Best Renewable Energy Grants in Massachusetts

The Barr Foundation's Climate Grants program is committed to addressing climate change through equitable solutions that prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustices. With a focus on clean energy, mobility, and resilience, the program aims to foster an inclusive movement that supports diverse voices and builds capacity among organizations led by people of color. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for climate impacts.

The BETA: Roadmaps initiative by MassCEC aims to accelerate building electrification and decarbonization for non-profit and public entities in Massachusetts. This program provides actionable roadmaps to achieve zero-emissions building portfolios by 2050, supporting the state’s climate goals. Participants receive tailored decarbonization strategies, addressing their unique needs while fostering sustainable practices across diverse building types. With a focus on efficient procurement and implementation, the initiative aligns with the Commonwealth's broader clean energy objectives.

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

The Draper Richards Kaplan Foundation provides grants to early-stage social entrepreneurs working on scalable solutions to pressing social and environmental issues. By supporting organizations with innovative approaches and proven impact, they aim to uplift underserved communities globally. The foundation offers operational support, funding of up to $300,000 over three years, and fosters a collaborative community among its portfolio organizations. They focus on candidates demonstrating measurable impact and sustainable growth potential.

The Eversource Energy Foundation Grants support community initiatives by providing funding to organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 and require annual reapplication. Organizations must be based within the service territory and hold a 501(c)(3) designation. The Foundation prioritizes projects focused on community wellness, education, clean energy, and economic development while avoiding support for political, fraternal, or discriminatory activities.

Public K-12 schools, districts, and educational collaboratives in Massachusetts can receive up to US $250,000 in low- or no-cost technical assistance for decarbonization planning and energy-efficient school facilities. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center supports renewable and sustainable energy upgrades through comprehensive building assessments, decarbonization roadmaps, focused studies, and renewable energy feasibility and REC analyses.

The Hearst Foundation: Culture Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that enhance cultural engagement and artistic talent in the U.S. With a focus on programs that reach young people, the grant prioritizes organizations that create lasting impacts in the arts and sciences. The Foundation allocates 25% of its funding to cultural initiatives, favoring established organizations with a history of significant results. Eligible nonprofits must encourage inclusivity and sustainability in their programs.

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.

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.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

The Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

Nonprofit organizations running renewable energy and broader sustainability projects in Massachusetts and other eligible states can apply for US $50,000 - US $400,000 in funding from Green Mountain Energy’s Sun Club Sustainability Grant. Focus areas include rooftop solar, energy efficiency, clean transportation, education, resource conservation, and sustainable agriculture, with awards based on environmental, social, and financial impact.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

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.

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 Island Foundation offers Environment Grants to support projects in coastal regions of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, focusing on marine and coastal resource conservation. Priority is given to initiatives addressing climate change, promoting sustainable landscapes, and enhancing community health through environmental conservation. The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for those engaged locally, to apply for funding that strengthens both ecological and community resilience.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Commonwealth Hydropower Grant aims to enhance energy output from small hydropower facilities in Massachusetts, promoting modernization and environmental sustainability. With a funding pool of $300,000, the program supports feasibility studies and construction projects that improve energy efficiency or capacity. Eligible applicants include commercial, industrial, and non-profit entities that can demonstrate control over project sites and water rights. This initiative focuses on generating local clean energy while providing economic benefits to Massachusetts communities.

RFA: Technology Consultant for the Production Tracking System (PTS)

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking proposals from qualified individuals or firms for a three-phase engagement to evaluate, modernize, host, and support the PTS. In Phase 1, MassCEC requires a thorough diagnostic assessment of the current system, including review of codebases, deployment pipelines (e.g., Azure DevOps or other CI/CD tools), data models, security controls, and system performance. The current system is a .NET application (primarily C#) with an SQL backend, hosted in Microsoft Azure. Phase 2 will focus on implementing the approved modernization strategy and delivering a production-ready modernized system. Phase 3 will provide ongoing operations, hosting, and support.

The objective is to preserve and improve existing registration, reporting, and verification functionality. The project should also enhance security, accessibility, logging, monitoring, and program compliance. The system must ensure seamless processing for programs including Renewable Portfolio Standard (RPS) Mass Class I, Solar Renewable Energy Certificates (SREC), Renewable Thermal (RT), Alternative Energy, and Clean Peak Standard (CPS).

Deliverables are expected to include a modernization strategy, migration plan, technical documentation, automated deployment capabilities, and long-term operational support. Support must include maintenance, bug-fixing, and enhancements with a focus on maintainability, scalability, and risk mitigation. The outcome will be a modernized, functionally equivalent PTS with improved security, reliability, and performance.

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.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

Eligible Massachusetts state entities planning to replace fossil-fuel systems with efficient electric or renewable thermal equipment can apply for the Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources’ Public Entity Decarbonization Grant, with awards up to US $2,450,000. Funding supports heating, cooling, water heating, maintenance, landscaping, and commercial kitchen electrification projects at existing state facilities, including those advancing renewable and sustainable energy goals.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.