Best Operating Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Fall Grant Cycle Pilot 

The 2026 Fall Grant Cycle Pilot is the second cycle in the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s new biannual grantmaking approach. Building on the Spring pilot and feedback from nonprofits, community partners, and reviewers, the Fall cycle offers a streamlined application for funding opportunities supporting a range of community needs across the SouthCoast. 

In 2026, the SouthCoast Community Foundation began piloting a biannual grant cycle, with funding opportunities offered in the spring and fall. The new approach is intended to provide greater predictability and a more accessible application process for nonprofits, while helping the Foundation gather information about community needs and the reach of its funding.  

The 2026 Fall Grant Cycle will help us identify what is working, gather feedback from applicants and grantees, and refine the process for the 2027 Spring Grant Cycle.   

Program Areas

Funding is available for organizations and requests addressing one or more of the following areas: 

Basic Human Needs and Family Stability – including food access and food security, housing stability, utilities and other essential household needs, and services that help individuals and families meet basic needs. 

Youth Development and Recreation – including positive youth development, enrichment activities, and recreation. 

Education – including programs and services that improve educational opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and adults. 

Health and Wellness – including programs and services that improve physical, mental, or community health and well-being. 

Economic Self-Sufficiency – including services that help individuals and families increase financial stability, employment opportunities, or economic independence. 

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment – including prevention, intervention, treatment, and support for children and families. 

Domestic Violence Services – including services and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. 

Arts and Culture – including arts and cultural programs that expand participation in the arts, strengthen community well-being, engage residents, and use arts and culture to respond to community needs. 

Scholarships are available to graduating high school seniors. Applications are accepted from mid-November until mid-March. Scholarship award recipients will be announced at the high school awards ceremony. 

Van Cott Family Memorial Scholarship

Established in memory of Kermit Van Cott and his son Forrest to provide tuition assistance to a graduating Senior from one of the High Schools in Susquehanna County, with priority given to Blue Ridge, who will major in Landscape Architecture, Environmental Science, Environmental Engineering, Horticulture, Botany, Forestry, or Agriculture and who will matriculate at college or a post-secondary degree program.

The Yocha Dehe Community Fund, established by the Yocha Dehe Wintun Nation in 2000, supports initiatives that strengthen communities throughout Yolo County and beyond. With nearly $40 million in grants, the Fund prioritizes projects in health, education, Native arts, and environmental protection. The Tribe's commitment involves active participation in the grant process, ensuring impactful partnerships with various organizations. New applicants must register on the grant portal and submit a letter of inquiry to be considered for funding.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

The WWT Foundation Grant aims to empower organizations aligned with the foundation's values, focusing on community service, employee engagement, and business impact. Key areas of support include career readiness, STEM education, human services, and health and wellness. Eligible organizations must be located in the U.S. and registered as 501(c)(3). Applications are accepted year-round, allowing for flexible engagement and support for impactful community initiatives.

BioMarin offers funding through its donation program focused on improving healthcare and patient advocacy, particularly for rare diseases. Organizations eligible for support include hospitals, accredited providers, and patient advocacy groups. BioMarin prioritizes innovative therapeutic solutions for rare genetic conditions. The company is dedicated to enhancing patient care and education, and it reviews funding requests year-round, although specific deadlines apply for year-end funding. This initiative reflects BioMarin's commitment to addressing unmet medical needs.

UniBank Community Giving is dedicated to enhancing local communities through charitable contributions. With over $750,000 allocated annually, it supports initiatives in youth development, community development, affordable housing, and environmental concerns. Established in 2018 with a foundation of $2 million, UniBank aims to fortify its commitment to community service. Organizations with proven success and collaboration efforts are encouraged to apply, ensuring timely funding decisions for impactful projects.

The John Lenard Civil Engineering Scholarship, established in 2008 by John Lenard, P.E., F.ASCE, supports undergraduate students pursuing civil engineering with a focus on water supply or environmental engineering. The scholarship aims to assist deserving students in covering tuition expenses. Awarded annually, it is limited to two recipients who demonstrate commitment to their field. The American Society of Civil Engineers, founded in 1852, oversees this scholarship, fostering excellence in civil engineering education.

Young Health Programme

The Young Health Programme (YHP) is a global disease prevention initiative, aiming to provide education for young people to feel empowered to make informed choices about their health and catalyse a global, youth-led advocacy movement.

The programme operates in over 40 countries and partners with more than 60 non-profit organisations, including UNICEF and Plan International. The YHP combines community programmes, research, advocacy, and the development of young leaders, with a focus on underserved communities.

