Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Encova Foundation of West Virginia is dedicated to improving communities by supporting local causes that align with the values of its associates and policyholders. They focus on health, education, and wellness, emphasizing the importance of children's success. Organizations applying for grants must be U.S.-based and verified as charitable. Preference is given to initiatives impacting health and education, especially those involving Encova associates as active participants.

The Kalliopeia Foundation Grant focuses on supporting projects that foster cultural and ecological renewal through a deep reverence for the Earth. By prioritizing US-based organizations that demonstrate strong community relationships and intergenerational leadership, the foundation seeks to empower marginalized voices and traditional practices. With an emphasis on land care and Indigenous leadership, Kalliopeia aims to cultivate a resilient future where diverse ways of knowing and being thrive harmoniously with nature.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

The Susan A. Robbins Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports female students pursuing a BS Degree in STEM, with a preference for Engineering. This scholarship is part of over 40 opportunities aimed at fostering educational growth in the region. The foundation manages charitable funds to benefit local students and is committed to promoting education and community development.

The Municipal Road Safety Grant (MA) provides funding for police departments in Massachusetts to enhance traffic safety initiatives. It encourages flexibility in implementing strategies beyond traditional enforcement, including community outreach and specialized training. Grants are tiered based on population size, offering up to $65,000 for larger municipalities. The program aims to reduce roadway crashes, injuries, and fatalities by supporting innovative traffic safety programs and fostering positive community-police interactions.

The Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program was created through Section 5 of chapter 288 of the Acts of 2018 to aid municipalities of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts in their efforts to revitalize their downtown and commercial areas by encouraging new occupancy of long-term vacant storefronts. An award from the Massachusetts Vacant Storefront Program in the FY27 Round of the Community One Stop for Growth allows a municipality to request tax credits for Vacant Storefronts to be assigned to an eligible business within the community by the Economic Assistance Coordinating Council (EACC). 

The Emma Miller Scholarship, offered by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, supports residents of Adams, Cheshire, or Savoy in pursuing their educational aspirations. In 2023, over $850,000 was awarded to students of various ages for trade schools, colleges, and graduate programs. This scholarship aims to provide opportunities for local high school seniors and other residents, helping them achieve their educational goals and contribute positively to the community.

The Bonnie Cardone Memorial Scholarship, offered by the Women Divers Hall of Fame, awards $1,500 to a woman diver enrolled in a U.S. or Canada degree program in journalism, graphic arts, photography, or videography. This scholarship aims to support those committed to using their education to benefit the ocean environment and community, promoting greater awareness and conservation efforts. Eligible applicants must demonstrate their dedication to these fields and their potential impact on marine ecosystems.

The Dr. Carolyn Ghazal Dental Assistant Scholarships, offered by the Pacific Dental Services Foundation, provide financial aid of up to $5,000 for eligible dental assistant students. Applicants must be over 18, U.S. citizens or legal residents, and enrolled in a qualifying program. The scholarship emphasizes mentorship and training, supporting the next generation of dental assistants. Awards are based on financial need and application quality, with multiple cycles each year to support aspiring professionals.

Gilead North America Grants support community-informed programs that enhance healthcare for vulnerable populations. Grants are available for innovative projects addressing HIV, liver diseases, oncology, and inflammatory diseases. Applications are invited from tax-exempt nonprofits based in the U.S. who focus on health equity and community engagement. Gilead prioritizes funding for projects that demonstrate a strong capability to deliver impactful outcomes, helping to eliminate barriers to healthcare and improve access to essential services.

The Starseed Foundation Grant offers support to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on enhancing the arts, environmental protection, literacy, and social services. Grants are available to organizations throughout the United States, with a specific emphasis on programs based in Oregon. Interested parties must first submit a Letter of Inquiry to be considered for funding. This initiative aims to improve the quality of life for underserved communities through cultural and educational enrichment.

The  Rural Development Fund is a competitive grant program created to provide financial support for a variety of activities related to the unique economic and community development needs in rural communities and small towns throughout the Commonwealth, which sometimes face difficulty competing against larger cities/towns for grant resources. The overall goal of the program is to support projects that will help communities increase their capacity to leverage local assets and partake more directly in the state’s growing economy. Executive Office of Economic Development is committed to helping small communities be part of the long-term strength and sustainability of the state. 

