Best Small Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Purpose

The purpose of this competitive grant is to provide designated Innovation Career Pathways with resources to support program implementation.

Priorities

• Supporting designees in the execution of their approved designation plan such that the Innovation Career Pathway program meets all criteria requirements.
• Priority will be given to districts and schools in the strategic transformation region.

Funding

This Request for ProposalRFP is the governing document for these grant funds. Schools that were approved for their first Innovation Career Pathways program in Spring 2026 for implementation in School Year 26-27 are eligible for up to $75,000. All other schools with Innovation Career Pathways, designated between 2022 and 2026, are eligible for up to $50,000.

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 from the state will be used to support designated Innovation Career Pathway's adherence to the five guiding principles .

Allowable funding expenses include:

• Program administration and coordination;
• Stipends for K–12 and higher education faculty;
• Curricular development;
• Engagement with MassHire boards and industry;
• Providing work-based learning opportunities for students;
• Professional development;
• Instructional-related supplies and materials;
• High quality college and career advising and My Career and Academic Plan (MyCAP) development throughout the school and embedded in the pathway;
• Industry recognized credentials;
• Expenses associated with student participation in dual enrollment courses;
• Student transportation.

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 LEA 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.

Research for Novel Approaches in Sustainable Agriculture Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Research for Novel Approaches grant program funds ‘proof of concept’ applied research projects that are designed to confirm the benefits and/or feasibility of new practices and approaches—i.e., Novel Approaches—in agriculture.

These applied research projects must have some existing evidence from previous experiments or pilot projects (your own or others) suggesting that the practice or approach is beneficial and feasible, but further testing, data, and refinement are needed before it can be recommended for widespread adoption by farmers.

Research for Novel Approaches Grant projects require an explicit connection to the needs and interests of farmers in the Northeast. All proposals must include documented interest among farmers and service providers in utilizing or promoting the novel approach should it be proven beneficial and feasible.

Funding Available

Novel Approaches grants have a minimum award of $30,000 and a cap of $250,000.

The Stimulating Hematology Investigation: New Endeavors (SHINE) program aims to enhance nonmalignant hematology research aligned with the goals of the NIDDK, NIA, and NHLBI. It invites R01 grant applications focused on innovative and early translational hematology topics, fostering growth in this critical research area. Key deadlines for applications span from February 2025 to October 2027, allowing for both standard and renewal submissions.

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 1: 0598 Planning and Implementation

The purpose of this competitive grant opportunity is to provide supplementary support to school districts with high schools interested in entering the planning phase of MyCAP or school districts that are currently engaged in the early stages of whole school implementation of MyCAP in high schools. The MyCAP process requires schools to convene a multi-role team to create a scope and sequence in the three domains identified as necessary for college, career, and civic readiness — personal/social/mental health, career development, and academic and future planning — for every grade to guide the implementation of MyCAP. This grant will provide planning team members the supplementary support necessary to attend professional development, to hold team meetings outside-of-school hours to create a scope and sequence for every grade, or to support the MyCAP team as they begin implementation of the scope and sequence and allow for continuation of team meetings outside of school hours, attend additional trainings, purchase curriculum that supports MyCAP.

Grant applicants must identify a team that at a minimum includes four members representing a cross-section of professional roles e.g., administrator, school counselor, general education teacher, special education teacher, shop teacher, coach. Student representation is also encouraged. The team will create a scope and sequence that will address the three domains of college, career and civic readiness in each year of middle and/or high school and includes the identification of learning objectives, lessons, activities and resources available to meet those objectives, and the artifacts that will be captured in the individual student MyCAP. The focus of the work should be on creating a scope and sequence that demonstrates a whole school commitment to engage and empower students in planning for postsecondary success based on their individual interests, strengths, and skills, implementing the scope and sequence, and providing professional development opportunities for whole school buy-in.

Funding will support the team’s work by:

• allowing a team made up of diverse roles to meet outside of school hours for the creation of a middle or secondary school scope and sequence;
• paying for substitutes while team members attend in-person trainings;
• designing and/or begin the implementation plan for the rollout of MyCAP;
• identifying 2 metrics for assessment of student success.