Since its launch in 2010, the YHP has directly reached over 23 million young people, trained over 1 million, and engaged more than 23,000 AstraZeneca employees, who have volunteered their time with more than 140,000 hours.

The YHP aims to prevent the most common non-communicable diseases (NCDs), including cancer, diabetes, heart disease and respiratory disease, by addressing five main risk factors: tobacco use, unhealthy diet, physical inactivity, harmful use of alcohol, and air pollution. Additionally, the programme tackles climate-health impacts to build healthier communities, recognising, as projected in the IPCC Sixth Assessment Report, that children born after 2010 will be the first generation to enter adulthood in a world where the average temperature will reach 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels, and are expected to experience a +2°C rise within their lifetime.1

AstraZeneca Young Health Programme Impact Fellowship 2026

AstraZeneca is looking for passionate, driven young leaders to join their 2026 Young Health Programme (YHP) Impact Fellowship. The Fellowship supports young advocates to create actionable change to: 

• Advance health equity – with a focus on acting early to prevent non-communicable diseases among young people, or supporting young people living with rare diseases.
• Take action on climate and nature – advocating for the mitigation of the harmful effects of climate change on the health and well-being of young people.
• Build health systems resilience – contributing to stronger health systems that prioritise earlier intervention to meet today’s needs and mitigate tomorrow’s disease burden.

Benefits

The selected Fellows will gain access to networks, funding and development opportunities, enabling them to drive a global health movement led by and for young people:

A fully-funded scholarship to attend the 2026 One Young World Summit in Cape Town, South Africa (3–6 November 2026) as well as access to the One Young World Ambassador Network and the Young Health Programme (YHP) Alumni group of other young changemakers working to improve youth health.

Structured learning and development offerings to enable them to scale their impact, including both self-directed and live learning. This includes access to the One Young World Academy, an award-winning mini-MBA programme, mentorship from AstraZeneca colleagues and professional training.

Each selected Fellow will receive a grant of either USD $10,000 or USD $50,000 (if selected as the Lead2030 winner** for Sustainable Development Goal 3, for which applicants will be automatically considered) from AstraZeneca, through their non-profit organisation. Fellows are expected to use the grant to implement a project focused on either (1) advancing health equity (2) taking action on climate and nature (3) building health systems resilience.

The Fehr Graham Scholarship provides financial support for students pursuing careers in engineering, landscape architecture, land surveying, geology, hydrogeology, assessment and remediation, and environmental health and safety. Applicants must reside within fifty miles of a Fehr Graham office and intend to enroll in their first year of post-secondary education. This scholarship is renewable for up to three years, contingent upon maintaining a 2.8 GPA. It aims to enhance educational opportunities in the communities served by Fehr Graham.

The NIH R25 program aims to enhance inclusivity in research education by supporting activities that encourage individuals from diverse backgrounds to pursue careers in substance use and addiction sciences. This initiative focuses on skills development courses and research experiences, particularly targeting underrepresented groups in biomedical and behavioral sciences. Applications are due by 5:00 PM local time of the applicant organization, with optional Letters of Intent encouraged 30 days prior to the full proposal deadline.

Avnet Cares Grants support nonprofit organizations in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico that focus on making a positive impact in their communities. Grants are available for initiatives in STEM, environmental sustainability, and assistance for communities in crisis. Eligible nonprofits must have been operational for at least three years. The program prioritizes organizations that serve areas where Avnet has significant operations, fostering community growth and development.

The Rural Communities Opioid Response Program - Overdose Response aims to enhance healthcare access in rural areas by addressing urgent needs related to substance use disorder services. This initiative focuses on reducing overdose risks through targeted interventions and support, ensuring that rural communities receive necessary assistance. Funded by the Health Resources and Services Administration, this program is crucial for mitigating the opioid crisis in underserved regions, improving health outcomes, and promoting overall community well-being.

Community Development Block Grant – Public Services

This grant opportunity is intended to connect low and moderate-income (LMI) Boston residents to a continuum of education, workforce development, and economic security programs to increase their capacity to obtain career-oriented employment leading to economic stability.

Grant Program Description:

Each year, the City of Boston receives Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) through the Mayor’s Office of Housing. The funds are primarily used for affordable housing and economic development activities. However, up to 15% of the funds can be used for “public services” related to economic development. As the City’s workforce development agency, the Office of Workforce Development (OWD) manages this portion of the funding on behalf of the Mayor’s Office of Housing. 

