Best Grants for Preschools in Massachusetts

Janji Grants

Since 2013, Janji has been exploring ways to use running as a force for good.

Janji Grants is the next step forward, a giveback program reinforcing our commitment to inspire wonder through movement, for all.

Each month, Janji will award a $10,000 grant to a grassroots organization that is building community, reducing barriers to participation, or offering education and mentorship to welcome new runners into the sport.

City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant 

As the epicenter of the City of Boston, City Hall Plaza is a place where residents, visitors, and newcomers can participate in arts and cultural events. In response to the ongoing impacts of space inequity and the loss of cultural venues across Boston, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture (MOAC) will provide grants to support programs and events at City Hall Plaza. Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, MOAC aims to highlight culturally responsive programming that uplifts Boston's diverse communities while repositioning City Hall Plaza as a site for creative growth, capacity-building, and civic belonging.    

City Hall Plaza, formerly known as Scollay Square was once a thriving community intersection filled with artists, activists, sports legends, and cultural venues. Following a redevelopment in the 1950s, many people were left without spaces to gather, work, or create. Today, many organizations and artists continue to experience similar impacts contributing to artist displacement and the downsizing of programs that once served communities across the city.

Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, MOAC aims to highlight culturally responsive programming that uplifts Boston's diverse communities while repositioning City Hall Plaza as a site for creative growth, capacity-building, and civic belonging.

Funding Structure

Tier One:

• $15,000 or less
• Budgets under $15,000 will fund programmatic costs, such as performing artists fees, photographers/videographers, graphic designers and social media campaigns

Tier Two:

• $15,000-$30,000
• Budgets over $15,000 will fund programmatic costs listed in tier one as well as additional partnerships, contractors or production companies during the planning and development stages.

Tier Three:

• $30,000-60,000
• Budgets above $30,000 will fund general programming costs listed in tier one as well as production costs of small to medium size festivals, a recurring series of programs, or cultural markets. At this tier we encourage at least one community partnership during the planning, development, or production stages.

Tier Four

• $60,000-$100,000
• Budgets above $60,000 will fund programmatic costs of tier three as well as programs that require larger scale production or a standing residency on the plaza with events offered throughout the year. This tier must also include a partnership with a production company as well as individual artists to collaborate during the planning, development, or production stages. No more than two applicants will be awarded grants in Tier Four.  

AAUW International Fellowship- Doctoral Degree 

AAUW’s International Fellowships promotes education and equity for women by investing in international applicants who will be pursuing graduate studies in the U.S. in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) disciplines, with the intention of applying their expertise, professional skills, and leadership in service of their home countries and/or the communities in which they reside. In addition, a limited number of awards are available for study in any country other than their own. International Fellowships are specifically designed for women who are non-U.S. citizens or permanent residents, with a track record of academic excellence and empowering other women and girls. The Program has been supporting international women pursuing full-time postgraduate studies in the United States since 1917.

International Fellowships carry a stipend of $25,000 for a doctorate degree. Stipends are payable to fellows only and are disbursed in two equal payments at the beginning and the midpoint of the fellowship term.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Miriam M. Powell Scholarship

Seeking to discover a meaningful career led Miriam Powell to enroll in the Cornell University-New York Hospital School of Nursing. In 2004, after a gratifying career in nursing, Ms. Powell decided to support a scholarship for one nurse each year with an annual gift to NEF. These scholarships were referred to as the Miriam M. Powell Fellowship. In 2015, the Fellowship Fund was made a permanent scholarship. Ms Powell’s scholarship is dedicated to clinical nursing leadership and scholarship.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

M. Janice Nelson Scholarship

A generous bequest from M. Janice Nelson, EdD, RN, was left to NEF and this scholarship was created to honor her in 2023. Throughout her career as an educator, administrator, founding dean, and professor, Dr. Nelson was active in many professional nursing organizations, including NEF, as President, Board Member, and Emeritus. This scholarship is dedicated to doctoral study with emphasis on nursing education and professional service through leadership in professional nursing organizations.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

