Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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 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.

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.

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.

The Pratt Family Foundation Grant, established in 1999, supports initiatives in education, healthcare, and community welfare. It prioritizes organizations that aid housing assistance, support for women in crisis, and disadvantaged youth programs, particularly in North Carolina. The Foundation favors established religious and charitable organizations that are tax-exempt and have a local presence. Preference is given to areas connected to the Pratt family, such as Texas and Florida, ensuring impactful contributions to community development.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The School Breakfast Collaboration Grant, offered by Project Bread, aims to assist Massachusetts schools in developing and expanding breakfast programs to combat hunger. This funding supports schools in implementing alternative breakfast models, such as Breakfast in the Classroom and Second Chance Breakfast, while also enhancing menu options and accessibility. By collaborating closely with Project Bread's Child Nutrition staff, schools can effectively address challenges and improve their breakfast offerings, ensuring that no child goes hungry.

The Breakfast After the Bell Implementation Grant by Project Bread aims to enhance breakfast accessibility in Massachusetts schools. This funding opportunity supports schools in launching or expanding alternative breakfast models, such as Breakfast in the Classroom and Grab & Go Breakfast. Schools applying should have a well-developed plan and be prepared to implement new strategies to ensure all students can access nutritious meals, thereby fostering better health and academic performance.

The Career Technical Education Partnership Program Planning and Implementation Grant, funded by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, aims to support districts in planning or implementing CTE Partnership Programs. With approximately $500,000 available, eligible applicants can seek funding for either planning or implementation grants. The initiative focuses on enhancing access to high-quality CTE training that aligns with current labor market demands and supports traditionally underserved populations.

Mission

The Foundation was established in December 2013 by Kathryn B. McQuade, after retiring from 33 years of working in the business community. I was blessed to have been born into a loving middle class family. My father worked very hard to insure that all of his children were given an opportunity for a good education and my mother, “a stay at home Mom’ was always there for us. My world was safe and comfortable. My life is in stark contrast to how much of the rest of the world lives. I continue to read of the terrible injustices waged against women and children globally and hope that this foundation can provide them the opportunity and resources to succeed. We will support organizations that help us achieve our goal of Striving to make sustainable improvements in women and children’s rights education and welfare.

Kathryn McQuade Foundation Grant

The Foundation will make timely decisions on your grant request and provide clear communications on our expectations of reporting progress.

Women

The Foundation’s goal is to provide women assistance and provide them an opportunity to succeed. Assistance can take many forms, however our goal is to help them become self sufficient and enable them to lift themselves out of poverty and provide for their children. Access to education, job training and professional skills, even access to capital in order to build a business are possible ways we will consider helping women to succeed. Grant requests should focus on enabling the women to sustain financial independence.

We look forward to hearing of the many creative ways organizations are working on helping women succeed through out the world. To help women is to help their children and the communities they live in.

Children

Too many children in the US and across the world live in poverty and lack the access to education. Education and/or appropriate skills training are necessary to break the cycle of poverty and crime. While the assistance to women may take many forms, the foundation’s focus for children will target education and/ or skills training. The Foundation is open to many ideas on how to accomplish this goal and look forward to receiving proposals to help all children achieve their potential.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

Building Early Childhood Partnerships: A Preschool Itinerant Team Initiative

Purpose

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to support 10–15 Massachusetts district teams to develop strategies for supporting preschool students to receive their Individualized Education Program (IEP) services in Department of Early Education and Care (EEC) licensed community-based settings1, including Head Start, child care and family child care. Support for participation in this initiative includes professional development, coaching, and resources.

The initiative will include in-person professional development for the awarded teams (anticipated to begin in late winter), monthly coaching for the community team (anticipated to begin in early spring and last throughout the summer) and virtual and/or in-person networking opportunities with communities that have implemented the itinerant team model.

Priorities

The main priority of this competitive grant program is to select 10–15 district/community teams, consisting of district, community-based preschool program and Early Intervention administrators/staff, that are prepared to collaborate with one another to develop a local itinerant team model to ensure that preschool children with IEPs have access to inclusive settings with their peers.

