Best Public Policy Grants in Massachusetts

Massachusetts public policy and climate-focused 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, fiscally sponsored projects, and government agencies can access funding through Barr Foundation to advance equitable clean energy, mobility, and climate resilience. Efforts that reduce greenhouse gas emissions, build climate-resilient communities, and center racial equity and communities of color in policy and planning may be competitive.

The DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million, including those in Massachusetts, can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant; awards more than US $100,000 for arts and science programming. Funding supports programs, capital needs, and select general or endowment support, with emphasis on youth engagement, arts education, and artist development.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

Massachusetts nonprofits and humanitarian organizations serving marginalized communities can access funding through the Semnani Family Foundation to support health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Grants may benefit programs such as healthcare access, child and women’s health, literacy, and social services, including efforts that inform or support public policy work in these areas.

Municipalities and nonprofit partners in Massachusetts can seek matching funds to expand opioid prevention, harm reduction, treatment access, recovery, and family support projects. Grants from the Massachusetts Department of Public Health’s Bureau of Substance Addiction Services help applicants leverage local opioid settlement dollars with up to US $150,000 for collaborative, evidence-based overdose response efforts.

U.S. 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including those in Massachusetts, can seek funding for community programs, education, arts, health facilities, environmental and wildlife efforts, and services for youth, seniors, and people with disabilities. The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation awards US $1,000 - US $20,000, which may benefit organizations with public policy-related programming that fits these priorities.

Cultural Districts

An initiative to allow communities to create state-sponsored cultural districts to stimulate new arts and cultural activity and attract creative businesses.

Cultural District Investment Grant Program

Funding to Massachusetts cities and towns to encourage the development and success of their state-designated Cultural Districts.

Use of Funds

Funding must be allocated in support of Cultural District activities and goals and at the direction of the entity’s management team. In accordance with these requirements, funding expenditures will be unrestricted.

We encourage projects or programs that institute a practice of access, equity, or inclusion and are in alignment with your Cultural District’s audience and mission.

Funding must be spent or encumbered within the current fiscal year ending on June 30, 2027.

Examples of possible expenditures include, but are not limited to:

• Marketing and promotion of district activities
• Capacity building opportunities to fund operational support and infrastructure and professional development costs to district management entity
• Artist or vendor fees, including any interventions and/or supplies and materials
• The development and/or implementation of creative community placemaking/placekeeping, or public art, projects or initiatives
• Membership fees to local and regional partnering organizations such as Regional Tourism Councils, Chambers of Commerce, Local Cable Access organizations, etc.
• A collaborative cultural policy or strategic planning process
• A community-engaged and informed data collection strategy and/or report

Award Amount & Funding Period

Grant awards will be in the amount of $15,000. There is no match requirement.

This is a one-year grant for Fiscal Year 2027, ending on June 30, 2027.

Contracts will be issued to the municipality, or the designee, as instructed by the municipality. The municipality must return the contract before funds will be disbursed. Read more about the contracting process.

Mid-career public servants pursuing public policy leadership training in Massachusetts can receive a full scholarship and stipend for the one-year MC/MPA program through the HKS American Service Fellowship. Harvard Kennedy School supports U.S.-based veterans, government employees, and national service alumni committed to returning their skills to serve communities across the country.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Massachusetts public policy and social justice nonprofits working on equity in aging can access funding through Point32Health Foundation for multi-year general operating support. Grants back organizations addressing systemic inequities and social determinants of health for older people, including advocacy, organizing, and capacity building, with a focus on communities most affected by disinvestment and structural barriers.

Massachusetts organizations and public entities planning dam or seawall repair, removal, or related resilience projects in Massachusetts can access funding through Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs for design, permitting, and construction. Awards of US $1,000,000 - US $3,000,000 support projects that enhance natural resources, public safety, and climate change resilience, which may benefit policy-focused initiatives.

Massachusetts workforce and youth development organizations serving out-of-school, low-income Boston youth can access funding through the City of Boston to provide education, training, and employment pathways. This approximately US $12,000 WIOA Youth award supports multi-step, evidence-based programs that prepare marginalized 18–24-year-olds for post-secondary credentials and career-level jobs, which may include public policy-related workforce initiatives.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

Adult education providers in Massachusetts can seek funding to run a statewide volunteer-based tutoring program offering one-to-one or small-group ABE and ESOL instruction for adults pursuing better jobs and further education. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports intensive, standards-based services that build literacy, numeracy, digital, and college-and-career readiness skills in alignment with local workforce plans.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on community-based air quality projects in Boston can apply for the City of Boston’s Community Clean Air Grant Program, with awards up to US $200,000. Funding supports projects that reduce pollution, mitigate health impacts, build monitoring capacity, or cut greenhouse gas emissions, which may include public policy or regulatory-focused efforts.

Eligible Massachusetts state entities can apply for Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources grants, awarding up to US $2,450,000 to replace fossil-fuel systems with efficient electric and renewable thermal technologies at existing state facilities. Projects that advance decarbonization and energy efficiency, including in disadvantaged communities, may benefit public policy and climate goals across the Commonwealth.

Purpose:

Option 2: 0436 Innovation Carrer Pathways Planning Grant

The purpose of this competitive grant is to provide Innovation Career Pathway program resources to an Local Educational Agency who intends to seek Innovation Career Pathway designation from Department of Elementary and Secondary EducationDESE in school year 2026–2027.

