Best Seed Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Citizens Charitable Foundation offers grants focused on Workforce Development and Financial Empowerment. Organizations applying must be IRS-qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in specific states. The foundation seeks to partner with high-impact nonprofits to create measurable community impact through innovative programs. Funding is directed towards job training, career education, and coaching initiatives, with a strong emphasis on collaboration and volunteerism.

The Project Bread Summer Eats Grant Program aims to combat hunger in Massachusetts by supporting Summer Eats sponsors with grants up to $7,500. The initiative focuses on expanding access to nutritious meals for children during the summer months when school is not in session. Through partnerships with local communities and organizations, Project Bread ensures that all children remain nourished and advocates for policies that enhance food accessibility.

The Food Access Infrastructure Initiative Grant, offered by Farm Credit East, provides funding up to $50,000 to organizations aimed at enhancing food security in the Northeast. Eligible projects include improving produce handling, expanding storage capacity, and enhancing distribution capabilities. Non-profit organizations within Farm Credit East's territory are encouraged to apply for support in capital projects that improve food distribution infrastructure.

Bristol Myers Squibb is dedicated to enhancing healthcare and advancing scientific knowledge through its Corporate Giving program. By supporting various organizations, BMS aims to improve health equity and access to essential medicines for underserved populations. Their focus includes charitable donations, medical education, and community support initiatives. This commitment reflects BMS's goal to make a positive impact on patients' lives and foster strong communities where their employees work and live.

The Norfolk Southern Corporate Giving: Thriving Communities Grant Program supports initiatives that promote sustainability, workforce development, and community resilience across a 22-state network. With grants ranging from $1,000 to $50,000, the program aims to foster economic development and ensure equal access to basic necessities. Eligible organizations include tax-exempt nonprofits, government entities, and public schools, emphasizing diversity and inclusion in their community-focused efforts.

The Sarah K. de Coizart Perpetual Charitable Trust, established in 1992, focuses on supporting species conservation and blindness-related services in the Northeast United States. Grants range from $20,000 to $75,000 for conservation projects and $20,000 to $50,000 for blindness initiatives. Priority is given to endangered species and innovative research efforts. Organizations must be IRS-designated public charities. The Trust does not fund individuals or matching gifts, ensuring support goes directly to impactful projects.

The NHLBI Career Transition Award (K22) supports postdoctoral fellows and research trainees in the NHLBI Division of Intramural Research, facilitating their transition to independent research roles at extramural institutions. Key deadlines for applications include October 12, 2024, and February 12, 2025, among others, providing ample opportunity for qualified investigators to advance their careers.

The Community Capital Fund

The Klarman Family Foundation is committed to expanding access to critical services and enrichment opportunities that help make Massachusetts communities stronger, healthier, and more vibrant. We recognize that community-based organizations of all sizes and across a variety of mission areas play crucial roles in strengthening the fabric of neighborhoods. 

Community-based organizations often struggle to raise funds to support critical investments in physical assets (e.g., facilities and open space). These investments are necessary so they may deliver and sustain high-quality operations and advance their vision and mission. 

The Foundation believes that investments in physical assets help create a permanence that benefits the broader community. The Community Capital Fund (CCF) provides funding to support the development, improvement, or ownership of physical assets. This funding initiative aims to counter disparities in access to funding across Massachusetts and prioritizes organizations operating in the Boston neighborhoods of Dorchester, East Boston, Mattapan, and Roxbury, as well as the cities of Brockton, Lawrence, Lynn, New Bedford, and Springfield.

The Community Capital Fund supports facilities or land acquisition; construction; renovation; repair; preservation and major equipment. In some cases, funding will also support technical assistance to help organizations develop or assess the feasibility of a project, or engage expertise necessary to execute the project successfully.

Through this funding initiative, The Klarman Family Foundation hopes community-based organizations will be better positioned to make their space and neighborhoods more vibrant, welcoming, and inclusive. At the same time, The Klarman Family Foundation seeks to deepen and expand its relationships within, and knowledge of more communities throughout Boston and Massachusetts. We know we do not have all the answers and expect our funding approach to evolve over time based on what we learn.

Our work in this area is guided by the following principles:

• Staying locally informed: We prioritize funding for organizations and projects rooted in their neighborhoods.
• Addressing barriers to capital: We prioritize funding to communities that have limited access to philanthropy.
• Looking for bold approaches: We are ready to take risks as an early or leading funder.
• Creating lasting benefit: We invest in projects that address community needs in meaningful, sustainable ways.
• Knowing one size doesn’t fit all: We are flexible and adapt our support based on the size, type and urgency of need.

