Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Garden Club of America Award in Coastal Wetlands Studies supports graduate students engaged in coastal wetlands research. Established through the Rockefeller Environmental Education Fund, this scholarship promotes conservation by funding field work in tidal and nontidal wetlands across coastal states, including the Great Lakes. Eligible applicants must be enrolled in a U.S. graduate program and can propose their own wetlands study. The award aims to foster environmental education and scientific inquiry in this vital ecosystem.

FY27 High School Equivalency

The purpose of this state-funded grant program is to assist in the day-to-day operation of High School Equivalency Test Centers (HSE) including, but not limited to, the cost for test administration, accommodations, and technology upgrades.

Priorities:

The priorities for use of these funds must be in the areas of test center materials, technology, staffing, disability and English language learner accommodations, and travel to HSE Chief Examiner meetings for approved HSE Test Centers only.

Funding:

Approximately $247,953 is available.

This RFP 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. 

The Philanthropy Connection Grant supports Massachusetts organizations through unrestricted general operating grants. It aims to empower nonprofits by connecting them with a network of female philanthropists, enhancing their funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial stability, meet revenue criteria, and be located in the Greater Boston area. The grant prioritizes missions addressing poverty, income inequality, and employment readiness among others. Organizations with significant financial losses or lacking independent 501(c)(3) status are ineligible.

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.

The Community Endowment of Lexington Grant Program aims to foster philanthropic initiatives that address both immediate and long-term needs in Lexington. Celebrating its 10th anniversary, the program will provide up to $100,000 in funding for innovative projects, with individual grants capped at $15,000. Focus areas include health services, arts, environment, and community building, encouraging collaboration among local organizations to enhance the quality of life for residents.

Creative youth development (CYD) is an intentional practice that fosters active creative expression through the arts, humanities, and sciences, while developing core social, emotional, and life skills, for youth of all ages. Creative youth development programs approach young people as active agents of their own change, with inherent strengths and skills to be developed and nurtured. The overall goal is that culture plays a major role in supporting the growth of creative, productive, and independent minded citizens and thriving communities.

YouthReach Program Description

The goal of YouthReach is to promote integration of substantive out-of-school arts, humanities, and science opportunities into a collaborative response to the needs of young people and communities. The program aims to develop and deepen opportunities for young people to create a more just and equitable society through their art-making and to position creative youth development programs as key leaders in discovering and developing opportunities to improve the livability and economic vitality of their communities. To this end, YouthReach works to foster dynamic cross-sector collaborations to ensure young people’s academic, professional, and personal success.

YouthReach supports innovative programs that:

• Provide safe and healthy youth spaces
• Are assets-based
• Are youth driven
• Foster the development of positive relationships and social skills
• Set high expectations for growth and learning
• Address the broader, cross-sector context in which creative youth development exists

The Massachusetts Elks Scholarship provides financial assistance to deserving students pursuing a bachelor's degree at accredited colleges. Sponsored by the Massachusetts Elks Association, this program focuses on supporting candidates demonstrating financial need, academic merit, and strong citizenship. Eligible students must be graduates of accredited high schools and endorsed by a local Elks lodge. This scholarship aims to empower youth through education, ensuring no discrimination based on race or gender.

The Jeremiah Lucey Grant Program, managed by the Leary Firefighters Foundation, supports paid and volunteer fire departments across the US, focusing on training, equipment, and technology enhancements. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $25,000, with larger amounts occasionally available. Departments must demonstrate proactive problem-solving efforts. The Foundation prioritizes partnerships aimed at achieving impactful results, particularly in response to emergencies caused by natural or man-made disasters.

The Elizabeth Lord Scholarship Fund, managed by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, supports residents of Templeton pursuing postsecondary education. This fund is part of over 40 scholarship opportunities aimed at fostering education in the region, emphasizing community commitment to educational advancement. Applicants can benefit from specific selection criteria tailored to various educational needs, helping to empower students in their academic journeys.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

New Bedford Half Marathon Committee Scholarship

The New Bedford Half Marathon Committee Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide college scholarships to graduating seniors who are runners participating in track, cross country or a related interscholastic athletic program from New Bedford High School, Dartmouth High School, or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School.