The Mabel Louise Riley Foundation provides grants to support low-income children and youth in Boston. With a focus on education, human services, and neighborhood revitalization, the foundation funds projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 and are available to Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Exclusions include multi-year support and unrestricted operating funds. The foundation aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable families through targeted assistance.

The SFS Fellows Grant, awarded by the Society for Freshwater Science, recognizes individuals who have made significant contributions to freshwater science research, policy, or management. Each year, up to four fellows are selected based on their sustained excellence and leadership within the field. This initiative also encourages diversity by promoting nominations from underrepresented groups and mid-career professionals. The grant fosters collaboration and participation in SFS activities, enhancing the impact of freshwater science.

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 Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Adult Literacy Grants to support organizations providing essential literacy services to adults. Grants of up to $10,000 are available for programs in Adult Basic Education, GED preparation, and English language acquisition. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and libraries located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store. The foundation aims to enhance educational opportunities and foster personal growth through literacy.

The Bud Tackett Legacy Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports students from Ayer-Shirley Regional High School, Lunenburg High School, or Montachusett Regional Vocational Technical School pursuing post-secondary education. This scholarship embodies the foundation's commitment to fostering educational opportunities in the North Central Massachusetts region, providing vital support to students aiming for academic and vocational success.

The Bayard Long Award supports students researching plant species in the Philadelphia area and surrounding regions. With a typical funding of $2000, it encourages studies that enhance understanding of local flora, including field and herbarium work. Eligible projects must include at least one native plant species, promoting both academic and practical botanical endeavors. This opportunity is available to all students enrolled in degree programs at any post-secondary institution, furthering educational and scientific exploration in botany.

Purpose:

The purpose of the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) Transition to College grant program (Transition Program) is to provide a foundation of services, free of charge, within Massachusetts colleges that enable adult learners to enroll, persist, and complete postsecondary education.

Self-sufficiency is the ultimate goal of Transition Program services. To that end, applicants may propose Transition to College services and College Support Services as described below.

Priorities:

The following priorities have been established for Transition to College Services:

• establish two or more Memoranda of Agreement with DESE-funded Community Adult Learning Centers (CALCs) or Correctional Institutions (see Appendix A in FY 2024 – FY 2026 Massachusetts Policies for Effective Transition to College Programs);
• enroll and retain at least one cohort of 15 adults, prioritizing students previously enrolled in DESE-funded CALCs or Correctional Institutions for a program design lasting one academic year;
• incorporate at least one cohort strategy (e.g., students' enrollment in a common course, ongoing group advising);
• fully integrate students into the college;
• provide academic instruction, including a College for Success course, and intensive advising;
• offer a program design that focuses on providing students in-person or hybrid classes and on-campus experiences;
• offer at least two credit-bearing courses (3 credits per course);
• provide access to additional credit-bearing courses (priority funding will be given to proposals that propose high numbers of credit-bearing courses above the required minimum).

The College Support Services program is an optional service offering intended for colleges interested in providing services to Transition students after one academic year. It is DESE's expectation that these students have achieved some level of self-sufficiency and would not need the same level of intensive advising they had in their first academic year. Applicants will need to describe the need for continued services and how they will provide a gradual release of responsibility in order for students to achieve full self-sufficiency.

The following priorities have been established for College Support Services:

• propose a number of Transition students to serve and retain;
• propose a period of time to serve these students (maximum of two semesters or one academic year);
• propose advising and other services to build on the self-management competencies students acquired in the first academic year such as ongoing advising that will move students to self-sufficiency.
• provide additional services such as access to credit-bearing courses and facilitating students' transition to four-year colleges.

Funding:

Approximately $3,500,000 is available. See the grant ranges below.

Transitions to College grants:

• One cohort of 15 students: up to $140,000
• Two cohorts of 15 students: $162,000 – $175,000

College Support Services: up to $50,000 (optional)

Fund Use:

Funds must be used in accordance with the FY 2024 – 2026 Massachusetts Policies for Effective Transition to College Programs. Programs should adhere to the community college's policies around student eligibility when determining the eligibility of prospective students.

Administrative costs may not exceed 5% of the total grant award.

Applicants may include indirect cost rates to recover certain business-related expenses necessary to support the proposed services. Please note that indirect costs count as administrative costs.

• Local Education Agencies (LEA) may apply the district rate .
• A non-LEA must reapply to DESE for an FY27 indirect costs rate (2 CFR 200.332v).

