Best Grants for Small Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Challenge: Overcome Barriers Facing Underrepresented Businesses Entering and Growing in the Clean Energy Sector

By 2030, the clean energy workforce is projected to grow by 34%, or more than 34,000 workers, to meet the state’s climate goals. New and expanding underrepresented businesses focused on the design, manufacture, installation, and maintenance of clean energy and decarbonization projects are crucial to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals. These businesses put climate solutions into practice, foster environments that attract and support a diversified workforce, and pave the way to an equitable energy transition for environmental justice communities. Unfortunately, most underrepresented businesses face barriers to entry and growth. Regardless of sector, underrepresented businesses are denied access to capital at a much higher rate, face selection bias for projects, and often start with less personal wealth and social capital—all of which exacerbate the challenges that all businesses face during their start-up and early growth phases.​

About CUBS Grants

Climate-Critical Underrepresented Business Support (CUBS) Grants provide up to $800,000 in grant funds and technical support to applicants to support the expansion of services through a regional “Hub and Spoke” model.

This model provides accessible and uniform support through regional Hubs that will offer a suite of baseline core services designed to help underrepresented businesses become “business ready” to bid successfully on clean energy procurements. Spoke partners will offer complementary or additional services designed to enhance Hub services and further help underrepresented businesses pivot and grow in the clean energy sector.

This funding is not intended to benefit a single underrepresented business. Successful applicants propose projects that address barriers faced by underrepresented business, tackle both supply and demand needs, provide comprehensive wraparound services for individuals participating in the program, leverage existing support systems, and establish a robust cross-referral system between Hub and Spoke partnerships.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

The MA Landscape Partnership Grant Program aims to acquire property interests in large, unfragmented conservation landscapes through collaboration among multiple entities. This initiative supports the protection of significant conservation lands, enhancing ecosystem resilience and public recreational opportunities. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs, the program aligns with climate and clean energy goals, promoting large-scale conservation projects and partnerships among government and non-profit organizations to achieve sustainable land management.

The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation supports vital projects in education, healthcare, the arts, and environmental stewardship, primarily in Maine and Massachusetts. Established in memory of philanthropist Mattina R. Proctor, the foundation aims to fund initiatives that demonstrate a specific need, particularly in music, trades education, public health, and land conservation. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and preference is given to projects that directly impact underserved communities.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Massachusetts aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. These grants prioritize projects that benefit rural areas and offer funding without a maximum limit, although smaller requests are favored. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as business planning, training, and community development, fostering economic growth in underserved regions.

The Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on preventing accidents and injuries on the water. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for projects related to public education, community services, and health sciences research. The foundation particularly values initiatives that enhance safety and survivability in maritime environments, making a significant impact on coastal communities.

Massachusetts Nonprofit Security Grant Program (MA)

This program provides funding for nonprofit 501(c) (3) organizations (such as faith-based institutions, medical and health care facilities, and other human service entities) to competitively solicit one-time grant funding to enhance building safety and security for its members/visitors and staff. 

Priority will be given to applicants demonstrating the greatest need (experienced threats and/or incidents of terrorism or hate crimes known or believed to be related to their nonprofit organization’s purpose, mission, or services), and propose cost-effective solutions to address high-priority security gaps or weaknesses.

Organizations who have received funding through similar programs offered through the Office of Grants and Research are eligible and encouraged to apply. Funding for this opportunity is supported by the Federal American Rescue Plan Act of 2021.

Funding

Applicants may solicit up to $75,000 in funding under this competitive grant. 

The Charlesbank Homes Foundation Grant provides financial support for new construction, rehabilitation, and major repairs of affordable housing in Massachusetts. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000, targeting low to moderate-income families. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and submit a complete request with necessary documentation. The foundation favors projects under $10 million in total development costs and requires a capital plan for maintenance requests. Please allow three to six months for application processing.

The One Hive Foundation Grant focuses on promoting pollinator health and ecologically responsible agriculture through funding research and nonprofit initiatives. Launched in 2022, the grant supports diverse projects aimed at enhancing environmental data, public education, and scientific collaboration. Targeting verified 501c3 organizations, the foundation emphasizes ecological practices and community engagement in Vermont and beyond, with grants of up to $75,000 available to eligible applicants.

The McNeice Foundation Grant, established by John A. McNeice, Jr., focuses on supporting the Roman Catholic Church and related charitable organizations in Massachusetts. It prioritizes immediate use of funds for educational and medical purposes, emphasizing the development of young people and assistance for the needy. Organizations should demonstrate efficient use of resources with low administrative costs. Awards are rarely granted outside Massachusetts, ensuring local impact and support.

