Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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.

David Cappannari Scholarship

The David Cappannari Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide tuition assistance to graduating Plymouth high schools seniors who plan to attend college.

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.

College Club of New Bedford, Inc. Scholarship

The College Club of New Bedford, Inc. Fund provides scholarships to young women who are graduates or graduating seniors of the following high schools: New Bedford, Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical, Bishop Stang, Dartmouth, and Fairhaven.

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.

Clayton Bond Auman Maritime Scholarship

The Clayton Bond Auman Maritime Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarship awards to students who show financial need, demonstrate a good work ethic, have family ties to the sea, intend to attend a maritime institution or major in a marine-related program.

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.

Amy Edwards Second Wind Initiative Scholarship

The Amy Edwards Second Wind scholarship is available for women who are seeking a way to improve their ability to find meaningful employment and to create positive change within their communities, a “second wind.” This scholarship is for women enrolling in courses at Bristol Community College or the University of Massachusetts - Dartmouth.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5416 - Innovative Approaches to Extend Lifetime and Minimize O&M for Nature-based Installations

Grant Information

• Identify and evaluate innovative design, construction, and management approaches that extend the functional lifetime of nature-based installations and reduce ongoing operations and maintenance (O&M) requirements.
• Develop practical guidance on key factors affecting nature-based solution (NbS) longevity, including hydraulic optimization, engineered media selection and replacement, plant selection, sediment management, and construction-phase best practices.
• Survey utilities and other NbS owners to document current maintenance practices, costs, and hours, and establish benchmarks to inform targets for improvement.

The Corning Nonprofit Grants program supports community-based initiatives in education, human services, and culture. Eligible nonprofits that align with our criteria may apply for funding on a rolling basis. The application window for invited organizations runs from February 10 to September 15. We emphasize local impact within a 20-mile radius of Corning, NY, ensuring that our contributions foster collective growth and engagement in the community.

The McKesson Foundation Grant provides funding up to $25,000 for organizations focused on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. Established in 1943, the foundation prioritizes health equity through strategic partnerships aimed at reducing cancer burdens, preparing healthcare professionals, and enhancing crisis response efforts. Eligible applicants include national and local nonprofits targeting specific regions in the U.S. and Canada. The foundation emphasizes projects that align with its mission and demonstrate significant community impact.

The Tree Campus Higher Education Program in Massachusetts promotes the importance of trees on college campuses. By meeting five key standards, colleges can achieve national recognition and foster a healthy, green environment for students. This initiative not only enhances campus beauty but also contributes to energy conservation, climate change mitigation, and mental health benefits for the community. Participation instills pride and encourages student involvement in environmental stewardship.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

Preserving American Historical Treasures

The 1772 Foundation was named in honor of its first restoration project, Liberty Hall in Union, New Jersey. Built in 1772 by William Livingston, New Jersey’s first elected governor, the residence was home to generations of the Livingston and Kean families, including Stewart Barney Kean, who founded the 1772 Foundation in 1984. Liberty Hall has since been converted into a museum and the Foundation, thanks to Mr. Kean, continues to provide ongoing support for it and many others like it across the country. Upon Mr. Kean's death, in 2002, the Foundation grew from a $2.1 million private foundation to one with over $80 million in assets. In the twenty years since then, the foundation has granted more than $50 million for historic preservation work throughout the United States. After learning of the Kean Family's ties to slavery, the 1772 Foundation has committed to increased funding to racial justice and African American history funding.

Massachusetts Historic Preservation Matching Grants

The 1772 Foundation has announced that funding in the form of 1:1 matching grants of up to $10,000 will be made available for the following historic preservation projects: exterior painting, finishes and surface restoration, fire detection/lightning protection/security systems, repairs to/restoration of porches, roofs and windows, repairs to foundations and sills, and chimney and masonry repointing.

