Best Grants for Preschools in Massachusetts

The Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP) in Massachusetts provides essential reimbursement for police departments to acquire life-saving bulletproof vests. This state-funded initiative aids in replacing outdated vests and supports the purchase of new vests for officers. Eligible departments must apply for federal reimbursement first, ensuring that the vests meet the National Institute of Justice standards. The program underscores the commitment to officer safety by facilitating access to certified protective gear.

RFA: Technology Consultant for the Production Tracking System (PTS)

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms for a three-phase engagement to evaluate, modernize, host, and support the PTS. In Phase 1, MassCEC requires a thorough diagnostic assessment of the current system, including review of codebases, deployment pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps or other CI/CD tools), data models, security controls, and system performance. The current system is a .NET application (primarily C#) with an SQL backend, hosted in Microsoft Azure. Phase 2 will focus on implementing the approved modernization strategy and delivering a production-ready modernized system. Phase 3 will provide ongoing operations, hosting, and support.

The objective is to preserve and improve existing registration, reporting, and verification functionality. The project should also enhance security, accessibility, logging, monitoring, and program compliance. The system must ensure seamless processing for programs including Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Mass Class I, Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC), Renewable Thermal (RT), Alternative Energy, and Clean Peak Standard (CPS).

Deliverables are expected to include a modernization strategy, migration plan, technical documentation, automated deployment capabilities, and long-term operational support. Support must include maintenance, bug-fixing, and enhancements with a focus on maintainability, scalability, and risk mitigation. The outcome will be a modernized, functionally equivalent PTS with improved security, reliability, and performance.

The DOER Public Entity Decarbonization Grant Program aims to support Massachusetts state entities in transitioning from fossil-fuel systems to efficient electric solutions. With up to $2,450,000 available, the program encourages projects that enhance energy efficiency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions while leveraging other funding sources. Priority may be given to projects in disadvantaged communities, as defined by the Justice40 Initiative, ensuring a cleaner, more sustainable future for the Commonwealth.

The Penny White Project Fund Grant offers up to $50,000 annually for student research proposals at the Harvard Graduate School of Design. Open to graduate and doctoral students, the fund encourages innovative projects that emphasize the connection between people and nature. Established in memory of Winifred G. White, the grant aims to support creative research addressing systemic inequities and environmental justice. Preference is given to Landscape Architecture students, fostering interdisciplinary collaboration.

This grant program aims to assist Massachusetts schools in implementing updated regulations regarding time-out practices, ensuring compliance with DESE standards. It focuses on enhancing educational practices, promoting inclusive environments, and safeguarding student rights. By prioritizing professional development, restorative practices, and community engagement, this initiative seeks to reduce reliance on time-out rooms. With a funding pool of $3 million available, eligible entities can apply for up to $50,000 to support these critical improvements.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a 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.

Our Mission

MassCEC's mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climatetech innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, while advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader and growing the state’s clean energy economy.

On-Street Charging Solutions Program

The Challenge: Increase On-Street Charging Opportunities

Access to charging is a significant barrier to electric vehicle (EV) adoption for renters and residents without private parking. On-street charging, including curbside, pole-mounted, and streetlight charging stations, is appealing for municipalities looking to ensure all residents, especially those living in Environmental Justice Communities (EJCs), have access to sufficient charging options. However, to install on-street charging stations, municipalities face high upfront costs and complex technical issues.

About On-Street Charging Solutions

Through MassCEC's consultant/vendor team, led by Commonwealth Electrical Technologies and supported by Leidos, On-Street Charging Solutions provides technical and financial assistance to municipalities interested in on-street charging. The program prioritizes municipalities with high percentages of EJCs.

• 15 municipalities will receive EV charging stations at no cost, including the installation of On-Street Charging EV Service Equipment (EVSE) at up to three sites, with 4-10 "Level 2" charging ports per site.

• 25 municipalities that are not yet ready for installation will receive no-cost EV charging feasibility studies and planning support.

Participant Benefits

Selected municipalities will receive services through one of two pathways:

• Feasibility Studies and Planning Support: The consultant team will provide feasibility studies and planning support for up to 25 municipalities. At a minimum, the feasibility studies will recommend specific on-street charging technologies and locations, identify key stakeholders, propose a project timeline, and estimate total project costs. Awardees will receive feasibility and planning services only, and will not receive funding for implementation.

• Project Implementation: The consultant team will provide both implementation and associated technical assistance for on-street charging projects for up to 15 municipalities. Funding for these projects will cover the installation of On-Street Charging EV Service Equipment (EVSE) at up to three sites, with 4-10 Level 2 charging ports per site. Awardees will receive project implementation services only, and will not receive funding for feasibility studies.

How to Participate

Interested municipalities can submit an application for either the Feasibility Study and Planning Support pathway OR the Project Implementation pathway.  