About Us

As a tax-exempt, public charity, the SouthCoast Community Foundation offers donors the guidance and flexibility to fulfill their philanthropic goals. We serve a range of charitable individuals, families, and corporations whose main concern is improving the quality of life in our community.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation allocates individual, family, and corporate funds to meet community needs. To date, the organization has distributed over $60 million from more than 200 funds to humanitarian, educational, and cultural organizations in the region.

Scholarship Resources

The SouthCoast Community Foundation is proud to offer scholarship opportunities to students in our community. We manage one of the largest scholarship programs in our area, with more than $800k awarded to local students each year.

Most SouthCoast Community Foundation scholarships are available through our online scholarship portal. Unless otherwise noted, scholarships are available through the Universal Application, which automatically pairs eligible students with all available scholarships.

Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship

The Jacobs Family New Bedford High School Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation provides 5 four-year scholarships, up to $35,000. The Scholarships are distributed to graduating seniors from: New Bedford Global Learning Charter School (1), New Bedford High School (3), Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School (1). Recipients must attend an accredited college or university and major in science fields including computer science, mathematics, and engineering.

The Moonlight Mile Fund Grant supports women aged 18 and older in Massachusetts and New York, providing matching funds for alternative healing, professional training, and athletic equipment. Applicants can receive awards ranging from $500 to $1,200, aimed at helping them fulfill their dreams. This initiative honors Deborah Reich's legacy, encouraging women to pursue their passions and achieve their potential while fostering personal well-being through various means of support.

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.

The Jeanne D'Arc Credit Union Donation Request aims to support local non-profits that enhance community well-being through initiatives focused on health, education, and economic revitalization. The foundation encourages applications for event sponsorships and charitable projects that align with their mission of fostering vibrant neighborhoods and providing essential services. Interested organizations should submit requests at least six weeks before their events for timely consideration.

The Water and Waste Facility Loans and Grants program aims to provide safe drinking water and waste disposal services to low-income communities on Tribal lands, addressing significant health risks. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized Tribes, state and local governments, and nonprofit organizations. Funding can be used for constructing essential water and waste systems, and while matching funds are typically required, a full grant is possible under certain conditions. Applications are accepted year-round.

The USDA Rural Development program provides essential loans and grants to improve water and waste disposal services in low-income communities, specifically targeting Colonias recognized before 1989. This initiative aims to alleviate health risks associated with inadequate access to safe drinking water and waste management. Eligible applicants include federally-recognized tribes and local governments, with funds supporting the construction of vital infrastructure to ensure community health and sustainability.

The SEARCH Grant provides essential support for very small, financially distressed rural communities by funding predevelopment feasibility studies and technical assistance for water and waste disposal projects. Eligible applicants include state and local governments, nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes. Funds can be used for feasibility studies, design analysis, and technical help in securing financial assistance, ensuring improvements in rural infrastructure and community health.

MassDevelopment

MassDevelopment is the Commonwealth of Massachusetts' development finance agency and land bank. We partner with businesses, nonprofits, financial institutions, and communities to help Massachusetts grow and thrive. We are committed to achieving three core goals: stimulating business, driving economic growth, and strengthening communities across the state. 

Early Education and Out of School Time (EEOST) Small Grant Program

The EEOST provides grants to tax-exempt nonprofit corporations, as defined by M.G.L. c. 180, and to organizations in which a non-profit corporation has a controlling interest, to develop or improve a child care facility in which at least 50% of the child care enrollment consists of low-income families who are eligible to receive public subsidy. Funding can be utilized for rehabilitation that may include but is not limited to major systems replacement, reconfiguration of classrooms, administrative and staff spaces, and the redesign and renovation of outdoor space.