M. Louise Fitzpatrick Nursing Scholarship Award

M. Louise Fitzpatrick, EdD, RN, FAAN, was a 1970 NEF Doctoral Scholar and a longstanding member of the NEF Board of Directors. She served as the Dean of Villanova College of Nursing from 1978 until 2017. The scholarship award, established in 2015, by Dr. Fitzpatrick’s request, is given to graduate Nursing PhD or Nursing EdD candidates with community home/health focus or Nursing PhD or Nursing EdD candidates specializing in historical research. Upon her death in 2017, the president of Villanova University announced that in honor of Dean Fitzpatrick, the College of Nursing will be named the M. Louise Fitzpatrick College of Nursing. Dr. Fitzpatrick bequeathed $30,000 to her scholarship fund making it a permanent scholarship named the “M. Louise Fitzpatrick Nursing Scholarship Award”.

The Mount Sinai Hospital School of Nursing offers the Edith G. Ryan and Joan Herman Bilder Scholarship for master's and doctoral nursing students. Established in 2024, it honors distinguished alumni and supports those with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and national nursing association membership. This scholarship aims to promote nursing leadership and academic excellence.

The Charles Hamlin Scholarship, established by Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing. Applicants must hold a current RN license and demonstrate a commitment to nursing leadership, particularly in orthopedic care and the well-being of Native American communities. The scholarship honors Dr. Charles Hamlin's legacy, emphasizing the importance of cultural sensitivity in healthcare and preventing burnout among healthcare professionals. This award aims to empower future nursing leaders and enhance diversity in the field.

The Bea Goodwin Scholarship, established in 2026, honors the legacy of Dr. Bea Goodwin, a dedicated nursing leader. This scholarship is aimed at supporting professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education. Applicants must have a minimum of two semesters remaining in their studies and must hold current RN licenses. Preference is given to candidates whose work reflects Dr. Goodwin's commitment to excellence in nursing education and preparing future nurse educators.

The Barbara L. Tate Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing. To be eligible, applicants must have a minimum of two semesters of study remaining, possess a valid RN license, and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. This scholarship honors the legacy of Dr. Barbara Tate, a prominent figure in nursing education, and aims to promote leadership within the nursing profession.

The Allison Adams Wieczorek Scholarship supports graduate nurses pursuing degrees in maternal-infant and pediatric nursing. Established through the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc., this scholarship honors the contributions of Allison Adams Wieczorek, a dedicated board member with extensive experience in financial services. Applicants must have at least two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including holding a current RN license and maintaining a minimum GPA of 3.6. This initiative fosters nursing leadership and education.

The AJN/Thelma Schorr Scholarship, offered by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports professional nurses pursuing master's or doctoral degrees. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining after the award notification and hold a current RN license. The scholarship aims to foster nursing leadership, particularly for those advocating for the profession through various platforms. Established in memory of Thelma Schorr, it recognizes candidates demonstrating leadership qualities in nursing.

The Dean B. Albritton Memorial Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, honors the legacy of Dean B. Albritton, emphasizing education as a path to empowerment. This scholarship supports graduating seniors from Autauga, Elmore, or Montgomery County, with a focus on minority students associated with New Walk of Life Church in Montgomery. Since its inception in 1987, the scholarship aims to uplift individuals and foster community development through educational opportunities.

The Butler County Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, aims to support graduating African American seniors from Georgiana School, Greenville High School, and McKenzie School. Annually, one scholarship is awarded, with the amount determined each year. Recipients may renew the scholarship for up to three additional years, provided they submit a high school transcript and references during the application process. This initiative underscores a commitment to educational advancement in the community.

The 2499 Line of Duty Scholarship, established by the Central Alabama Community Foundation, honors Montgomery Police Officer David Colley. It provides financial assistance to high school seniors from Autauga, Elmore, Lowndes, Macon, or Montgomery Counties pursuing higher education. Eligible students must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and have intentions to serve in the military or as first responders, or be children of service members. This scholarship supports future leaders dedicated to community service.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Poultry Federation Scholarship

Provides scholarships to students pursuing a degree related to the poultry industry.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Ryan Mondy D.A.S.H. Memorial Scholarship

Provides scholarships to graduating seniors whose lives have been affected by cancer.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Robert P. Atkinson Hospital Leadership and Scholarship

Provides a scholarship to students pursuing an advanced degree with an emphasis in healthcare and/or hospital administration.