The public services component of the CDBG funds provides services for low-income individuals and families with the goal of moving them out of poverty towards economic security. In anticipation of this RFGA, OWD released a set of policy principles. For the Fiscal Year (FY) 2027, OWD will continue to prioritize programs and services that fit within this range of long-term economic stability and growth, including but not limited to: Child Care, Health care, Job Training, Education Programs, Public safety services, Fair Housing Activities, Services for senior citizens, Services for homeless persons, Drug abuse counseling & treatment. 

As a reminder, the policy principles highlight the need to promote economic stability and mobility. These core beliefs shape strong programs:

• Investment in programs that place individuals on a continuum of quality education, training, workforce development, and economic security. This continuum is defined as high school diplomas/HiSET attainment, matriculation into post-secondary education or industry-recognized training programs, placement into jobs with demonstrated career paths, and/or access to income maximization programs that stabilize individuals and families with barriers. 
• A high degree of coordination of wrap-around support services, which address a wide range of individual and family needs. These can include, but are not limited to, financial literacy, ESOL/Adult Basic Education, income and/or benefits maximization, mental health, childcare, transportation, and individual case management. 
• The use of partnerships and collaborations is strongly encouraged to ensure that there are no gaps in a continuum of programs and supportive services to address a wide range of needs.
• The use of work-based training that provides maximum opportunities for participants to gain employment skills that meet employer needs.

Total Amount Available for Grant Program: Approximately $2,100,000.

Grant awards are subject to the availability of appropriated funds. Any oral or written representations, commitments, or assurances made by the Department or any other City representatives are not binding. Recipients should verify funding before beginning performance.

Award Amount per Grant per Organization: OWD anticipates grants ranging in size from $50,000 to $95,000.

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.

5409 - Smarter Water Governance with AMI: Conservation, Affordability, and Rate Design

Grant Information

• Evaluate how utilities are currently leveraging advanced metering infrastructure (AMI) data to inform pricing, conservation programs (including emergency curtailment practices), affordability programs, and plans for future implementation.
• Analyze AMI data and assess how the data can be leveraged to develop and/or enhance conservation programs, policies, rates, and affordability programs.
• Investigate the potential for advanced analytics, including machine learning, of AMIdatasets to support adaptive or dynamic rate structures, early detection of hardship or atrisk households, categorization of customer classes, dynamic tiering based on household size, and better targeting of affordability and conservation interventions.
• Identify the obstacles utilities and regulators face when balancing conservation, equity, and revenue stability, and how improved AMI data can clarify tradeoffs.

The United Company Foundation, established in 1986, provides grants to support charitable organizations in Bristol, VA, Bristol, TN, and Southwest Virginia. This private non-profit focuses on areas such as food, shelter, education, the arts, health, and youth services, emphasizing fiscal responsibility and innovative approaches. By prioritizing accountability and measurable outcomes, the Foundation aims to foster long-term improvements in the community it serves.

The NALMS Achievement Awards: Secchi Disk Award recognizes outstanding contributions to lake management by its members. NALMS aims to unite citizens, scientists, and professionals to ensure the protection and management of lakes and reservoirs. This prestigious award is open to NALMS members, with nominations encouraged from any individual or entity. However, current board and committee members are ineligible. The award celebrates those who significantly advance NALMS's goals and objectives in fostering lake ecosystem awareness and management.

This funding opportunity invites Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) grant applications aimed at developing FDA-regulated medical products for patients with opioid and stimulant use disorders. Projects may focus on pharmacotherapeutics or diagnostic devices, including software. The initiative seeks to address the ongoing opioid crisis by supporting innovations that enhance treatment options for individuals and communities affected by these disorders.

The FY25-FY26 Advanced Transportation Technology and Innovation (ATTAIN) grant program aims to enhance transportation through the deployment of innovative technologies. It focuses on improving safety, mobility, and efficiency while fostering economic competitiveness. Projects funded will prioritize core infrastructure improvements and address roadway congestion, aligning with the Trump Administration's goals. The program emphasizes economic opportunities and community benefits, ensuring that selected projects contribute positively to families and communities, ultimately enhancing their quality of life.

The AAAP Foundation: Poultry Scholarship supports students pursuing careers in poultry health and food safety in North America. Offered by the American Association of Avian Pathologists, the scholarship aims to enhance scientific knowledge and promote the well-being of poultry. Eligible candidates must be enrolled in accredited veterinary colleges or universities with relevant programs. Scholarships may reach up to $1,500, with undergraduate awards capped at $500, fostering the next generation of poultry medicine professionals.

