Best Grants for Women in Massachusetts

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs from the Dan Paul Foundation, including those in Massachusetts. Grants up to US $15,000 may benefit initiatives such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and other youth-focused efforts, including programs supporting girls and young women.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million offering arts or science programming can apply for the Hearst Foundations’ culture grants, awarding more than US $100,000 for program or capital support. Massachusetts organizations serving large audiences, including women and girls, may benefit, especially those focused on arts education, artist development, or STEAM initiatives.

Massachusetts Jewish organizations and individual organizers offering meaningful Jewish culture or community programs can access funding through Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s reimbursement-based Jewish Community Grants. Eligible events must occur in Western Massachusetts or Southern Vermont and emphasize impact, collaboration, and engaging under‑engaged individuals and families, including programs that highlight or celebrate women in Jewish life.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Massachusetts

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving women, girls, and families through education, poverty relief, health, or related services in the Southern U.S. may be eligible for this funding. Robinson Foundation supports humanitarian, family, and youth-focused work; Massachusetts-based groups with programs reaching communities below the Mason-Dixon line can apply if they meet regional and tenure requirements.

Nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organizations serving Lowell, Massachusetts residents, especially women and girls and other under-served groups, can apply for mini-grants up to US $7,500 to address community needs. With a mission to build a more caring and equitable community, Theodore Edson Parker Foundation reviews these smaller requests quarterly.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Focused on professional development for oligonucleotide researchers, the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society invites current OTS members to apply for up to US $2,000 to support local meetings and networking events. Massachusetts organizers hosting women-in-science, diversity-focused, or junior scientist events that bring together multiple labs or institutions may be eligible.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting women and children can receive up to US $5,000 for programs addressing child abuse, domestic violence, economic self-sufficiency, and basic needs through the Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund. Southcoast Community Foundation prioritizes services like prevention, treatment, shelters, hotlines, legal advocacy, employment training, and financial management across eligible counties.

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.

Women- and girl-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Massachusetts seeking unrestricted operating support for poverty, education, health, or equity work may be eligible. With a mission to strengthen Greater Boston–area organizations, Philanthropy Connection provides general operating grants to nonprofits addressing issues like income inequality, employment readiness, wellness, and social or gender bias.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) childcare centers seeking capital improvements can apply for grants up to US $100,000 to expand or upgrade facilities, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Grants from Franklin Square House Foundation prioritize economically and racially integrated centers with at least 50% subsidized slots, strong administrative capacity, and readiness to create new childcare spaces for women and their children.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations offering health-building, educational, recreational, or counseling programs, especially for girls and young women, can apply for grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support capital needs, operations, or special projects. Grants from Rebecca Pomroy Foundation particularly favor groups serving the Newton community and historically marginalized populations.

Nonprofit agencies providing community-based services for women and children in crisis in Massachusetts can seek funding to improve health, safety, independence, and self-sufficiency. Chickering Foundation supports privately funded programs in Eastern Massachusetts counties that build long-term support networks, bridge gaps in government services, and raise awareness of underserved needs.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations serving Lowell residents through women’s and girls’ services, social programs, education, health, or community development can seek project and capital funding from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, with awards ranging from US $15,000 - US $50,000. Priority goes to under-served groups, including disadvantaged young women, children, the elderly, refugees, and immigrants.

Massachusetts nonprofits providing health and human services for women in reduced circumstances can access funding through the Katharine C. Pierce Trust, with typical one-year grants of US $10,000. Eligible programs include homecare for elderly women, adult day health, and emergency assistance for women facing homelessness, domestic violence, disabilities, or substance use disorders.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts that provide social services to fishermen, their families, and low-income elders can seek multi-year support to test or expand programs. With a mission to strengthen coastal communities, Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston offers operating, program, start-up, and special project funding, with preference for traditional fishing areas like Gloucester, New Bedford, and Cape Cod.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts coastal communities serving fishermen, their families, or low-income older adults can apply for Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston’s annual grants supporting social service programs and operations. Women- and girl-serving nonprofits may be eligible if their work addresses housing stability, independence, or other social service needs in areas like Gloucester, New Bedford, or Cape Cod.

Massachusetts nonprofits providing human services or health programs for underserved elders, especially older women in Bristol County, can access funding through Sophia Romero Trust for general operating, program support, and small program-related capital needs. Most awards are one-year grants supporting basic needs, primary care access, and community health education for vulnerable seniors.