Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community organizations in Massachusetts can receive support for basic needs and community programs, including food insecurity, rental or utility assistance, clothing, education, and youth activities. Focused on community services, Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation invites applicants serving eligible MA, NH, and RI areas to request approximately US $2,500 in Community Donations, reviewed on a rolling basis.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for community sustainability projects from Green Mountain Energy in select states, including Massachusetts. Focus areas include renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, resource conservation, sustainable agriculture, and environmental stewardship initiatives.

Resident volunteers and volunteer-run neighborhood groups in the Greater Dudley area of Roxbury and Dorchester, Massachusetts can apply for the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation’s Small Grants Fund, awarding US $500 - US $5,000 for family-strengthening and community-building projects. Efforts may include youth activities, parenting support, life skills workshops, beautification, and neighborhood engagement.

Small 501(c)(3) performing arts nonprofits in Massachusetts can receive up to US $15,000 to create, produce, or present new performing arts work for Greater Boston audiences. Boston Foundation’s Live Arts Boston program also accepts applications from individual artists and unincorporated groups in its catchment area, offering funding plus advising, networking, and project documentation.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts supporting underserved youth ages 6–21 can apply for the William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust’s program or general operating grants. Priority goes to small and medium community-based groups and schools in Boston and New Bedford offering youth development, academic enrichment, arts, or pathways to economic independence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Greater Lawrence communities in Massachusetts can apply for $5,000 - $10,000 to support programs addressing hunger, clothing, shelter, and education. Grants from Essex County Community Foundation back program costs or capacity-building, with occasional operating support for small organizations, which may appeal to smaller Massachusetts nonprofits seeking essential-needs funding.

Massachusetts educational nonprofits and other eligible organizations working on college readiness, access, and completion can access funding through the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation. Grants support programs and research that help underserved and under-represented New England students enter and complete 2- or 4-year post-secondary credentials, including multi-year initiatives and small program-related capital needs.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) community-based, grassroots, health, and social service nonprofits serving low-income and vulnerable residents can seek one-time capacity-building support, with awards up to US $7,500, to strengthen infrastructure, plan, or innovate around health access. These Catalyst Fund grants from Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Foundation are for small organizations, not large institutions or ongoing operating costs.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits serving low-income children, youth, and their families can apply for US $50,000 - US $100,000 to launch or expand programs in education, human services, arts access, housing, and neighborhood revitalization. Focused on these areas, the Mabel Louise Riley Foundation supports Boston-area projects, including capital efforts and vocational education or job training initiatives.

The Schrafft Charitable Trust offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts focused on youth development. Prioritizing those serving underserved populations aged 6-21, the Trust supports programs that enhance educational, artistic, and economic opportunities. New grantees must submit a Letter of Intent if they haven't received funding in the last three years. The Trust aims to foster paths to independence through community-driven initiatives, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its funding decisions.

Massachusetts small nonprofits focused on environmental conservation, coastal stewardship, or community-based ecosystem projects can access funding through New England Biolabs Foundation. Eligible projects are limited to coastal communities along the North Shore of Massachusetts and must be nonprofit-led; an LOI is required before submitting a full proposal.

Nonprofits, federally recognized tribes, and higher education institutions in rural Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island can apply for USDA’s Rural Microentrepreneur Assistance Program; awards Up to US $500,000 for microloan revolving funds and technical assistance. Eligible areas are rural communities under 50,000 residents, supporting very small businesses with 10 or fewer employees.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing human services, education, healthcare, environmental, or justice-related programs in Massachusetts can receive multi-year general operating support from the Cummings $35 Million Grant Program, with awards ranging from US $30,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from Cummings Foundation help locally focused organizations in Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and select Norfolk County communities sustain core mission and services.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

Tax-exempt nonprofits with $250,000–$3 million budgets in Massachusetts seeking one-time capital funding can apply for US $25,000 - US $100,000 to purchase durable assets like vehicles, equipment, technology, or facility improvements. Richard and Susan Smith Family Foundation provides these Small Capital Grants to agencies serving Greater Boston and Eastern Massachusetts Gateway Cities, with preference for low-income communities.

Small and mid-sized 501(c)(3) nonprofits planning strategic growth initiatives in Massachusetts can seek $250,000 to $1,000,000 in Strategic Investment Grants, including multi-year support. Focused on organizational expansion and restructuring, Yawkey Foundation invites eligible groups in areas like health, education, human services, youth athletics, arts, and conservation to propose board-approved, high-impact plans.

Small public agencies and 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts can seek US $2,500 - US $5,000 for historic preservation planning and education projects. National Trust for Historic Preservation supports activities like hiring preservation professionals, feasibility studies, community forums, capacity building, and innovative public education or outreach that introduce new audiences to preservation.

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.

Eligible 501(c)(3) public charities, municipalities, Tribal governments, and religious organizations serving Attleboro residents can seek grants for education, human services, and health care programs, including small capital needs. With a mission to support Attleboro-focused charities, the Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation encourages multi-year requests from Massachusetts organizations, especially those aiding underserved populations.

Small 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Eastern Massachusetts focused on educational access, equity, and college success can apply for Yawkey Foundation’s Program and Small Capital Grants, with awards up to US $100,000 for discrete, timebound program or equipment needs. Organizations should provide direct services in eligible Massachusetts counties and serve underserved communities.

Small nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts seeking to strengthen internal operations can receive support for organizational development needs such as furniture, equipment, technology, and facility improvements. The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts funds projects within its 33-community region that enhance efficiency and effectiveness, including groups with fiscal sponsors, across areas like education, community services, health, environment, and racial equity.

Adult education providers and other eligible Massachusetts nonprofits can secure US $500,000 - US $550,000 to deliver one-to-one volunteer-based tutoring in literacy, numeracy, ABE, and ESOL. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports a single statewide program serving 600–800 adults annually, emphasizing college and career readiness and collaboration with local workforce partners.

Small nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts aiding disabled children, older adults, or protecting animals can apply for Bank of America's Robert J. Mullen Charitable Trust, with awards of US $20,000 - US $50,000 for general operating, program support, or small capital needs. Typical grants are one year, with occasional multi-year awards.

Nonprofit corporations, rural public entities, higher education institutions, tribes, and eligible cooperatives in Massachusetts can seek funding to support technical assistance and development for small rural businesses. USDA Rural Development provides US $10,000 - US $500,000 for training, planning, revolving loan funds, facilities, and broader community and technology-based economic development projects in qualifying rural areas.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing basic human needs and human services can access funding through Yawkey Foundation for discrete, timebound program or small capital projects, including equipment, up to Up to US $100,000. Grants prioritize direct services for vulnerable and underserved people in Eastern Massachusetts counties such as Suffolk, Middlesex, Essex, and others.

The Sophia Romero Trust Grant, established in 1948, focuses on enhancing health care and human services for underserved elders in Bristol County, Massachusetts. The trust primarily supports one-year grants aimed at improving access to primary care and health education. Organizations that meet basic community needs, especially those serving older women, are encouraged to apply. While general operating support is discouraged for public agencies, requests for program-related funding are welcome.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing health care access, children’s mental health, or related services in Eastern Massachusetts can seek up to US $100,000 for discrete program or small capital needs. Yawkey Foundation supports timebound projects, equipment, or small capital improvements that advance direct services for vulnerable and underserved communities in its priority counties.