The David Moses Bridges Scholarship honors the legacy of a renowned Passamaquoddy artist and activist, providing essential support for individuals dedicated to the preservation of Wabanaki culture, traditional arts, and environmental stewardship. This scholarship aims to foster connections between master artists and apprentices, promote research on David's impactful life and work, and protect culturally significant natural spaces. It empowers artists and scholars to continue the vital work of preserving indigenous knowledge and practices for future generations.

The Nicholas B. Ottaway Foundation offers grants through its Education Committee to support programs enhancing educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged students. These grants focus on initiatives like tutoring, college preparation, and internship programs. To qualify, organizations must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3). Preference is given to projects that provide ongoing support to students post-graduation, particularly in specific geographic areas such as San Diego County and the New York Metropolitan Area.

The Educational Incentive Award Application by the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation aims to support children of individuals with severe thalassemia in pursuing their educational and career aspirations. With a total funding of $10,000 for the 2025-2026 school year, awards range from $500 for two-year programs to $1,000 for higher degree studies. Eligible applicants must be diagnosed with specific thalassemia types and provide necessary documentation, including a 250-word essay detailing their educational goals.

Headstream Accelerator 2026

Accelerator Application Cohort VI

The Headstream Accelerator supports entrepreneurs from all backgrounds in scaling digital solutions that improve the mental well-being of teens at risk, with a focus on the education and healthcare sectors. Our four-month, virtual-first program is designed for early-stage innovators, helping them strengthen their business models, refine their value propositions, and build the foundation for sustainable growth and meaningful impact.

Benefits:

• $30,000 non-dilutive stipend 
• Partnership with youth from Headsteam’s Youth Co-Creator Club to gain insights on cultural relevance, age-appropriateness, and user experience, ensuring your solutions resonate deeply and effectively with the next generation 
• Access to a network of expert advisors, connect with a community of founders, and engage with potential investors and capital providers 
• Access to one-on-one and group coaching sessions with our partner, FounderWell

Participant Expectations:

• Attend all activities, including virtual cohort and youth co-creation sessions, advisor calls, and an in-person kickoff event from July 28–30, 2026
• Commit 2–5 hours weekly during the program, including virtual sessions, advisor network office hours, guide calls, and more
• Embed youth voices throughout your product development

The Thalassemia Patient Incentive Award, sponsored by the Cooley’s Anemia Foundation, aims to support thalassemia patients in pursuing their educational and career aspirations. Awards ranging from $250 to $2,000 will be granted to students at various academic levels, with applications due in March 2026. This initiative not only encourages academic growth but also fosters a positive outlook among patients living with thalassemia, underscoring the Foundation's commitment to improving their quality of life.

The Dee & King Webster Fund for Greater Lawrence, managed by the Essex County Community Foundation, supports educational opportunities for youth aged 0-8th grade in Greater Lawrence, Massachusetts. It aims to address achievement gaps by funding innovative programs that enhance skill development and social-emotional health. Organizations must have 501(c)(3) status and focus on collaborative efforts with local schools. Grants of up to $40,000 are available, promoting access and equity in education for underserved communities.

Quest Diagnostics Foundation

Established as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, the Quest Diagnostics Foundation is committed to addressing the systemic root causes of health disparities. By combining corporate resources with trusted community leadership, we fund and scale evidence-based initiatives that promote wellness, prevent chronic disease, and empower individuals.

We focus our resources on three critical, interconnected clinical and social interventions to build sustainable health improvement:

• Strengthening the community health workforce
• Addressing social drivers of health (SDoH)
• Promoting the prevention, early detection, monitoring, and treatment of disease through diagnostic testing

About Quest for Healthy Communities Champions

The Quest for Healthy Communities Champion award was created to honor, uplift, and support outstanding organizations across the United States that are actively living our core purpose:

Working together to create a healthier world, one life at a time.

Whether you are expanding access to life-saving screenings, supporting maternal and family wellness, or addressing critical social drivers of health, your dedication is moving us closer to an equitable healthcare future. We want to recognize and celebrate your impact.

What we celebrate: Our core impact pillars

The Champions we look to honor are community-first organizations and coalitions tackling critical disparities head-on. We are especially excited to spotlight work that advances health, addresses social drivers of health, fosters community-clinical linkages and develops the community workforce. Examples of this work could include: 

• Programs actively dismantling clinical barriers to ensure every individual—regardless of zip code, background, or income—has access to high-quality care
• Innovators providing creative solutions for food security, transportation, health education, and maternal-child support networks
• Organizations bringing critical care directly to those in need through mobile clinics, community health workers, and localized diagnostic screenings
• Organizations finding creative ways to engage the communities they serve directly into the solutions they are delivering

The award: Selected organization champions will receive a $10,000 grant.

Please see FAQs for additional guidelines.