Best Grants for Teachers Continuing Education in Massachusetts

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services programs can seek support for new approaches to social problems, including work that may benefit teachers’ continuing education in Massachusetts. Creag Foundation supports creative solutions across areas like health, literacy, community development, and public safety, with applications accepted by invitation following a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving youth through education, welfare, or development programs can seek funding for workshops, scholarships, child advocacy, and related initiatives in Massachusetts and beyond. The Dan Paul Foundation supports projects that advance children’s health, learning, environmental responsibility, and basic needs worldwide, with grants up to US $15,000.

Early-stage, impact-first nonprofit and mission-driven for-profit organizations tackling major social or environmental challenges can receive up to US $300,000 plus intensive capacity-building support from Draper Richards Kaplan. Massachusetts education-focused ventures, including those improving teaching or professional development for educators, may be eligible if they serve underserved communities and operate within the foundation’s priority geographies.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for education, crisis response, or economic empowerment programs serving mostly economically underserved communities in Massachusetts and worldwide can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help education-focused organizations support access, equity, STEM, and college and career preparation for students and teachers.

Educational institutions and eligible nonprofits in Massachusetts can seek funding for K-12 and higher education programs, including STEM and pathways for college and career success. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support academic performance and broader community needs like safety and community development through its Good Neighbor Citizenship company grants program.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million and strong arts or science education programs can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s culture grants, including in Massachusetts. Awards of more than US $100,000 support program, capital, and limited general or endowment needs, with preference for K–12 arts education, artist development, and STEAM initiatives.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Focused on education, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting health, education, and community initiatives. Eligible U.S.-based nonprofits may fund STEM programming, healthcare and patient services for underserved populations, food pantries and meal programs, or healthy lifestyle efforts, which can include teacher-led or school-based continuing education activities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits offering early childhood education, teacher development, or community education programs can access funding via PNC Foundation to strengthen services for children and low- to moderate-income families. Eligible projects may include classroom programs, educator professional development, or family engagement initiatives in communities where PNC has a significant presence.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based organizations working on hunger relief, housing and shelters, financial literacy, workforce readiness, or community and cultural development may be eligible, with priority given where Ameriprise employees and advisors actively volunteer.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

Massachusetts education nonprofits seeking project support can access funding through the Dr Scholl Foundation, with typical awards ranging from US $5,000 - US $25,000. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations may apply for one year of funding in areas including education, social services, health care, civic and cultural initiatives, or environmental projects, following the annual October–March cycle.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and aligned for-profit organizations seeking support for preservation, education, or wellness storytelling projects can apply for more than US $50,000 to share their impact. The Jesse W Couch Charitable Foundation’s Storytelling Grant helps highlight programs such as teacher support, early childhood education, and 21st-century learning initiatives that benefit educators and students.

Educational and human service nonprofits in Massachusetts introducing or expanding mindfulness or contemplative Christian practices can apply for Trust for the Meditation Process grants of US $3,000 - US $5,000 to support short-term, outcomes-focused projects. Grants can fund courses, retreats, curriculum, teacher development, supplies, research, and related activities, particularly for underserved students and communities.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits providing community-focused services such as economic stability, workforce development, health and social services, or disaster relief in Massachusetts may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports organizations improving quality of life for underserved people in communities where O’Reilly Auto Parts has a business presence.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental or human services work, including in Massachusetts, can apply for grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000 to fund programs or operations. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help eligible organizations worldwide with unrestricted support, which may indirectly benefit teacher development or continuing education initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts serving underserved youth, families, or communities can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000 for programs in education, housing, hunger, and environmental stewardship. Teacher-led or school-based initiatives that advance youth development or academic enrichment may be eligible.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, which honors collaborations addressing significant social issues. U.S. nonprofits leading equal public, private, or social sector partnerships that measurably improve lives may be recognized through this competitive annual program.

Early Literacy Consortium Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund the development, launch, and continuation of partnerships between eligible sponsoring organizations and PK–12 districts to promote improved teacher preparation and development in evidence-based early literacy instruction and improved early literacy outcomes for PK–3 students. All students deserve access to high quality instruction, and it will take collaborative and innovative efforts on the part of both districts and educator preparation programs to ensure that PK–3 educators have the pre-service training as well as the ongoing professional development needed to well-serve Massachusetts students. The goal of this grant program is for both districts and sponsoring organizations to benefit from collaboration through multi-year consortia developed to impact early literacy teaching and learning through preparation of candidates and ultimately hiring and employment of effective Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities PK–2/PK–8 teachers.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) seeks to award Early Literacy Consortium grants to entities that:

Are committed to prioritizing literacy equity and excellence, and want to collaborate with districts and sponsoring organizations in their region to make this a reality

Demonstrate favorable conditions and the resources, including time and commitment, necessary to make and sustain meaningful partnerships that have the potential to improve student outcomes in early literacy

Bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to the activities articulated in the grant proposal, including but not limited to classroom educators, PK–12 administrators, higher education faculty and leadership, program supervisors, teacher candidates, and students where appropriate

Are actively investing in equity, inclusion, and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices for all learners

Category 2 — Newly Established Consortia in the Planning Stage of Launching Early Literacy Programming

Applicants in this category have an established partnership with multiple sponsoring organizations and public school districts (four or more organizations in total) in their region and are designing and planning to implement programming that will advance effective early literacy instruction.

Early Literacy Consortium Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to fund the development, launch, and continuation of partnerships between eligible sponsoring organizations and PK–12 districts to promote improved teacher preparation and development in evidence-based early literacy instruction and improved early literacy outcomes for PK–3 students. All students deserve access to high quality instruction, and it will take collaborative and innovative efforts on the part of both districts and educator preparation programs to ensure that PK–3 educators have the pre-service training as well as the ongoing professional development needed to well-serve Massachusetts students. The goal of this grant program is for both districts and sponsoring organizations to benefit from collaboration through multi-year consortia developed to impact early literacy teaching and learning through preparation of candidates and ultimately hiring and employment of effective Elementary, Early Childhood, and Moderate Disabilities PK–2/PK–8 teachers.

Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) seeks to award Early Literacy Consortium grants to entities that:

Are committed to prioritizing literacy equity and excellence, and want to collaborate with districts and sponsoring organizations in their region to make this a reality

Demonstrate favorable conditions and the resources, including time and commitment, necessary to make and sustain meaningful partnerships that have the potential to improve student outcomes in early literacy

Bring together a diverse coalition of stakeholders committed to the activities articulated in the grant proposal, including but not limited to classroom educators, PK–12 administrators, higher education faculty and leadership, program supervisors, teacher candidates, and students where appropriate

Are actively investing in equity, inclusion, and culturally and linguistically sustaining literacy practices for all learners

Category 3 — Established Consortia Implementing Early Literacy Programming

Applicants in this category represent an established partnership with multiple sponsoring organizations and school districts with a clear, strategic plan for the consortium’s work.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding initiatives. Organizations that support teachers’ continuing education as part of broader community or environmental programs may be eligible to apply for this flexible charitable support.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, community enrichment, entrepreneurship, or environmental initiatives that serve communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible organizations within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to apply; teacher professional development efforts may be competitive if they meet these priorities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, youth enrichment, workforce readiness, and domestic violence safety programs. TJX Foundation supports community organizations that help vulnerable children and families build better futures, which may include out-of-school learning opportunities for at-risk students.