City of Boston Office of Historic Preservation

The Office of Historic Preservation promotes and protects the City of Boston's cultural heritage. Part of the Environment, Energy and Open Space Cabinet, the department houses the Boston Landmarks Commission, the City Archaeology Program, and the Commemoration Commission.

Historic Marker Community Grants

Browne Fund grants supporting community research and proposals for permanent historic markers by Boston's Office of Historic Preservation.

In honor of the nation's 250th anniversary in 2026 and the city's 400th in 2030, the Edward Ingersoll Browne Fund is opening a special grant round.

The Browne Fund requests proposals from nonprofit organizations with experience in community engagement and historic documentation to research and propose potential historic markers in Boston.

These small grants ($7,500 per organization) will support the following scope of services:

• Community engagement;
• Research and documentation of a minimum of ten (10) possible historic markers; and
• Preparing and submitting at least one application to the Boston Historic Markers Program for consideration for a permanent marker.

Please note, all proposals will need to address the full scope of services.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.” 

Lillian McGillicuddy Republican Party of Arkansas Scholarship

For students involved in the Young Republicans organization.

The Community Foundation’s scholarships are for Arkansas students pursuing education at two- or four-year colleges or universities, vocational schools or technical training programs. Each scholarship has its own eligibility criteria. Some scholarships are designated for graduates of a particular high school or those who plan to attend a particular college. Others are based on extracurricular activities or intended college majors.  

The Foundation has a scholarship portal with a quiz to help applicants determine scholarship eligibility. 

“Since 1976, the Community Foundation has partnered with individuals and organizations who want to support our state’s students in their pursuit of higher education,” said Heather Larkin, Community Foundation president and CEO. “These generous people provide the funding and determine the size and eligibility criteria of each scholarship, while we oversee the application and awarding process on their behalf.”  

Merwin T. and Agnes Bowman Nursing Scholarship

For students seeking a Bachelor of Science in Nursing or equivalent degree from a qualified institution.

City of Boston Office of Workforce Development 

The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) works toward the full participation of all Boston residents in the city’s economic vitality and future. It connects low-income residents with job training and employment opportunities. It also promotes lifelong literacy and educational pathways.

OWD focuses on competitive workforce development initiatives and policies. These initiatives aim to put Boston’s youth and adults on career paths toward economic security. OWD stresses the importance of collaboration with the City’s workforce development and education initiatives. The emphasis is on empowering Bostonians to fulfill their educational and employment aspirations.

Workforce Innovation Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Funding

The Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) is a U.S. Department of Labor program to serve youth who face education, training, and employment barriers.

Grant Description

WIOA Youth funding is a US Department of Labor formulary grant for youth facing education, training, and employment barriers. Information and resources on WIOA Youth are available on the Department of Labor’s website. The Office of Workforce Development (OWD) manages WIOA Youth funding in partnership with the Boston MassHire Workforce Board and its Youth Council, and under the supervision of the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development. Under this Request for Grant Applications (RFGA), organizations will be eligible for up to three years of funding on this schedule: FY26, the open and competitive year during which applications may be submitted by all eligible entities, FY27, the first year of refunding open only to awardees from the previous year, and FY28, the second year of potential refunding. 

Overview

OWD envisions an integrated and coordinated system of services that stabilizes marginalized youth and transitions them towards career-oriented education, training, and employment. For FY27, consistent with WIOA federal guidelines, we will prioritize programs and services that place out-of-school youth ages 18-24 on a pathway toward post-secondary attainment or career-level employment.

Our systemwide goals are also as follows:

• Youth are on a pathway to and through post-secondary education or training;
• Youth have access to evidence-based services designed to eliminate barriers to employment and training;
• Youth have access to timely, high-quality, and specialized services representing the required 14 program elements stipulated by WIOA, particularly stabilization services;
• OWD and providers have meaningful and high-quality data to improve services and outcomes for youth;
• We invest time, money, and staff resources in building a coordinated system with connections both between organizations and linkages to broader networks of economic opportunity.

