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.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can seek monetary program funding through Costco Foundation. The funder provides support across the U.S., including Massachusetts, for community-based initiatives with clear, measurable outcomes and broad financial backing. Applications are reviewed within 4–6 weeks by local warehouse and foundation staff.

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 Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

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.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities in the Southern U.S. can seek funding for programs in areas like education, poverty relief, disaster response, health, families, veterans, animal welfare, and conservation. Robinson Foundation supports single-year, program-focused projects with tangible impact; Massachusetts-based public policy groups may be eligible if they primarily serve regions below the Mason-Dixon line.

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.

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.

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.

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 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 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.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants ranging from US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs serving underserved youth and families, including education, hunger relief, housing, and community or environmental projects, may be competitive.

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.

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.