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Search Through Local Government Grants in Massachusetts

The Barr Foundation's Climate Grants program is committed to addressing climate change through equitable solutions that prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustices. With a focus on clean energy, mobility, and resilience, the program aims to foster an inclusive movement that supports diverse voices and builds capacity among organizations led by people of color. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for climate impacts.

The BMS Community Giving program supports IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations addressing unmet medical needs, promoting STEM education, and providing essential services. Eligible organizations must serve communities in the U.S. where BMS employees reside. Applications are accepted year-round, with a recommendation to submit at least eight weeks in advance. The program prioritizes health-related public missions and requests that fit within BMS's therapeutic interests, while excluding political, discriminatory, and sectarian organizations.

The Bulletproof Vest Program (BVP) in Massachusetts provides essential reimbursement for police departments to acquire life-saving bulletproof vests. This state-funded initiative aids in replacing outdated vests and supports the purchase of new vests for officers. Eligible departments must apply for federal reimbursement first, ensuring that the vests meet the National Institute of Justice standards. The program underscores the commitment to officer safety by facilitating access to certified protective gear.

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.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

The Mutual Self-Help Housing Technical Assistance Grants in Massachusetts provide essential funding for organizations aiding low-income families in constructing their own homes. By supervising self-help projects, these grants enable participants to contribute labor while receiving technical assistance. Eligible applicants include government non-profits, tribes, and private organizations. Funds can be used for technical support and recruitment, while ineligible uses include hiring construction workers or purchasing materials, ensuring that assistance remains focused on empowering families.

The Workforce Training Fund Program (WTFP) provides essential grants to Massachusetts employers, focusing on small to medium-sized businesses. The program aims to enhance productivity and competitiveness by funding training for current and newly hired employees. Priorities include job retention, growth, and increased wages. Eligible employers must contribute to the Workforce Training Fund, ensuring that training aligns with state business needs. The program encourages applications emphasizing adult education, diversity, and climate resilience.

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.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

The Cowles Charitable Trust Grant supports initiatives aligned with the philanthropic legacy of Gardner Cowles, Jr. Focused on education, social justice, health, and the arts, it favors organizations recognized as 501(c)(3) by the IRS. The Trust encourages applications for general operating support and seeks partnerships rather than being the sole funder. Notably, it considers applications from established partners and supports efforts in Downstate New York and South Florida, with a preference for diverse funding sources.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.

The New England States Touring (NEST) Grant supports nonprofit organizations in New England to present performances, readings, and screenings by regional and international artists. With three funding tiers—NEST 1, NEST 2, and NEST 3—this initiative aims to enhance community engagement, foster collaborations, and promote diversity in the arts. Eligible organizations can receive up to $10,000 to fund projects that occur between June 1, 2025, and August 31, 2026.

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.

The Charles Bullard Fellowship in Forest Research supports advanced research by promising individuals in forestry-related fields. With a competitive selection of 5 to 7 fellows per year, this prestigious program emphasizes forest ecology, conservation, and public policy. Fellows can collaborate with various Harvard University departments and may receive stipends up to $60,000. This residential program requires fellows to engage deeply with the Harvard Forest community, enhancing their research impact.

The MA Urban and Community Forestry Challenge Grants aim to enhance local capacity for urban forestry management in Massachusetts. These matching grants are available to municipalities and non-profits, particularly benefiting environmental justice neighborhoods with a 75-25 match rate. Eligible projects include community advocacy, tree management policies, and professional training. The program seeks to improve public tree resources through community involvement and sustainable practices, fostering environmental awareness and enhancing urban forestry outcomes.

The NRA Foundation offers grants in Massachusetts to support charitable purposes aligned with its mission. Eligible applicants include IRS-recognized nonprofits, government entities, and state-recognized organizations, while ineligible parties include labor organizations and individuals. The Foundation funds educational programs related to firearms safety and marksmanship, promoting responsible shooting sports and hunting safety. Grant requests must adhere to specific guidelines, ensuring support for activities that foster public well-being and community engagement.

The New England BioLabs Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance biocultural diversity and ecosystem services in regions such as Central America and West Africa. Projects should aim to conserve biological diversity, sustain traditional knowledge, and promote local economic vitality. The foundation prioritizes community-led initiatives, especially in coastal communities along Massachusetts' North Shore. Those interested must first submit a letter of inquiry, adhering to specific guidelines before proceeding with full proposals.