With our system-wide goals in mind, five key principles guided the selection of FY26-funded programs:

• Programs are framed around a multi-step intervention model;
• Programs have well-defined and robust transition processes to the post-program step;
• Program policies and protocols are evidence-based and appropriate for the population;
• Youth are on a pathway to the attainment of post-secondary credentials needed for employment in high-demand occupations;
• Programs leverage multiple internal and external partnerships to ensure the integration of high-quality, youth-focused services. 

Under WIOA regulations, "low-income " is defined to include youth living in a high-poverty area, homeless individuals, foster children, or recipients of SNAP, SSI, or income-based public assistance. A high-poverty area is defined as a Census tract, a set of contiguous Census tracts, an Indian Reservation, tribal land, or a Native Alaskan Village or county that has a poverty rate of at least 25% as set every five years using the American Community Survey 5-Year data. Our definition of homelessness encompasses both youth who meet the standard established by the McKinney-Vento Act as well as youth experiencing housing instability, couch-surfing, or other forms of instability outside the Act’s definition. 

Priority Target Populations

Within the above eligibility requirements under WIOA, the Boston Private Industry Council and Office of Workforce Development have determined the following priority target populations under this RFGA:

• Out-of-school youth between the ages of 18-24 years old.
• Court-involved; homeless or runaway; in foster care or aged out of the foster care system; pregnant or parenting; youth living with a disability; young men of color; documented immigrant youth.
• Low-income youth who are: identified as having foundational skills needed or English Language Learners, residing in Boston Housing Authority (BHA) facilities or utilizing a housing voucher, in post-secondary schools with a GPA less than 2.0, living in a single-parent household, truant, residing in a high-poverty area, or failed the MCAS in the most recent round.
• Individuals with disabilities who need pre-employment transition services, including job exploration, work-based learning experiences, workplace readiness training, self-advocacy instruction, counseling on enrollment opportunities in comprehensive transition or post-secondary education programs, and instruction in self-advocacy to maximize opportunities for competitive, integrated employment. 

Out-of-School Youth Eligibility

• Resident of Boston
• U.S. Right to Work Documentation
• Selective Service registration for males
• Not attending any school (as defined under State law)
• Not younger than 18 or older than age 24 at time of enrollment. Because age eligibility is based on age at enrollment, participants may continue to receive services beyond the age of 24 once they are enrolled in the program; and One or more of the following: A school dropout; a recipient of a secondary school diploma or its recognized equivalent who is a low-income individual and is either basic skills deficient or an English language learner; an offender; a homeless individual, a homeless child or youth, or a runaway; in foster care or has aged out of the foster care system, a child eligible for assistance under sec. 477 of the Social Security Act; pregnant or parenting; an individual with a disability; and a low-income individual who requires additional assistance to enter or complete an educational program or to secure or hold employment.

AISD 125th Anniversary Consolidated Scholarship

Attending four-year university, two-year college or trade school.

Awards

• (16) $1,200.00

Aimee Melissa Davis Memorial Scholarship Fund

Graduating senior from a high school within Travis, Williamson or Hays counties.

Awards

• (1) $5,000.0

Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

The Agnes Jones Jackson Scholarship honors the late Agnes Jones Jackson who was a long-time NAACP member from the San Francisco branch.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.

The Ed Dwight Scholarship

The Ed Dwight Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunities that prepare students for success in school, work, and life.

The Ed Dwight Scholarship honors Ed Dwight, a trailblazer in the American space program, author, and sculptor. Ed was the first Black astronaut candidate, the first to enter the program, complete the training and fully qualified as an astronaut. At the age of 90, he finally had the opportunity to see the earth from outside the atmosphere and became the oldest person to go to space.

Scholarship amount:

• $2,500 

This is a non-renewable scholarshipopportunity.

The NAACP X Society Awards Scholarship

The NAACP x Society Awards Scholarship is one of many funding opportunities available to students through NAACP's Inspire Initiatives. We offer scholarships to outstanding and qualified students pursuing undergraduate degrees. Through the generosity of our donors, we advance efforts to ensure equity in educational opportunity that prepares students for success in school, work, and life.

Scholarship amount: $1,000 to $5,000

This is a non-renewable scholarship opportunity.