The JFNY Grant for Arts & Cultural Exchange supports U.S. non-profit organizations aiming to enhance understanding of Japanese arts and culture. Eligible projects include performances, workshops, and exhibitions, with priority given to those with additional funding and in areas with limited access to cultural events. Applications must be submitted at least one month prior for online projects and three months for others. The grant covers expenses like travel, publicity, and artist fees, and is reimbursed upon project completion.

The MGM Resorts Foundation Community Grant Fund supports nonprofit agencies providing essential services in areas such as affordable housing, education, and health. Grants are awarded for a one-year period and focus on regions where MGM Resorts employees live and work. Eligible applicants must comply with diversity policies and serve individuals or families. The foundation does not fund governmental agencies or projects exclusively for medical research. This initiative aims to enhance community well-being through targeted support.

The ASHRAE Region I Setty Family Foundation Scholarship offers a one-year award for undergraduate mechanical or architectural engineering students attending institutions in ASHRAE Region I or those who graduated from high schools in the area. Eligible candidates must maintain a minimum GPA of 3.0 and meet specific program criteria, promoting excellence in HVAC&R education. This scholarship supports future leaders in the field, ensuring a sustainable built environment.

The Shannon Community Safety Initiative Grant aims to combat gang and youth violence through a comprehensive strategy involving social intervention, suppression, opportunity provision, organizational change, and community mobilization. With approximately $11.1 million in funding, the initiative supports multi-disciplinary approaches and encourages applicants to allocate more resources to public housing sites. This grant reflects a commitment to enhancing community safety and addressing the root causes of violence effectively.

The American Electric Power Foundation provides grants to 501(c)(3) organizations focused on educational improvement, particularly in STEM fields, and basic human services such as hunger and housing. Organizations must operate within AEP's service territory or have a broader beneficial purpose. The Foundation also supports social justice initiatives and environmental protection efforts. Eligible applicants must affirm compliance with anti-discrimination policies and demonstrate commitment to diversity and inclusion.

The Wolf Kahn Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations focused on visual arts, enhancing education and artist careers through exhibitions and residencies. Grants range from $5,000 to $15,000, prioritizing projects that promote social justice and environmental awareness. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations located in specific regions, while school-based programs and certain other entities are excluded. This initiative honors Wolf Kahn's legacy by fostering artistic collaboration and public engagement.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is offering approximately $12 million in grants to enhance the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. Managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. EPA and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), this initiative seeks innovative proposals to support environmental restoration efforts, leveraging major funding from various agencies and foundations.

Heat Pump and HVAC Training Network Grant

The Challenge: Increase the Supply of Heat Pump and HVAC Technicians

A growing supply gap in heat pump and HVAC technicians is increasing the risk of a bottleneck in statewide building retrofit and decarbonization efforts that are critical to meeting the Commonwealth's climate goals.

About Heat Pump & HVAC Training Network

The Heat Pump and HVAC Technician Training Network Program provides HVAC technician workforce training implementation and equipment grants to community colleges. These grants provide direct funding and technical assistance to community colleges to establish or upgrade HVAC training centers. By increasing access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure, the colleges can build and scale career pathways that help Massachusetts residents access and advance in HVAC mechanic and technician occupations.

This program implements the commitment to launch additional HVAC training programs at community colleges statewide that Governor Maura Healey announced during her 2024 State of the Commonwealth address.

Award Potential

• Up to $1,200,000

Strand A: Implementation Grants

It is anticipated that Planning Grantees applying for Strand A: Implementation Grants will include and address all components detailed below. If funding is not needed for a particular component, applicants should detail and explain the existing capacity or alternative braiding funding in their application narrative.

Strand B: Additional Training Seats

Implementation Grantees that demonstrate strong completion and placement outcomes are eligible to request additional funding under Strand B: Additional Training Seats. Implementation Grantees may apply for funding to cover all components except Component A: Equipment, Installation, and Program Design Costs to Establish or Upgrade HVAC and Heat Pump Training Centers. There are no specific component allocations for Strand B applicants; however, applicants must follow the per participant allocation guidelines included in Section 6: Eligible Funding Uses.

The Ethnic Minorities and Women’s Internship Grant supports entry-level athletics administrative positions for one academic year, promoting diversity in NCAA Division II. It provides $30,000 for intern salaries and $3,000 for professional development, benefiting six schools annually from a total budget of $180,000. Eligible applicants must be active NCAA members, with a focus on enhancing ethnic minority and gender representation in athletics administration. This initiative encourages professional growth and compliance in diverse environments.

The Charles H. Farnsworth Trust Grant aims to support older adults in living independently and with dignity, focusing on affordable housing and essential support services. Established in 1930, the trust funds projects related to housing development, healthcare services, and community planning. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $250,000, prioritizing projects in the Greater Boston area that enhance the quality of life for seniors, ensuring they have the necessary resources and support.

Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research

The Asia-Pacific region, home to over half the world's population, faces challenges due to its development goals, which strain natural resources, communities, and cultural heritage. These issues are exacerbated by adverse environmental changes. While research has shed light on these problems, it's clear that more challenges lie ahead. The Asia-Pacific Network for Global Change Research (APN) is well-positioned to generate new knowledge and solutions for these evolving global change and sustainability issues by supporting collaborative research and scientific capacity development activities, particularly those aimed at training the next generation of early career professionals.

APN 2025 Call for Proposals: CAPaBLE Programmes

CAPaBLE, our scientific capacity development programme, aims to enhance the capacity of scientists, policymakers and practitioners to assess global change issues, and explore options to resolve issues towards achieving sustainability. Through CAPaBLE, we support activities that enhance capacity at individual, organizational and systemic levels.

Activities of interest under the CAPaBLE Programme

APN supports CAPaBLE activities that enhance existing capacities of developing countries at three levels of individual-based capacity development; group, organisation, network-based capacity development; and societies, governance, and system level capacity development. APN accepts CAPaBLE proposals that engage 1 or more member/approved countries. Proposals must address one or more of the following activities:

SCIENTIFIC CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES that promote the following approaches related to one or more of the six thematic areas of APN:

• Utilising and strengthening existing capacity, 
• Creating opportunities to use/instil capacity, 
• Developing new capacity through innovative approaches.

AWARENESS-RAISING AND DISSEMINATION activities through policy- and decision-making communities, civil society, and/or the general public.

SCIENCE-POLICY interfacing in the context of the priority topics.

CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT PARTNERSHIP ACTIVITIES that contribute to the capacity development components of the evolving global change arena, including the UNFCCC Paris Agreement, IPCC, IPBES, post-2015 Sustainable Development Goals, Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction, and the UN Decade of Ocean Science, and ongoing and new global change and sustainability research programmes.

Activities geared towards using SCIENCE COMMUNICATION to disseminate knowledge generated from projects, particularly to non-science audiences.

The M.S.P.A. Grant, offered by the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, provides financial support to projects that enhance agriculture in Massachusetts. With grants ranging from $500 to $25,000, the Society focuses on initiatives that are economically and environmentally sound, promote knowledge of farming, and stimulate research in new areas. Founded in 1792, the Society has a long-standing commitment to advancing agricultural practices and supporting farmers in the region.

About PCORI

PCORI funds patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER).

Our Mission

PCORI helps people make informed healthcare decisions, and improves healthcare delivery and outcomes, by producing and promoting high-integrity, evidence-based information that comes from research guided by patients, caregivers, and the broader healthcare community.

Broad Pragmatic Studies PCORI Funding

The Patient-Centered Outcomes Research Institute (PCORI) intends to issue a Broad Pragmatic Studies (BPS) PCORI Funding Announcement (PFA), seeking to fund patient-centered comparative clinical effectiveness research (CER) projects. 

Research Initiative Highlights

CER compares at least two available health treatments, services or care delivery strategies. PCORI seeks proposals that compare clinical interventions (e.g., pharmacological and nonpharmacological treatments, screening and diagnostic approaches) and healthcare delivery system interventions (e.g., workforce, technologies, healthcare service delivery designs) to evaluate potential benefits and harms of different treatment and care delivery options, thus generating evidence that empowers patients, caregivers and the broader healthcare community with information to make informed choices that reflect their needs and preferences.

Special Areas of Emphasis

For Cycle 2 2026, PCORI is particularly interested in submissions that address the following Special Areas of Emphasis (SAE) within the BPS funding opportunity. The purpose of identifying these SAEs is to encourage submissions to these areas, rather than limiting submissions to these topics. Applicants addressing one of the below SAEs should identify the area that is best associated with their research approach:  

• Addressing Obesity
• Diabetes Prevention, Care and Treatment
• Management of Urogynecological and Pelvic Pain
• Pain Management for Individuals Living With Sickle Cell Disease

In PCORI-funded research, patients and other research partners are expected to meaningfully contribute their lived experience or professional expertise to ensure studies are patient-centered, relevant and useful for healthcare decision making. Applicants must address PCORI’s Foundational Expectations for Partnerships in Research — an evidence-based framework supported by tools and resources to guide effective engagement strategies. Applicants are also strongly encouraged to consider the inclusion of a broad range of patient-centered burdens and economic outcomes. 

Broad Pragmatic Studies PFA: Category 1, Category 2 and Category 3 Study Specifications

PCORI will commit up to $120 million in direct costs through this funding opportunity. This funding opportunity contains three categories for funding:

• Category 1: Category 1 will support research projects with direct costs up to and including $5 million.