Priorities

• Supporting applicants in the preparation of their Innovation Career Pathway designation application materials and preparing to implement school-wide My Career and Academic PlanMyCAP as part of the pathway development.
• Priority will be given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region and districts and schools that have not received an Innovation Career Pathway designation.

Funding- Option 2

Approximately $450,000 An Local Educational Agency LEA may submit only one application for a maximum award of $15,000 to prepare Innovation Career Pathways Designation applications. This Request for Proposal 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. If more funding becomes available it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this Request for Proposal.

Fund Use

Funds may be used for costs associated with out-of-school time training and meeting time for team members to create the scope and sequence and implementation plan. Allowable uses include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Stipends;
• Consultant fees;
• Supplies and materials associated with planning;
• Other costs related to creative and effective development of a scope and sequence.

Funds must be used in alignment with the purpose and priorities outlined and as described in a budget, budget narrative, and required program information that is submitted to the Department's Office of College, Career and Technical Education (CCTE).

DESE Competitive Grant Submission Policy

Competitive grant applications are considered submitted when the grant application is submitted by the Superintendent or their designee through the "Local Educational Agency Superintendent / Chief Executive Approved" step in Grants for Education Management System. In order to be considered for competitive funding, applicants must submit a grant application through the Local Educational Agency Superintendent Approved stage by the due date and time listed in the Request for Proposal.

MyCAP, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and High School Work-based Learning

The My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) Planning and Implementation, Middle School Career Connected Learning, and Work-based Learning Grants provide supplementary support to districts/schools who are working to improve the college, career, and civic readiness for all students.

Option 2: 0424 Middle School Career Connected Learning

The purpose of this competitive grant is to support middle schools as they design learning opportunities that integrate academic learning, personal, social, and emotional development and career development with real-world applications. 

Middle school career connected learning is a whole school effort focused on building self-awareness, exploring diverse career options, and developing essential skills. This includes understanding personal strengths, skills, and interests, learning about different jobs and careers to align strengths, skills, and interests and practicing foundational skills like teamwork and communication that will become key employability skills.

Academic, technical, and experiential learning happens across the school in classrooms and core content instruction, in advisory, through comprehensive school counseling, through intentional career development activities (i.e., career speakers), and/or during extracurricular experiences.

Career connected learning is foundational to the MyCAP process. The state highly recommends using these funds for the development of a MyCAP middle school scope and sequence . However, for this grant, schools may choose to begin with development of a career connected learning process that aligns with the state career development model.

City of Boston Racial Justice Initiatives

The City aims to make sure all of us have access and support to thrive from childhood to retirement. We're focused on community impact, comprehensive policy advocacy, and systemic inequities.

Program Description 

This program seeks to build a solid foundation increasing participation in civil life for all residents, recognizing that historically underserved populations disproportionately face barriers to exercising their rights, whether at the ballot box, in housing, in accessing government services in their own language, or in navigating systems not designed with their needs in mind. 

This grant funds community organizations to build residents' knowledge of their civil rights and connect them to existing City, state, and federal resources, closing the awareness gap that leaves many residents unaware of protections and services that already exist. This grant funds education, outreach, and/or referral, not direct service delivery. Since City and State departments already provide fair housing enforcement, language access services, disability accommodations, or election administration, funded organizations will build awareness of and connect residents to those existing resources, rather than duplicating them, closing the gap between residents and the protections and services already available to them.

Funded program activities include:

Organizations may propose programming in one or more of the following eligible areas, based on their expertise and the needs of the communities they serve. Programming is not required to address every area, but proposed activities must fall under at least one eligible area.

• Civil Rights Education & Navigation: Know Your Rights workshops; referrals to and distribution of appropriate City, state, and federal civil rights resources and publicly available information, including printed and digital materials, without providing individualized legal advice or representation or creating new materials; and youth engagement programming, community forums, and leadership-development sessions.
• Voting Rights & Civic Access: Nonpartisan voter registration and education in low-turnout precincts, using existing City and state-approved voter information and multilingual materials.
• Fair Housing & Anti-Discrimination: Education regarding fair housing protections, discrimination, available resources, and pathways for reporting to the appropriate City and state agencies.
• Language Access: Community education regarding residents' ability to access government information, programs, and services in languages other than English, and connection to existing City and state language access resources.
• Disability Rights & Accessibility: Education regarding accessibility protections, reasonable accommodations, and accessible government programs and services, and connection to existing City and state disability resources.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is offering a grant to support schools in conducting arts program reviews using the Arts & Cultural Vitality Index. This funding aims to enhance equity and access in arts education, ensuring high-quality, culturally responsive programs. Awards, totaling approximately $50,000, will vary based on student enrollment and proposal quality. Eligible schools can receive stipends for review team members and administrative costs, fostering a vibrant arts education landscape.

Mid-career scholars and professionals conducting forestry and forest-related research, including public policy, in Massachusetts can receive up to US $60,000 to support advanced study through the Charles Bullard Fellowship. Harvard University offers 6–12 month residential fellowships to deepen research, foster collaboration with Harvard Forest and related departments, and advance forest policy and management.

Diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can apply for grants from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This national funder provides flexible support that may benefit organizations whose public policy work intersects with community well-being and environmental or peace-focused initiatives.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.