To demonstrate the sustainability of historic sites, applicants maybe required to submit a cyclical maintenance plan, condition assessment, restoration plan or stewardship plan that has been prepared or updated within the last five years. If an appropriate plan does not exist, the Foundation will consider providing support for development of a plan on a case-by-case basis

The Foundation will consider the following: 

• exterior painting, finishes, and surface restoration
• installation or upgrade of fire detection, lightning protection, and security systems
• repair or restoration of porches, roofs, and windows
• structural foundation and sill repair or replacement
• chimney and masonry repointing (exterior only)
• ​climate action to include energy audit assessments, insulation upgrades, alternative energy sources (solar, wind, geothermal, etc.), upgraded/converted systems/appliances, and storm windows. Water mitigation projects may be considered, but preference will be given to decarbonization upgrades. Applicants are encouraged to leverage programs offered by utility providers.

Survey & Planning Grants 

Economic incentives for historic preservation and rehabilitation preserve historic properties and support historic preservation planning activities in communities throughout the state. The MHC administers a federal grants-in-aid program for survey and planning projects, a maritime heritage grant program, and a state matching grant program for restoration, rehabilitation, and research of properties listed in the State Register.

The Massachusetts Historical Commission Survey and Planning Grant Program is a federally funded, reimbursable, 50/50 matching grant program to support historic preservation planning activities in communities throughout the state.

Eligible applicants for Survey and Planning Grants are anticipated to include all local historical commissions, local historic district commissions, planning offices, and other eligible public and non-profit historic preservation organizations.

Survey and Planning Grants

Survey and Planning Grants provide 50% matching federal funds for the following projects:

• Preparation of community surveys
• Preservation plans
• Preparation of historic district studies and legislation
• Archaeological surveys
• Nominations to the National Register
• Educational preservation programs

The Gaming Mitigation Grants support Massachusetts nonprofit and municipal performing arts centers impacted by resort-style casinos. These grants are designed to enhance the arts ecosystem, ensuring access to performances while boosting local economies. Eligible centers must primarily focus on the arts and commit significant resources to performing arts. Applications for FY26 are currently closed, with a reopening expected in FY27, providing organizations a chance to secure funding for touring shows and artist fees.

The Bonnycastle Fellowship for Wetland and Waterfowl Research supports graduate students in advancing conservation efforts. Offered by Ducks Unlimited, this fellowship provides up to $17,000 annually for research and personal support. The fellowship emphasizes the importance of research originality, ecological contributions, and feasibility. It is open to all North American graduate students, with a preference for doctoral candidates. The award is renewable for PhD students up to two years, and once for Master's students, contingent on satisfactory progress.

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.

About Us

advancing the science of water ®

Who We Are

The Water Research Foundation (WRF) is the leading research organization advancing the science of all water to meet the evolving needs of its subscribers and the water sector. WRF is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, educational organization that funds, manages, and publishes research on the technology, operation, and management of drinking water, wastewater, reuse, and stormwater systems—all in pursuit of ensuring water quality and improving water services to the public.

5424 - Adaptive Control Frameworks to Unlock Full-Scale BNR Potential

Grant Information

• Identify and categorize the dominant failure modes of current aeration and process control implementations under real-world operating conditions.
• Develop guidance on data and instrumentation requirements for utilities to support adaptive control, including the characterization of existing sensor infrastructure and the use of soft sensors where hard sensors are limited.
• Develop practical adaptive control frameworks and implementation guidance that utilities can deploy without dependence on proprietary black-box tools or specialized data science expertise, including hybrid approaches that augment conventional controls with data-driven models (e.g., artificial intelligence (AI)/machine learning (ML), digital twins) for variable flow and concentration conditions.
• Benchmark control performance against biological capacity indicators across multiple full-scale facilities to quantify the gap between achievable and realized biological nutrient removal (BNR) performance.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Wilbur H.H. Ward Education Fund

To support individuals from Hampshire County attending University of Massachusetts Amherst with preference given to residents of the Town of Amherst.