Executive Office of Economic Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Economic Development works to strengthen the state’s economy by supporting business growth, attracting investment, expanding economic opportunity, and helping communities across Massachusetts thrive.

Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Program

This competitive program increases downtown vitality through planning and capital implementation grants to municipalities.

The Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program (“MDI Capital”) strengthens the economic and cultural vitality of the Commonwealth’s downtowns, village centers, and main streets by investing in vibrant, livable centers that attract residents, stimulate business activity, and promote equitable regional growth.

Building on the foundation of the original MDI Technical Assistance program, MDI Capital helps municipalities transform their downtowns into thriving, walkable, and inclusive destinations.

MDI Capital funds the following project types: 1) Planning and 2) Implementation

Capital Implementation Grants

• Public Realm & Streetscape Improvements
• Wayfinding & Signage Improvements
• Public Facilities & Gathering Spaces Improvements

MDI Capital Implementation Grants provide funding for projects that bring downtown and village center plans to life through strategic, high-impact capital improvements. These investments enable communities to translate planning into action, creating more active, attractive, and economically vibrant downtown areas.

Executive Office of Economic Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Economic Development works to strengthen the state’s economy by supporting business growth, attracting investment, expanding economic opportunity, and helping communities across Massachusetts thrive.

Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Program

This competitive program increases downtown vitality through planning and capital implementation grants to municipalities.

The Massachusetts Downtown Initiative Capital Grant Program (“MDI Capital”) strengthens the economic and cultural vitality of the Commonwealth’s downtowns, village centers, and main streets by investing in vibrant, livable centers that attract residents, stimulate business activity, and promote equitable regional growth.

Building on the foundation of the original MDI Technical Assistance program, MDI Capital helps municipalities transform their downtowns into thriving, walkable, and inclusive destinations.

MDI Capital funds the following project types: 1) Planning and 2) Implementation

Capital Planning Grants

• Downtown/Village Center Improvement Plan
• District Management Creation

MDI Capital Design Grants support communities in developing action-oriented plans to guide public investment in their downtown or village centers. These grants help communities identify and apply strategies to help drive foot traffic, attract private investment, support small business and ultimately create lively, welcoming places for people to live, work, and visit.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a leading research center for woody plants, housing over 15,000 species. The Jewett Prize supports researchers studying flowers and fruits, facilitating original research and scholarly exchanges. Funded by Prof. James R. Jewett's generosity, the prize enhances the Arboretum's mission to promote plant scholarship and biodiversity awareness. This prestigious award encourages innovative research while providing access to extensive botanical resources, including the Harvard Botanical Library and the University Herbaria.

The Shiu-Ying Hu Student/Postdoctoral Exchange Award facilitates collaborative research between American and Chinese scholars in the field of woody plant biology. Established in honor of Professor Shiu-Ying Hu's contributions to botanical science, it supports graduate students and postdoctoral researchers from the People's Republic of China or Harvard University. Awardees can explore living collections at the Arnold Arboretum or conduct field studies in China, enhancing cross-cultural academic exchange and scientific discovery.

The Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust, established in 1992, focuses on supporting species conservation and blindness-related services in the Northeast United States. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 for conservation projects and $20,000 to $50,000 for blindness initiatives. Priority is given to endangered species and innovative research efforts. Organizations must be IRS-designated public charities. The Trust does not fund individuals or matching gifts, ensuring support goes directly to impactful projects.

The Grants-In-Aid of Undergraduate Research provides funding for Harvard College undergraduates conducting faculty-supervised research. Supported by the Museum of Comparative Zoology, Harvard University Herbaria, and the Arnold Arboretum, this initiative encourages projects in plant biology and related fields. Eligible applicants can receive stipends for on-campus and field research, with a focus on projects utilizing Harvard's research collections. This program aims to enhance undergraduate research experiences and support senior honors theses.

Survey & Planning Grants 

Economic incentives for historic preservation and rehabilitation preserve historic properties and support historic preservation planning activities in communities throughout the state. The MHC administers a federal grants-in-aid program for survey and planning projects, a maritime heritage grant program, and a state matching grant program for restoration, rehabilitation, and research of properties listed in the State Register.

The Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey and Planning Grant Program is a federally funded, reimbursable, 50/50 matching grant program to support historic preservation planning activities in communities throughout the state.

Eligible applicants for Survey and Planning Grants are anticipated to include all local historical commissions, local historic district commissions, planning offices, and other eligible public and non-profit historic preservation organizations.

Survey and Planning Grants

Survey and Planning Grants provide 50% matching federal funds for the following projects:

• Preparation of community surveys
• Preservation plans
• Preparation of historic district studies and legislation
• Archaeological surveys
• Nominations to the National Register
• Educational preservation programs

Hate Crimes Prevention

The purpose of the competitive state-funded grant is to support the implementation of programs designed to design programming to prevent hate crimes and incidences of bias in public schools as defined under Massachusetts General LawsM.G.L. Chapter 22C, Section 32.

Funding:

There is $1,000,000 available for this grant.

