Best Renewable Energy Grants in Massachusetts

Massachusetts and other New England 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, fiscally sponsored projects, and public agencies working on renewable energy, clean mobility, or climate resilience can access funding through Barr Foundation. Grants prioritize equity-centered, often POC-led efforts that cut greenhouse gas emissions, build climate-resilient communities, and strengthen an inclusive climate movement in the Northeast.

Nonprofit and public-entity building owners in Massachusetts can receive portfolio-wide electrification and decarbonization planning services to advance toward zero-emissions buildings. Focused on building decarbonization, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center invites eligible organizations to join its BETA: Roadmaps pilot for custom multi-year roadmaps, implementation support, and financing analysis that can complement renewable and sustainable energy efforts.

Massachusetts nonprofits supporting children, education, or health and human services can access funding via Costco Foundation for monetary program needs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations requesting cash support only. Programs with clear community need, measurable outcomes, collaboration, and diversified funding may be competitive, including those integrating renewable energy within qualifying community services.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human services approaches can seek support to address social problems, including those intersecting with renewable or sustainable energy in Massachusetts. Creag Foundation considers invited proposals from smaller or evolving organizations developing new solutions to existing or previously unaddressed social issues; interested groups may begin with a letter of inquiry.

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.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits running renewable or sustainable energy, environmental stewardship, or related community programs can access funding through Eversource Energy Foundation, with typical awards of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Eligible organizations must be within Eversource’s service territory and may also propose projects in education, basic needs, wellness, workforce, or community development.

Nonprofit and NGO programs using technology for climate resilience, crisis response, education, or economic empowerment in Massachusetts and beyond can seek up to US $100,000 to scale innovative solutions. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving mostly economically underserved communities, including those advancing clean energy, green jobs, or other regenerative, low-carbon initiatives.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

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'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 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.

Charitable organizations in Massachusetts and worldwide can seek funding for humanitarian, science and education, community and environment, and arts and culture projects. Grants from La Roche help accredited charities deliver sustainable development initiatives, disaster relief, youth services, health, environmental education, and cultural programming, which may benefit organizations integrating renewable or sustainable energy into broader community efforts.

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.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on renewable energy, climate change, or related environmental initiatives in Massachusetts, especially Southeastern coastal communities, may be eligible for operating or project support. Grants from Island Foundation help Massachusetts groups link climate change and regional planning, support sustainable fisheries and agriculture, and advance environmental justice and community health in coastal areas.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on renewable and sustainable energy projects, including those in Massachusetts, can seek US $1,000 - US $10,000 to advance their programs. With a mission to support life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness, Hansen Family Foundation provides grants globally to smaller nonprofits aligned with its focus areas, including environmental initiatives.

The J.W. Couch Foundation Grant focuses on supporting Wildlife Conservation nonprofit organizations that align with their mission of community betterment and environmental protection. The foundation seeks partnerships with organizations that promote animal wellbeing, early childhood education, teacher support, and outdoor activities. Eligible applicants must be registered 501(c)3 nonprofits or for-profit entities aligned with their charitable programs. This grant emphasizes collaboration and community engagement to create lasting impacts.

Dudley T Dougherty Foundation provides Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with funding for community services, environmental conservation, and peacebuilding projects. Organizations advancing environmental or renewable energy efforts may be eligible if they align with the foundation’s broad mission to respect life, people, and the environment and create positive, forward-looking change.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, environment, entrepreneurship, and community enrichment projects in Massachusetts communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities. Focused on strengthening local well-being, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites eligible applicants to propose programs that align with its mission and may complement renewable and sustainable energy efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and libraries seeking support for environmental, human services, disaster relief, or related programs, including those in Massachusetts, can apply for Lawrence Foundation’s unrestricted grants of US $5,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Lawrence Foundation help organizations worldwide cover general operating or program/project costs, with reasonable indirect costs allowed.

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 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 renewable energy developers and other commercial, industrial, institutional, nonprofit, or public entities can access funding to modernize small hydropower and conduit facilities through the Commonwealth Hydropower Grant. Massachusetts Clean Energy Center offers up to US $300,000 for feasibility studies or construction that increase MA RPS-qualified hydropower output and benefit Massachusetts entities or workers.

Qualified technology consultants or firms in Massachusetts can apply for Massachusetts Clean Energy Center’s three-phase engagement to assess, modernize, host, and support its Production Tracking System for renewable energy programs. This contract-style opportunity funds diagnostics, migration, and long-term operations for systems supporting RPS, SREC, Renewable Thermal, Alternative Energy, and Clean Peak Standard compliance.

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; awards US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community programs. Projects with sustainable practices or environmental education may be especially relevant for renewable and sustainable energy efforts.

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.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help support poverty alleviation, disability services, disaster relief, and human services for smaller organizations worldwide, which may include Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3)s working alongside renewable energy or sustainability initiatives.