Priority will be given to districts and schools that:

• Are in the strategic transformation region;
• Are below the 95% threshold for Indicator 12 and have a rating of zero or one for Indicator 6; and/or
• have a rating of a zero for Indicator 6.

Fund Use

Funds may be used to support participation of team members in the:

• in-person professional development;
• development of an action plan related to the development of a Preschool Itinerant Team that could be implemented in the 2026-2027 school year; and
• development of resources that may be needed related to the implementation of a Preschool Itinerant Team model, including but not limited to outreach materials, training materials, a needs assessment and a cost analysis.

Fund use can include coordinator time, travel to in-person professional development, other professional development needs, site visits to communities currently implementing a preschool itinerant team model, stipends, substitutes and resource development.

The Raftelis Leadership Scholarship, offered by the American Water Works Association, supports undergraduate and graduate students pursuing a consulting career in water utilities. With a value of $5,000, this scholarship aims to foster relationships with diverse, promising students who demonstrate leadership and strong academic performance. Applicants from various academic backgrounds, including business and finance, are encouraged to apply, emphasizing initiative and a desire to contribute positively to the community.

The Wold Foundation Grant, established in 1985, aims to support charitable, scientific, literary, and educational projects primarily benefiting Wyoming citizens and youth. It prioritizes initiatives in education, human services, cultural activities, healthcare, and scientific endeavors that promote conservation and outdoor recreation. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) classified and operate in the U.S. The foundation does not fund individuals or projects that discriminate based on sex, age, or religion.

The Theodore Edson Parker Foundation Grant supports a variety of community needs in Lowell, MA, focusing on children, disadvantaged young women, and the elderly. Established in 1944, it funds social services, education, and cultural programs, among others. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and not private foundations. The foundation favors projects that create equitable opportunities for underserved groups, promoting a balanced representation in community leadership. General operating costs are typically not funded.

The Eastern Bank Foundation's CITC Grants support community development organizations with a 501(c)(3) IRS designation, focusing on addressing local needs in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Committed to philanthropy, the foundation listens to community members to ensure donations are impactful. Eligible organizations must be registered and have received CITC credits, while private foundations are excluded from consideration. This initiative exemplifies the foundation's dedication to investing in the well-being of the communities it serves.

About the Arkansas Space Grant Consortium

Empowering Arkansas in Aerospace: ASGC's Vision and Mission

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is a pivotal part of a nationwide network funded by NASA to enhance America's aerospace science and technology capabilities. ASGC partners with 17 four-year universities and colleges across Arkansas, dedicated to advancing space science education, research, and public outreach. Through scholarships, research grants, and educational programs, ASGC supports students and faculty in STEM fields, aligning with NASA's mission to inspire the next generation of scientists, engineers, and explorers. This commitment underscores ASGC's role in fostering a culture of innovation and discovery within Arkansas and beyond.

Current Student Opportunities

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC) is excited to offer scholarships and awards to students attending affiliated colleges and universities across the state. These opportunities aim to support students’ academic and research endeavors in STEM fields, while recognizing their achievements.

Workforce Development Award

May 15, 2026 – August 14, 2027

The Arkansas Space Grant Consortium (ASGC), a participant in the National Space Grant College and Fellowship Program (NSGCFP), invites applications for the NASA Space Grant Workforce Development Award. This award offers internships at NASA Centers or aerospace-related industries, aimed at encouraging students to prepare for careers in professional aerospace fields.

The Alvah H. and Wyline P. Chapman Foundation offers grants to support charitable, educational, and community-focused initiatives, primarily in Florida and Georgia. Eligible applicants must be IRS-recognized 501(c)(3) organizations. The foundation prioritizes projects that address children's welfare, education, multicultural understanding, substance abuse prevention, and homelessness. Grants typically do not exceed $15,000, and proposals must be endorsed by a Foundation Director. Interested parties should submit a Letter of Inquiry for consideration.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education invites public school districts to apply for Special Support Earmarks, providing approximately $1.384 million in funding as outlined in the FY26 state budget. This initiative aims to enhance educational resources and support for nearly 1 million students across the Commonwealth. Eligible districts can leverage this funding for various earmarked projects, ensuring accountability and effective use of state resources.