The Dairy Farm Improvement & Modernization Grant supports dairy farmers in enhancing their operations for sustainable success. This funding aids in modernizing outdated systems and implementing innovative solutions that improve farm viability, milk quality, and worker conditions while addressing climate impacts. Eligible applicants include dairy farmers, cooperatives, and service providers across Northeast states. Awards range from $15,000 to $100,000, requiring a 25% match contribution.

Massachusetts municipalities and their nonprofit partners can obtain matching funds for opioid prevention, harm reduction, treatment access, recovery, and family support projects through the Mosaic Opioid Recovery Municipal Matching Grant. Grants from RIZE Massachusetts Foundation help communities leverage opioid settlement dollars, including regional collaboratives that may receive up to US $150,000 in matching support.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

MA Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health with Coordination and Optimization of Resources and Partnerships (MA FRESH CORP)

Purpose

The purpose of this state-funded targeted grant program is to support MA FRESH CORP affiliates to ensure local food system activities - including local food system education and local procurement in Child Nutrition Programs - are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community through investment in internal personnel or contracted partnerships that support institutionalized programs that promote food literacy. Grant funds will support further off-boarding technical assistance and guidance to support the retention of internal personnel and food system education workplans past the grant period.

Fund Use

MA FRESH CORP is designed to ensure local food system activities — including local food system education and local procurement in Child Nutrition Programs — are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community through investment in internal personnel or contracted partnerships that support institutionalized programs. This funding seeks to support the retention of internal personnel and food system education workplans as awardees work to transition their programming model to other sustainable funding models.

Funding will be prioritized for the budget areas described below. Applicants may apply for up to 50% of the total funding expended for FY26 Massachusetts Farming Reinforces Education and Student Health Coordination and Optimization of Resources and PartnershipsMA FRESH CORP in the following budget categories. Total funding requests may not exceed $50,000.

• Professional Salaries: For the coordination and implementation of local food system education and/or local procurement by full-time, salaried and benefited positions, part-time positions, or for the expansion of hours/stipending of internal personnel - such as nutrition professionals, educators, or community/family stakeholders.
• Contracted Services: To provide technical assistance, coaching, professional development, the development of resources such as program protocols or curriculum and/or strategic planning consultation. The hiring of a contracted partner should be in service of cultivating program structures that elevate internal staff capacity and should not be used primarily to support the direct execution of direct farm to school programming by the contracted partner.
• Professional Development Expenses (Other Expenses): To attend farm to school, food literacy, agricultural or culinary oriented workshops, trainings, or conferences. Associated costs may include registration fees, travel fees, mileage, compensation/stipends for out-of-work time, or the cost of substitutes required to provide coverage for personnel attending professional development opportunities.

Equipment, supply, and infrastructure costs capped at 10% of the total budget request are allowable but will be contingent on budget availability once priority budget areas described above are funded for eligible applicants.

MA FRESH CORP awardees will be required to:

• participate in periodic grant meetings, professional development opportunities and technical assistance
• track local spending (dollar value) within Child Nutrition Programs during the grant period
• complete a funding succession plan

Priority will be given to MA FRESH CORP affiliates that:

• Have created a job description and/or consultant scope of work that ensures local food system activities are strategically integrated into the classroom, cafeteria and community
• Have current programming in all three core areas of farm to school: Classroom (such as food system curriculum and school garden activities), Cafeteria (such as local menu offerings) and Community (such as farm field trips, family engagement or food system partnerships).
• Have successfully onboarded farm to school personnel or contracted partners through MA FRESH CORP funding and are seeking to retain these personnel and contracted partnerships through the duration of the 2026-2027 school year
• Have effectively stewarded use of MA FRESH CORP funding awarded to date
• Are committed to identifying strategies for retaining farm to school personnel or contracted partners through alternative funding strategies outside of the MA FRESH CORP grant program
• Are willing to participate in program evaluation and off-boarding technical assistance activities, including the completion of a funding succession plan.

The Connecting Joy Grant, provided by the Joy in Childhood Foundation, aims to enhance the hospital experience for children battling illness through engaging gaming programs. This initiative supports children's hospitals and nonprofits by funding equipment, staffing, and connectivity, ensuring children can enjoy gaming at their bedside. With grants ranging from $25,000 to $150,000, the program focuses on offering joy and distraction, helping young patients cope with their hospital stays while facilitating connections with peers.

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.

Summary

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is offering Students and Young Adults Equity Workforce Career Awareness and Training Grants. The Grants help provide direct funding and technical assistance support to organizations interested in career awareness and training programming focused on supporting students1 and young adults who are part of one or more of the following populations:

• Individuals from Environmental Justice (“EJ”) Neighborhoods or low-income communities;
• Members of federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes;
• Members of underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce; and
• Current or former workers from the fossil fuel industry (“Fossil Fuel Workers”).