The Deerfield River Enhancement Fund Grant, managed by the Vermont Community Foundation, supports environmental projects within the Deerfield River Basin. With a funding pool of approximately $14,000, eligible applicants include nonprofits and educational institutions in Vermont and Massachusetts. Projects can range from educational workshops to public access improvements, fostering community engagement and sustainability. The next grant cycle opens in November 2026, offering a valuable opportunity for organizations focused on preserving the watershed.

The HKS American Service Fellowship provides full scholarships and stipends for mid-career public service leaders to pursue a one-year Mid-Career Master in Public Administration at Harvard Kennedy School. Targeting U.S. military veterans, public employees, and alumni of service programs, this fellowship emphasizes skill development and community impact. Participants learn from esteemed faculty and engage with a network of changemakers, equipping themselves to address pressing societal challenges and enhance their leadership capabilities.

FY2027: Afterschool & Out-of-School Time Subgrant (ASOST-S)

The purpose of this federal and state competitive grant is to fund several regional or statewide non-profit entities with the ability to subgrant and provide wraparound support to afterschool and out-of-school time (ASOST) programs. The overall goal of the grant is provide subgrants and support to Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST programs, which will strengthen the quality of and increase access to learning and enrichment programming that improve academic, college and career readiness and social-emotional outcomes for youth.

Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST is inclusive of before-school, after-school, vacation and summer programming hours beyond school time.

For regional or statewide grantees to provide ongoing support, training, technical assistance, coaching, professional development, evaluation, fiscal management and oversight to Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST subgrantee programs.

For regional or statewide grantees to make subgrant awards to Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST programs to enhance quality criteria areas outlined in the Guidelines for Quality Enhancements in After-School and Out-of-School Time and increase access to high quality Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST programs that meet the following criteria:

• Programs that are operated by non-profit community-based organizations (CBOs) and school districts, including charter schools and collaboratives;
• Programs in communities or schools/districts where at least 25% of students served are considered low-income and/or are in schools in the strategic transformation region;
• Programs that specifically aim to welcome and serve students from all identities and backgrounds;
• Programs that support the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education's (DESE's or Department's) Educational Vision, including supporting the whole student, deeper learning, and culturally and linguistically sustaining practices that contribute to affirming environments where students have a sense of belonging;
• Programs that engage and leverage knowledge and strengths of students, families, staff and community to inform programming design and decisions;
• Programs that offer comprehensive programming at least 3–5 days a week and/or at least approximately 150 hours per year/summer;
• Programs that are evidence/research-based; and
• Programs that have or want to strengthen partnerships with local schools and/or other community-based organizations.

This Request for ProposalRFP posting represents FY2027 Summer funds through 8/31/2026, which include approximately $3,000,000 through state line item 7061-9814 (Fund Code [FC] 527S), and $7,000,000 that is projected from state line item 7061-9611 (FC 0528) mainly for afterschool* (school year) funding for an approximate total of $10,000,000, pending appropriation.

Each grantee must award at least 93% of funds must be awarded as subgrants to Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST programs. The recommended range of yearly awards for each subgrant is $15,000-100,000, depending on size, scope of program and duration (e.g., if a summer component is included). Each grantee may use up to 7% of award may be used for overall administration and other costs, including indirect, as needed to provide support to awarded Afterschool and Out-of-School TimeASOST subgrant programs. If indirect is included, it must be part of the 7%, and cannot exceed the applicant's approved rate or 5%, whichever is greater.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

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.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, provides grants primarily to educational organizations and charities serving the underserved populations of Attleboro, Massachusetts. The Foundation prioritizes applications that support education, healthcare, and human services. Eligible entities include 501(c)(3) public charities, municipalities, and religious organizations. The Foundation encourages multi-year funding requests and considers capital grants on a case-by-case basis, focusing on improving community well-being and educational outcomes in the region.

The Chelsea Heritage Celebrations Grant, supported by the Chelsea Cultural Council and funded by Encore Boston Harbor, encourages diverse cultural events in Chelsea. Grants up to $15,000 are available for projects that celebrate local heritage through festivals, art shows, and public installations. Open to individuals and organizations, the grant emphasizes accessibility and community engagement, aiming to enhance the quality of life for Chelsea residents while fostering collaboration among artists.

The Expand Massachusetts Stories-Open Track grant offers up to $20,000 for projects that collect, interpret, and share narratives about Massachusetts, focusing on voices often overlooked. Eligible projects range from oral histories to community exhibitions and documentary films. The program prioritizes underrepresented experiences and aims to engage local communities in meaningful dialogue. Applicants must be compliant with regulations ensuring accessibility and equity, while funding cannot support individuals or profit-driven projects.