The Reliant Foundation Community Grants support charitable initiatives from 501(c)3 non-profits in Central and MetroWest Massachusetts. Priority is given to programs addressing substance use disorders and mental health services for youth. Collaborations aligned with Community Health Improvement Plans are encouraged. Grants are not available for individuals, for-profit businesses, or funding specific salaries. This initiative aims to enhance the health and wellbeing of all community members.

The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation focuses on granting funds to small, dedicated animal welfare organizations in the Northeast US. Established in 2007, the foundation supports various initiatives, including humane societies, rescue organizations, and wildlife rehabilitation services. With a commitment to making a difference, they aim to empower groups with limited assets and fundraising capabilities to enhance animal welfare through essential services and educational programs.

Program background

MassCEC seeks qualified vendors to provide technical services under the Green School Works Technical Assistance program for eligible public K-12 schools and districts looking to begin or supplement their decarbonization planning.

These services will reduce the cost of technical assistance for eligible, low-income public K-12 schools and districts with the goal of making decarbonization planning more accessible. Available Mass Save Scopes

• Comprehensive Building Assessment
• Portfolio Decarbonization Roadmap
• Focused Study

Available Green School Works Scopes

• Renewables (Solar plus storage and MA Class I REC Analysis)
• New! - Ground Source Heat Pump Feasibility

The Cambridge Savings Charitable Foundation has been enhancing community life since 2003, granting over $12.5 million to non-profits in areas like Acton and Boston. They focus on human services, affordable housing, and community development, specifically targeting organizations that benefit the community directly. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) non-profits serving the specified communities, and only one grant is awarded per organization annually.

Haymarket People's Fund offers Sustaining Grants to grassroots organizations focused on community organizing and social change. Grants up to $20,000 are available for both emerging and established groups that align with Haymarket's anti-racist mission. The fund prioritizes work that addresses root causes of injustice, fosters leadership, and builds accountability within the community. Organizations not primarily providing direct services or advocacy are encouraged to apply, ensuring a focus on transformative social change.

The Dale Jr. Foundation, founded by NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt Jr., has raised over $8 million since 2007 to support various charities focusing on youth and underprivileged communities. The foundation emphasizes empowerment, education, wellness, hunger relief, and hope, aiming to provide resources that enhance confidence and opportunities for children facing hardships. Through fundraising efforts and partnerships with organizations like Make-A-Wish, the foundation strives to positively impact lives and foster a sense of normalcy among children in need.

The Davis Family Foundation Implementation Grants support innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning at accredited colleges in New England. Established in 1985, the foundation has awarded over $140 million to improve educational outcomes and reduce costs. Applicants are encouraged to consult with program staff prior to submission. Funded projects typically focus on curriculum improvement, faculty development, and collaborative cost-reduction efforts, all aimed at enriching the undergraduate experience.

The BCBSM Foundation's Catalyst Fund Grant offers non-renewable grants of up to $7,500 to Massachusetts-based community organizations focused on enhancing health access for low-income and marginalized residents. Applications will be accepted starting July 1, 2025, aiming to support capacity-building initiatives rather than ongoing operational costs. The fund prioritizes organizations with limited resources that directly impact vulnerable populations, facilitating innovative projects that address health care disparities.

The Investing in Artists: Tools & Equipment Grant, offered by the Center for Cultural Innovation, provides funding between $1,000 and $5,000 for individual craft artists in the U.S. to purchase essential tools and equipment. This program aims to enhance the creative support system, enabling artists to produce object-based work and meet safety standards. Eligible applicants must demonstrate a commitment to their craft and have presented public artistic work within the last three years.