Strand A: Clean Energy Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Career Navigation, and Preparedness

Strand B: Career Pathway Training with Work-based or Learning-based Opportunities

Strand C: Planning and Capacity Grants for Career Awareness or Career Pathways Training 

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 Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

Civics Teaching and Learning

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to support teaching and learning related to civics, as required by Chapter 296 of the Acts of 2018 and emphasized in the 2018 History and Social Science Framework.

This grant supports LEAs to develop and/or select curriculum materials, implement professional development, and design other enriching learning experiences intended to further students' civic knowledge, skills and dispositions. LEAs may propose to collaborate with vendors to support this work. Proposals may include interdisciplinary elements or other opportunities for civic learning beyond the history/social science classroom.

In addition, the grant supports implementation of grade 8 and high school civics projects, the hosting of local civics project showcases, participation in the Massachusetts Civics Project Showcases, and other enrichment activities focused on meaningful civic learning.

For details about the civics projects and other civics instructional information, please visit Civics.

This grant is structured as a two-year program. LEAs awarded funding in FY27 (Year 1) and contingent upon available funds and satisfactory progress awardees may apply only for continuation funding in FY28 (Year 2) to support the next phase of their projects. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. Contingent upon available funds, a new cohort of LEAs may be selected through the FY28 competitive RFP process. FY27 awardees will not be eligible to apply under the new FY28 competitive RFP.

Priorities

DESE seeks to fund civics teaching and learning initiatives that exemplify:

• Equity. Grant-funded projects should increase all students' access to high-quality civics education experiences and work to address historical inequities where they exist. In addition, projects should provide students with culturally and linguistically sustaining learning experiences that value and affirm their identities and linguistic resources, center student and community agency, and develop students' critical perspectives. Supports for multilingual learners should be developed in alignment with the 2020 WIDA English Language Development Framework.

• Sustainability. Grant-funded projects should take steps toward long-term enhancements to civics education, including, but not limited to, the development of supportive instructional leadership structures. Investments such as professional development for educators or acquisition of needed instructional materials can provide benefits long past the period of this grant, as opposed to "one-off" activities.

• Civic deeper learning. Grant-funded projects should help students master civic knowledge, skills and dispositions, appropriate to grade-level standards, through creative agency and opportunities to actively "do civics." Civic action should be student-led and meaningful to students as individuals, with relevance to their identities and lived experiences. Civic learning should be an integrated part of the larger curriculum, not isolated experiences, lessons, or units.

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 Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) aims to enhance access to healthy, affordable food and bolster economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. By providing grants for food ventures in areas like Gateway Cities and rural regions, MFVP supports local agricultural enterprises and aligns with the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan. Key investment areas include food processing infrastructure and improved distribution systems, ensuring equitable access to fresh local food and promoting healthy eating.

Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

The FCIDD was founded for the purpose of providing support to organizations that serve individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

Mission Statement: The Foundation supports organizations which enhance the lives of persons with intellectual and developmental disabilities by promoting research, projects, education and advocacy. 

Nonprofit Project Grants

The Foundation for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (FCIDD) funds 501(c)(3) organizations working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities of all ages, primarily in the states of Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, Ohio, West Virginia, Delaware, Maryland, the District of Columbia, and Virginia. 

Funding Priorities

• Grants will be awarded for the purpose of primarily benefiting, including, or increasing accessibility for individuals with intellectual or development disabilities.
• Grants may be awarded for scholarships or training personnel in the care and education of individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities. 
• Grants shall mainly be distributed to a Charity whose primary purpose or whose project is to support individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities. A Charity which has a project to benefit individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities based on financial need shall be awarded the grant money based upon its own objective criteria and without any special preference to members of Civitan or members of their family.

Grant Categories

A grant application typically fits into one of the following categories: Accessibility & Engagement; Educational Spaces; Program Area Improvements; Outreach and Education 

Educational Spaces

For I/DD serving school programs with a 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) attached needing property improvements or equipment/resource purchases to better serve their students with I/DD.

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 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 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 MA Conservation Partnership Grant supports non-profit organizations in acquiring land for conservation or recreational use. It offers funding for projects that involve land acquisition or due diligence on donated land. The program, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs, aims to enhance public access to natural resources and address climate change through sustainable land management practices. This initiative is part of a broader effort to preserve the Commonwealth's natural heritage for future generations.

The MassWildlife Habitat Management Grant Program, managed by the Massachusetts Division of Fisheries and Wildlife, aims to improve and restore habitats for wildlife across the state. It supports landowners in enhancing ecological communities, managing habitats for endangered species, and promoting sustainable recreational opportunities. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $75,000 are available for approved projects that benefit wildlife on conserved lands, ensuring the long-term preservation of Massachusetts' diverse ecosystems.