Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Philanthropy Connection Grant supports Massachusetts organizations through unrestricted general operating grants. It aims to empower nonprofits by connecting them with a network of female philanthropists, enhancing their funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial stability, meet revenue criteria, and be located in the Greater Boston area. The grant prioritizes missions addressing poverty, income inequality, and employment readiness among others. Organizations with significant financial losses or lacking independent 501(c)(3) status are ineligible.

The Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program, managed by the Leary Firefighters Foundation, supports paid and volunteer fire departments across the US, focusing on training, equipment, and technology enhancements. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts occasionally available. Departments must demonstrate proactive problem-solving efforts. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships aimed at achieving impactful results, particularly in response to emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.

The Pittsburgh Foundation

Established in 1945, The Pittsburgh Foundation is one of the nation’s oldest community foundations and as of 2022 is the 18th largest of more than 750 similar foundations across the United States.

As a community foundation, its resources comprise endowment funds established by individuals, businesses and organizations with a passion for charitable giving and fulfilling the Foundation’s mission of improving quality of life for all in the region. The Foundation currently manages about 2,500 individual donor funds and, together with its supporting organizations and its affiliate, The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County, has assets of $1.386 billion (2022). Grantmaking benefits a broad spectrum of basic needs and development opportunities within Pittsburgh and beyond.

Scholarships

The Pittsburgh Foundation and The Community Foundation of Westmoreland County provide scholarship opportunities for local students to pursue their educational goals. Scholarships are available for graduating high school seniors, undergraduates, graduate, medical and professional school students who are attending community colleges, four-year universities and career/technical schools.

Dr. Allan George Rewbridge Scholarship Fund

The Dr. Allan George Rewbridge Scholarship Fund was established at The Pittsburgh Foundation to provide scholarships to students attending Harvard Medical School.

Award Type: Single Year Award. Previous recipients are encouraged to re-apply in consecutive years.

The Gleitsman Leadership Fellowship at Harvard Kennedy School empowers emerging social activists with financial support for their master's program, alongside a co-curricular program enhancing leadership skills. Fellows are selected based on their potential to create transformative social impact and are provided with mentorship and a network to facilitate community engagement. This fellowship embodies HKS's mission to cultivate principled public leadership and bridge theory with practice in various sectors.

The David Gergen Summer Fellowship Program at Harvard Kennedy School offers an exceptional opportunity for students to engage in public service internships during summer 2026. Designed for current HKS students, this competitive program provides financial support for living and travel expenses, along with a robust co-curricular leadership development program. Recipients gain invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities, fostering principled public leadership in various sectors, including government and nonprofit organizations.

The Asian Cultural Council's Graduate Fellowship provides financial support for travel and living expenses to graduate students from Asia studying in the U.S. It offers $15,000 for one academic year, potentially renewable for another year, covering essential costs while pursuing full-time coursework. This initiative fosters international cultural exchange and enhances academic training in the arts. Eligible applicants must be enrolled full-time in accredited graduate programs and commit to at least two consecutive semesters of study.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for undergraduate students pursuing dietetics. Applicants complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships ranging from $500 to $25,000. Eligibility includes enrollment in an ACEND-accredited program and various special criteria. This initiative supports students from diverse backgrounds, encouraging future professionals in nutrition and dietetics. Membership in the Academy is recommended but not mandatory for application.

The Tribal Cultural Council Program, administered by the Mass Cultural Council, empowers Tribal Cultural Councils to distribute funds for arts, humanities, and science initiatives within their communities. This program prioritizes local decision-making, allowing councils to tailor eligibility requirements based on community input. TCCs can fund diverse projects, from artist residencies to public art and community events, while ensuring a minimum grant amount of $250 to support impactful initiatives.

The Shannon Community Safety Initiative in Massachusetts focuses on combating gang violence through a collaborative approach involving strategic research and support from the Statewide Research Partner. This initiative aligns with the OJJDP Comprehensive Gang Model, providing funding and resources to local sites to enhance prevention, intervention, and law enforcement strategies. The program aims to promote community safety by addressing the root causes of gang-related issues and fostering partnerships among various stakeholders.

The Human Trafficking Enforcement and Training Grant Program in Massachusetts aims to assist District Attorneys in investigating and prosecuting human trafficking cases. It focuses on enhancing community relationships with law enforcement and promotes trauma-informed, multidisciplinary approaches to support survivors. This state-funded program seeks to strengthen anti-trafficking efforts and expand victim-centered services that foster justice and empowerment for those affected.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for graduate and doctoral students pursuing degrees in nutrition and dietetics. With scholarship amounts ranging from $500 to $25,000, applicants can utilize a single application to be considered for multiple opportunities. Eligibility includes enrollment in accredited programs and other criteria such as experience in education or dietetics. Membership in the Academy is encouraged, although not required, for most scholarships.