The maximum amount for which new applicants can apply for is $50,000, school districts receiving funding in the past two years under this line item may apply for up to $25,000.

MyCAP Planning and Implementation, Round A

The My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP Planning and Implementation Grants provide supplementary support to districts/schools who are working to improve the college, career, and civic readiness for all students.

The purpose of this competitive grant opportunity is to provide supplementary support to school districts with high schools interested in entering the planning phase of My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) or school districts that are currently engaged in the early stages of whole school implementation of My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP in high schools. The My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP process requires schools to convene a multi-role team to create a scope and sequence in the three domains identified as necessary for college, career, and civic readiness — personal/social/mental health, career development, and academic and future planning — for every grade to guide the implementation of My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP. This grant will provide planning team members the supplementary support necessary to attend professional development, to hold team meetings outside-of-school hours to create a scope and sequence for every grade, or to support the My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP team as they begin implementation of the scope and sequence and allow for continuation of team meetings outside of school hours, attend additional trainings, purchase curriculum that supports My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP.

Funding will support the team’s work by:

• allow a team made up of diverse roles to meet outside of school hours for the creation of a high school scope and sequence;
• pay for substitutes while team members attend in-person trainings;
• design and/or begin the implementation plan for the rollout of My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP; 
• identify 2 metrics for assessment of student success.

Underutilized Properties Program

Targets underutilized, abandoned, or vacant properties.

The Underutilized Properties Program is part of the Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process of community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. It is designed to allow applicants to apply for consideration of multiple sources of funding to support multiple phases and facets of a project. 

What makes a good project?

A good project provides public purpose in one or more of the following categories: creating jobs, driving innovation, eliminating blight, increasing housing production, supporting economic development projects, increasing the number of commercial buildings accessible to persons with disabilities, conserving natural resources through targeted rehabilitation, and/or reuse of vacant and underutilized property owned by the applicant.

While a particular application may not satisfy every criterion, application review is based on the totality of the facts and circumstances. Review criteria assesses the likelihood that the use of the requested funding will advance a project towards increased public benefits:

• Clarity, Purpose, and Users of the Space
• Ecosystem Analysis and Partnerships
• Goals of the Project
• Economic Impact
• Project Execution

Funding

No set maximum but typical awards are anticipated to range from $50,000 to $1,000,000 for Building Capital Improvements and up to $250,000 for Pre-Development.

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

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

Heriberto Flores Scholarship Fund

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

Additional Guidelines

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

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is launching its Genomics Initiative and Sequencing Award to create a genomic type collection of temperate woody plants. With awards up to $10,000, the initiative aims to support de novo sequencing and analysis of key accessioned plants within its distinguished living collections. This effort will enhance research in comparative genomics and plant biology, making vital genomic resources accessible for scientific studies and conservation.

The Katharine H. Putnam Fellowships in Plant Science, offered by the Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University, invite early-career researchers with a PhD to conduct independent research using the Arboretum’s extensive living collections. This prestigious program promotes collaboration and aims to enhance the scientific community's understanding of plant sciences, including evolutionary biology and ecology. Successful applicants will gain access to exceptional resources and support, fostering their development as future leaders in academia and horticulture.

The Albert W. Rice Charitable Foundation Grant supports educational, health, and human services programs for underserved populations in Worcester, MA. Established in 1959, the foundation encourages grant requests for general operating or program support, with special consideration for local organizations. Most grants are for one year, though multi-year support may be awarded on occasion. This commitment aims to enhance the quality of life for those in need within the community.

The Patterson Foundation offers Assistance Dog Program Grants to support organizations providing service animals to veterans and individuals with disabilities. Funding is available for projects that expand capacity, personnel costs related to puppy training, and program support aimed at improving client experiences. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) non-profits and can request grants up to $35,000 for capital projects or $10,000 for program support. Applications are accepted through a two-step process.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Safety First Grant Program aims to enhance community safety across its 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $15,000, it supports organizations that provide safety services or promote safe behavior. This program reflects Norfolk Southern's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, empowering employees to engage locally. By investing in safety and workforce development, Norfolk Southern fosters thriving communities, demonstrating its dedication to social responsibility and community well-being.

The Climatetech Testing and Demonstration Assets (TDA) Program, offered by the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), aims to enhance climatetech innovation in Massachusetts. It provides capital grants ranging from $1.5M to $5M to Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) for shared infrastructure and equipment development. This initiative addresses gaps in the climatetech ecosystem, promoting commercialization and economic growth, while positioning Massachusetts as a leader in clean energy solutions.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

The Immediate-Need Investments grant focuses on supporting historically underfunded organizations in Massachusetts. With an emphasis on respect-based grantmaking, it provides one-time investments averaging $2,500 for urgent needs. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations and local branches of national organizations. The grant prioritizes those that empower communities and enhance transparency, ensuring that funding reaches those who are actively shaping shared narratives within their communities.

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.