• Category 1: Improvements to outdoor play spaces including the creation or enhancement of natural play spaces that integrate nature-based materials (e.g. rocks, water, logs, plants) to promote unstructured play, exploration, creativity, and connection to the outdoors.
• Category 2: Investment in improvements to heating, air conditioning, and ventilation systems, including windows and Heating, Ventilation and Air Conditioning (HVAC) equipment.
• Category 3: Reconfiguration of indoor spaces, including classrooms, gross motor rooms, and bathrooms.
• Category 4: Emergency repairs and system upgrades that impact the health and safety of occupants including roof replacement and upgrading electrical and life safety systems. Information Technology upgrades or purchases are not eligible and will not be considered.
• Category 5: Physical environment modifications, including accessibility or other improvements to support the inclusion of children and adults with special needs.
• Category 6: Security enhancements to prevent and respond to potential threats including but not limited to the installation of security cameras and access control systems.

The Sprague Charitable Contribution Program focuses on giving back to communities through charitable donations. With awards ranging from $250 to $10,000, priority is given to organizations that support children and environmental stewardship, particularly within Sprague's operational areas. The program seeks impactful contributions that can achieve significant results, reflecting Sprague's commitment to social responsibility and community improvement.

The Food and Agricultural Sciences National Needs Graduate and Postgraduate Fellowships program, managed by the USDA's NIFA, aims to enhance the training of new graduate students in food and agricultural sciences. It provides essential funding for master's, DVM, and doctoral students, focusing on developing the next generation of experts to address critical needs in agricultural sciences. This initiative supports U.S. citizens and residents in achieving their educational goals and contributing to the USDA's mission.

The David Gergen Summer Fellowship Program at Harvard Kennedy School offers an exceptional opportunity for students to engage in public service internships during summer 2026. Designed for current HKS students, this competitive program provides financial support for living and travel expenses, along with a robust co-curricular leadership development program. Recipients gain invaluable hands-on experience and networking opportunities, fostering principled public leadership in various sectors, including government and nonprofit organizations.

The Coby Foundation Grant is dedicated to supporting non-profit organizations in the Mid-Atlantic and New England regions, focusing on innovative projects related to textiles and fashion. Applicants are encouraged to submit a letter of inquiry with a project description and budget at least nine months prior to the project start. The foundation seeks exhibitions, public programs, and publications that enhance understanding of textile arts, while promoting underrepresented artists and cultures.

The Grand Rapids Community Foundation's Fund for Community Good supports projects that promote equity and justice across various sectors, including education, health, and economic prosperity. This unrestricted fund invites partnerships with 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government entities, primarily focusing on Kent County, Michigan. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that dismantle systemic racism and foster inclusive opportunities, ensuring all community members can thrive. Eligible applicants can submit pre-applications year-round for potential funding.

The MassTrails Grants program offers matching grants to support the development and maintenance of trails in Massachusetts. Grants can reach up to $500,000, depending on the project type. Eligible activities include design, engineering, and construction, with a minimum matching requirement of 20% from proponents. Projects must demonstrate community support and landowner permission, with funding sourced from both state and federal programs. This initiative aims to enhance recreational trail connectivity across the Commonwealth.

The MA Landscape Partnership Grant Program aims to acquire property interests in large, unfragmented conservation landscapes through collaboration among multiple entities. This initiative supports the protection of significant conservation lands, enhancing ecosystem resilience and public recreational opportunities. Funded by the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs, the program aligns with climate and clean energy goals, promoting large-scale conservation projects and partnerships among government and non-profit organizations to achieve sustainable land management.

The goal of MassDOT’s Community Transit Grant Program is to provide and strengthen the transportation services available to meet the mobility needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. It is recognized that these populations have transportation needs which are often not met by conventional automobile or public transportation, and require specialized assistance to access services, employment, medical care, and other important destinations.  This grant is for  those who are interested in applying for funding to operate transportation or promote mobility management to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income people. 

The Massachusetts Charitable Mechanic Association Grant supports Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits that teach mechanical arts, provide employment for the disabled, or utilize vocational training for troubled youth. The program focuses on smaller organizations in need, often providing equipment or tools rather than cash grants. This targeted assistance aims to empower individuals with physical or mental challenges, fostering development through practical training and support.