• Category 2: Category 2 will support research projects with direct costs greater than $5 million and up to a maximum of $12 million. Applications for funding under Category 2 will be required to provide additional information in the Letter of Intent (LOI) and application to justify the size and scope of the proposed research projects and to explain how additional funds are necessary with respect to the scale, scope and complexity of personnel and material resources needed to address the research question.

• Category 3: Category 3 will support research projects with direct costs up to $12 million that utilize PCORnet® to conduct observational studies and/or pragmatic trials that are national in scale. Category 3 PCORnet Studies® must include two or more Clinical Research Networks and share study progress, performance metrics and best practices with the network to promote continuous learning and improvement. PCORnet Studies® will leverage the PCORnet Common Data Model® as appropriate. Additional details about Category 3 can be found on the PCORI website.  

The Shannon Community Safety Initiative Local Action Research Partner Grant aims to combat gang violence through a collaborative approach involving regional strategies and multi-disciplinary partnerships. Funded by the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, this initiative seeks to enhance program operations by providing strategic insights and continuous feedback. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts public entities and nonprofit research organizations dedicated to fulfilling a public purpose, ensuring effective intervention and prevention efforts are maintained.

The Agricultural Energy Grant Program (ENER) supports Massachusetts farms in enhancing energy efficiency and adopting alternative energy solutions. This competitive grant aims to promote sustainability within agricultural operations, ensuring that farms can maximize both environmental and economic benefits. Applicants must be engaged in commercial agriculture, with property actively used for at least three years. For further details and applications, refer to the Climate Smart Agriculture Program.

The Lloyd G. Balfour Foundation, established in 1973, focuses on educational support for underserved populations in New England. It offers scholarships for employees of the Balfour Company and their families, as well as funding for organizations that provide educational services in Attleboro and surrounding areas. The Foundation prioritizes programs aimed at college readiness and success, particularly for first-generation and low-income students, and encourages multi-year funding requests to enhance nonprofit sustainability.

The National Forest Foundation's Matching Awards Program connects communities to forests by funding stewardship activities that promote engagement with National Forests and nearby public lands. This program aims to create lasting impacts, ensuring that all communities can benefit from the rich resources of these natural areas. By supporting various projects, the program fosters a deeper relationship between people and the environment, ultimately enhancing conservation efforts and community well-being.

The Robinson-Broadhurst Foundation, established in 1984, is dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for residents in Stamford and Worcester, New York, and Winchendon, Massachusetts. By funding charitable 501(c)(3) organizations, the foundation supports various initiatives, including community health services, historical preservation, education, and public safety. Organizations aligned with these goals are encouraged to apply for grants to foster community spirit and cooperation.

FY2027: MassSTEP ABE and MassSTEP ESOL

MassSTEP models offer adults the opportunity to acquire adult education (AE), workforce training (occupational skills training1), and workplace preparation activities simultaneously.

MassSTEP ABE2 models provide AE concurrently and contextually with workforce preparation activities and workforce training to accelerate learning outcomes, including student attainment of a high school credential, one or more relevant industry-recognized credentials (IRCs), and living wage employment in high-demand occupations.

MassSTEP ESOL3 models provide ESOL instruction concurrently and contextually with civics education, workforce preparation activities, and workforce training to accelerate learning outcomes, including student attainment of one or more relevant IRCs and living-wage employment in high demand occupations.

These grants are designed for partnerships among education providers, approved workforce training providers, employers, and workforce partners to implement a MassSTEP model. Grants must be developed consistent with Public Law 113-128, Sections 201 through 243 .

Priorities are to support applicants that demonstrate:

• A MassSTEP model that is desirable, feasible, and sustainable.
• Career pathway development in priority occupations as shown in the WIOA local plan .
• A model that includes concurrent and contextualized adult education instruction, workforce preparation activities, civics education (MassSTEP ESOL), and workforce training (requirement).
• A program design of about 16 weeks or less in length (requirement).
• Partnership with one or more local area employers in the occupation that includes, but is not limited to, assistance with job placement (requirement).
• Student attainment of one or more IRCs (requirement) and a high school credential (MassSTEP ABE requirement).
• Collaborations with local MassHire Workforce Boards, MassHire Career Centers, and/or State-approved Career Technical Education Chapter 74 (CTE) Programs.
• Commitment to delivering a program that adheres to the FY24-FY28 Policies for Effective MassSTEP Programs in Community Adult Learning Centers and Correctional Institutions and MassSTEP Brand Standards and Implementation Guide.

Funding:

Funding is subject to state and federal appropriation. Up to $3,061,413 is available for this grant funded program.