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 Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers over 250 scholarships for dietetic interns, allowing a single application to apply for multiple awards. Scholarships range from $500 to $25,000, with eligibility for interns enrolled through June 30, 2024, including those with off-cycle matches. Applicants should consider their career goals in areas like clinical dietetics, culinary arts, and nutrition education. Academy membership is encouraged but not required. Fundraising determines the number of scholarships available each year.

The Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics Foundation offers a variety of scholarships for students in the Dietetic Technician Program, with over 250 scholarships available. Ranging from $500 to $25,000, these scholarships help support aspiring dietetic professionals. Applicants need to complete a single application to be considered for multiple scholarships based on eligibility. Membership in the Academy is encouraged but not mandatory for applying.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

The Dr. Norbert P. and Elsie R. Fraga Scholarship

The Dr. Norbert P. and Elsie R. Fraga Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to postgraduate students who have: 1. graduated from New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, or Westport High school, or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 2. completed pre-dental or pre-medical studies at accredited college, 3. has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and 4. been accepted into an accredited dental or medical college or university. 

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

New Bedford Half Marathon Committee Scholarship

The New Bedford Half Marathon Committee Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide college scholarships to graduating seniors who are runners participating in track, cross country or a related interscholastic athletic program from New Bedford High School, Dartmouth High School, or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

The Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union Donation Request aims to support local non-profits that enhance community well-being through initiatives focused on health, education, and economic revitalization. The foundation encourages applications for event sponsorships and charitable projects that align with their mission of fostering vibrant neighborhoods and providing essential services. Interested organizations should submit requests at least six weeks before their events for timely consideration.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship

The Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation provides 5 four-year scholarships, up to $35,000. The Scholarships are distributed to graduating seniors from: New Bedford Global Learning Charter School (1), New Bedford High School (3), Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (1). Recipients must attend an accredited college or university and major in science fields including computer science, mathematics, and engineering.

The New England Dance Fund Grant supports choreographers in New England by offering $500 to $1,000 for opportunities that advance their careers. This grant prioritizes diversity in artistic expression across various backgrounds and disciplines. Eligible applicants must maintain a Creative Ground profile and reside in one of the six New England states. The fund aims to empower artists through diverse opportunities such as residencies, workshops, and mentorships, fostering growth in the regional dance landscape.

The PLTW Biomedical Science Program Expansion, supported by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance access to vital STEM education for K-12 students in Massachusetts. This initiative facilitates the growth of existing PLTW Biomedical Science programs by providing grants to schools, enabling them to add courses, sections, and train teachers. By fostering interest in STEM disciplines, this program strives to cultivate the skills necessary for future leaders in an evolving global economy.

This funding opportunity invites innovative pilot studies focused on biological, behavioral, and social mechanisms related to HIV pathogenesis, aligning with NIDDK's mission and NIH HIV/AIDS research priorities. Topics may include exploring pathophysiological mechanisms of HIV comorbidities and coinfections, understanding HIV reservoirs in relevant tissues, and examining social determinants affecting health outcomes. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization.

The PLTW Biomedical Science initiative, backed by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to broaden access to innovative STEM programs for K-12 students in Massachusetts. This program encourages schools to implement or expand their Biomedical Science offerings, enabling students to develop essential skills for future careers. By providing financial support for necessary resources, the initiative fosters a passion for STEM education and enhances enrollment in these critical fields.

The NIDCD is offering funding to advance HIV/AIDS research, particularly focusing on areas related to communication disorders. This initiative supports low-risk clinical trials and encourages researchers to align their proposals with high priority topics identified by the NIH Office of AIDS Research. Applications must be submitted by the local deadline, with optional Letters of Intent due 30 days prior to the proposal deadline. This opportunity aims to enhance understanding and treatment in this crucial health area.

The Citizens Grants: Financial Empowerment program supports nonprofits focused on creating measurable impacts in financial education for low to moderate income individuals and small businesses. This grant emphasizes partnerships with established 501(c)(3) organizations and encourages collaborative efforts that demonstrate alignment with funding priorities. By investing in financial literacy, Citizens aims to enhance fiscal health in underserved communities across select geographic areas.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The Moonlight Mile Fund Grant supports women aged 18 and older in Massachusetts and New York, providing matching funds for alternative healing, professional training, and athletic equipment. Applicants can receive awards ranging from $500 to $1,200, aimed at helping them fulfill their dreams. This initiative honors Deborah Reich's legacy, encouraging women to pursue their passions and achieve their potential while fostering personal well-being through various means of support.

FY27 High School Equivalency

The purpose of this state-funded grant program is to assist in the day-to-day operation of High School Equivalency Test Centers (HSE) including, but not limited to, the cost for test administration, accommodations, and technology upgrades.

Priorities:

The priorities for use of these funds must be in the areas of test center materials, technology, staffing, disability and English language learner accommodations, and travel to HSE Chief Examiner meetings for approved HSE Test Centers only.

Funding:

Approximately $247,953 is available.

This RFP is the governing document for these grant funds.

Funding is contingent upon availability. All dollar amounts listed are estimated/approximate and are subject to change.