Technology.

Efficient use of administrative costs relative to benefits received by individuals is considered, and we fund specific projects, not operational costs. 

As of January 1, 2026, the Hamilton Company Charitable Foundation’s annual funding is in excess of $4 million per year. There is one application for requests over $1000. A very brief summary application is required for requests up to $1,000.

These grants may provide educational, recreational, and other services to urban and suburban youth. Funds are also available for arts and culture by way of museums, other learning opportunities. Funds may be directed as assistance to people in need such as supplying care for families, food.