The Gardiner Howland Shaw Foundation Grant, established in 1959, seeks to address crucial issues in criminal and juvenile justice systems, particularly in Massachusetts. The foundation prioritizes funding for research, innovative reintegration programs for offenders, and effective community collaboration models. Grants support new projects, proven initiatives, and organizations with a strong track record. Requests for funding are due by February 1st, with decisions made by May 31st, ensuring timely support for impactful projects.

The HKS Center for Public Leadership's Equity Fellowship aims to empower diverse, talented students committed to promoting equity within society. This fellowship offers financial support for a master's degree at Harvard Kennedy School, along with a comprehensive leadership development program. Recipients will connect with exceptional peers and mentors, focusing on enhancing their impact in communities, particularly among marginalized populations. The fellowship encourages applications from individuals with a demonstrated commitment to addressing disparities across various sectors.

Early College Support Grant

The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide resources that support Designated Early College programs in their ongoing efforts to reimagine the high school experience, ensuring that all students are meaningfully engaged and prepared for post-secondary success. The funds allocated through this grant are intended to assist both the Designated Secondary School and its partnering Institution(s) of Higher Education (IHEs) in the continued development, implementation, and sustainment of their Early College initiatives.

Programs in Years 1 and 2 of Designation

Programs in Years 1 and 2 of Designation is for high schools in their first or second year of Designation.

Targeted state funds are intended to support Designated Early College programs in building and sustaining capacity in an equitable and effective manner.

Early College Support Grant - Programs in Year 3 and Beyond of Designation

The purpose of this targeted grant is to provide resources that support Designated Early College programs in their ongoing efforts to reimagine the high school experience, ensuring that all students are meaningfully engaged and prepared for post-secondary success. The funds allocated through this grant are intended to assist both the Designated Secondary School and its partnering Institution(s) of Higher Education (IHEs) in the continued development, implementation, and sustainment of their Early College initiatives.

Programs in Year 3 and Beyond of Designation is for high schools in their third year of their first Designation or beyond.

Targeted state funds are intended to support Designated Early College programs in building and sustaining capacity in an equitable and effective manner.

The Mabel A. Horne Fund Grant, established in 1957, aims to enhance educational, human services, and healthcare for underserved populations. This private fund supports general operating and program-related requests, encouraging small capital expenses. Most grants are for one year, with occasional multi-year support available. The initiative seeks to empower communities by providing essential resources for impactful programs.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Heriberto Flores Scholarship Fund

Supporting Springfield Technical Community College and Holyoke Community College graduates of Puerto Rican ancestry from Hampden or Hampshire Counties who plan to attend Massachusetts institutions of higher education.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is launching its Genomics Initiative and Sequencing Award to create a genomic type collection of temperate woody plants. With awards up to $10,000, the initiative aims to support de novo sequencing and analysis of key accessioned plants within its distinguished living collections. This effort will enhance research in comparative genomics and plant biology, making vital genomic resources accessible for scientific studies and conservation.

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.

Priorities

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

Competitive priority will be given to:

• Partnerships established in FY23, FY24, FY25, or FY26 that have a proven track record with Department of Elementary and Secondary Education DESE of working towards the grant’s priorities and goals and can provide positive evidence of impact
• Partnerships that include districts that have implemented or will be implementing high quality instructional materials for early literacy instruction
• Limited to early literacy curricular materials that meet the Department’s definition of high quality as defined by Curriculum Ratings by Teachers CURATE at the time of application.
  • Additionally, if the district’s core instructional materials do not include a foundational skills component but does meet the criterion listed above, evidence-based foundational skills curricular materials must be in use as well.
• Partnerships that include districts with systems and structures in place to run a Multi-tiered System of Support (MTSS) for early literacy in grades PK-3.
• Partnerships that include districts and schools in chronically underperforming status and the Strategic Transformation Region
• Partnerships whose mission and strategic plan includes intentional, targeted actions to diversify the teacher workforce
• Partnerships that leverage the Professional Standards for Teaching and 2024 Model Teacher Evaluation Rubric to promote culturally and linguistically sustaining instructional practices
• Partnerships whose action plan explicitly addresses training and support for program supervisors and/or supervising practitioners responsible for overseeing Elementary, Early Childhood, or Moderate Disabilities teacher candidate’s field-based experiences

Category 1 — Districts or Sponsoring Organizations in the Visioning Stage of Launching a Consortium

Applicants in this category are at the very beginning stages of planning and have not firmly established multiple partnerships.