The PLTW Launch program, supported by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance STEM education for K-12 students in Massachusetts. This initiative provides grants to under-resourced public and charter schools, enabling them to implement or expand PLTW Launch programs. By fostering interest in STEM disciplines, it helps prepare students for future careers. Eligible schools can apply for funding to offset costs related to program implementation, ensuring broader access to essential educational resources.

The PLTW Launch program, funded by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance access to STEM education for K-12 students in Massachusetts. Grants are available for under-resourced schools to implement or expand PLTW programs, covering expenses like training and necessary materials. This initiative not only supports educational growth but also empowers teachers and students, fostering a stronger foundation in science and technology. Schools can apply to benefit from this valuable resource for educational enhancement.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

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 may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• 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.

Raymond E. Carr Scholarship Fund

Supporting students attending American International College, Elms College, Springfield College, Western New England University or Westfield State University

The Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust collaborates with PLTW to enhance the accessibility of PLTW Gateway programs for K-12 students in Massachusetts. Grants are intended for the implementation or expansion of these programs in under-resourced schools, covering costs related to launching or expanding PLTW initiatives. Eligible applicants include public and charter schools in Massachusetts, and the grants support various allowable expenses, ensuring equitable access to quality education.

The Smith Family Foundation's Odyssey Award aims to drive innovation in biomedical research by funding high-risk, high-reward projects from junior investigators in Massachusetts. Launched in 2017, this initiative seeks to empower researchers to explore impactful ideas that could lead to breakthroughs in health care, particularly for underserved communities in Greater Boston. Institutions can submit up to two applications, fostering a competitive environment to support the brightest minds in science.

The PLTW Gateway program, supported by the Arthur Blanchard Charitable Trust, aims to enhance educational opportunities for K-12 students in Massachusetts. Grants are available to assist schools in implementing or expanding PLTW programs, which are designed to foster hands-on learning in STEM fields. Eligible public and charter schools can apply for funding to cover essential program costs, ensuring more students have access to innovative educational experiences.

The Reading Frederick Douglass Together Grant, offered by Mass Humanities, encourages community engagement by supporting public readings of Douglass's powerful address, "What to the Slave is the Fourth of July?" This initiative aims to foster a collective understanding of America's complex history. Nonprofit, educational institutions, and government organizations serving Massachusetts residents can apply, provided they focus on direct project costs. Mass Humanities seeks to promote civic dialogue and reflection through this unique literary experience.

The F26AS00104 State ANS Management Plan 2026 aims to combat aquatic nuisance species through pre-proposals followed by full applications. Managed by the US Department of the Interior's Fish and Wildlife Service, this initiative requires a 25% cost-share and limits administrative costs to 5%. Applications are due by October 14, 2026, though the funding opportunity closes on December 16, 2026. The plan is crucial for maintaining biodiversity and supporting a coordinated national approach to invasive species management.

The Child Health Research Awards Program, funded by the Charles H. Hood Foundation, aims to support young investigators in pediatric research. It provides two-year grants of $200,000 to newly independent faculty, encouraging creativity and the transition to other funding sources. This initiative is pivotal in advancing children's health by fostering innovative research projects in New England, ultimately enhancing the well-being of children and families through early career support and funding opportunities.

The Northeast Agricultural Education Foundation Grant supports educational and leadership initiatives focused on agriculture within the Northeastern United States. Established as a private foundation, it provides funding to 501(c)(3) organizations that promote agricultural leadership, enhance understanding of food production, and improve farmers' quality of life. The Foundation prioritizes programs that educate youth about agriculture and promote farm safety awareness. Grants are primarily directed towards statewide or larger projects that align with these objectives.

The Arnold Arboretum of Harvard University is a leading research center for woody plants, housing over 15,000 species. The Jewett Prize supports researchers studying flowers and fruits, facilitating original research and scholarly exchanges. Funded by Prof. James R. Jewett's generosity, the prize enhances the Arboretum's mission to promote plant scholarship and biodiversity awareness. This prestigious award encourages innovative research while providing access to extensive botanical resources, including the Harvard Botanical Library and the University Herbaria.