Funds may be used for:

Stipends;

Substitute teachers for team members attending Professional Development opportunities;

Consultant fees; and

Coaching Fees.

The Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts Grant supports 501(c)(3) public charities focused on preventing accidents and injuries on the water. Eligible organizations can apply for grants ranging from $5,000 to $50,000 for projects related to public education, community services, and health sciences research. The foundation particularly values initiatives that enhance safety and survivability in maritime environments, making a significant impact on coastal communities.

The Weil Foundation Grant Program, established in memory of Drs. John and Geraldine Weil, focuses on improving children's mental health. The foundation supports training programs for child psychologists, grants to non-profits providing direct services to at-risk children, and research on child abuse prevention. Due to dwindling resources, the foundation is no longer accepting applications from new organizations, concentrating efforts on existing partners in the Greater Boston area.

The LFF: Nature-Based Climate Action Grant aims to support initiatives that leverage natural systems to combat climate change. By funding projects focused on tree planting, prairie restoration, and carbon sequestration, the program seeks to engage communities and enhance understanding of climate challenges. Ideal applicants include rural organizations working to create measurable environmental impacts while fostering collaboration and policy change. This grant represents an opportunity for organizations ready to take significant strides in addressing the climate crisis.

The Eastern Branch John Henry Comstock Award recognizes outstanding graduate students in entomology. Sponsored by the Entomological Society of America, it offers a fully funded trip to the ESA Annual Meeting, a $100 cash prize, and a certificate. Eligible nominees must be student members of ESA, pursuing or recently completing a graduate degree in entomology. Nominations are limited to two per university, ensuring the selection of the most deserving candidates.

About NCRC

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition (NCRC) is a nationwide network of nearly 800 organizations and champions working for a Just Economy, where all Americans can build wealth and provide for their families with stability and dignity.

Our vision: To solve America’s historic racial and socio-economic wealth, income and opportunity divides. This vision is the foundation of the Just Economy Pledge.

NCRC Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) - Housing Counseling Services

The Field Empowerment Fund (FEF) empowers NCRC network members to level up established service lines.

The Housing Counseling Services series within FEF supports HUD-approved housing counseling agencies in driving homeownership, such as through pre-purchase counseling. In addition, the program builds agency knowledge on heirs’ property challenges to better equip first-time and low-income homebuying households with the know-how to retain intergenerational wealth.

In doing so, FEF-HCS aims to help underserved families begin their homeownership journey, with an additional goal of ensuring foresight into the long-term future of their home purchase.

The FEF-HCS series is funded in partnership with Key Bank and HSBC, and targets communities within the Key Bank and HSBC branch footprints.

Through these partnerships, $2.5 million in Key Bank geographies and $1.5 million in HSBC geographies has been allocated for the subgrants for direct-to-client housing counseling services that will be awarded in three rounds in the FEF-HCS track.

Funding Support

Awardee agencies will receive subgrants to support their housing counseling services to clients.

Knowledge Building

Awardee agencies will attend a training session on heirs’ property challenges and best practices, hosted by NCRC National Training Academy. Bolstering counselor knowledge on this topic will ensure that your agency is not only serving clients in their personal wealth-building journey now, but also helping them preserve that wealth in generations to come.

The National Coastal Resilience Fund (NCRF) aims to protect coastal communities through nature-based solutions, enhancing habitats while addressing the growing threats of climate change. Established in 2018, the fund focuses on restoring vital ecosystems like marshes and reefs to mitigate flooding impacts. With rising sea levels and increasing storm intensity, NCRF invests in community-led projects that foster resilience, ensuring both people and wildlife can adapt to changing environmental conditions.

The Grand Haven Offshore Challenge Scholarship, offered by the Grand Haven Area Community Foundation, supports students pursuing studies in natural resources, including fisheries and wildlife. This scholarship is available for applicants attending any public or private college or university. The fund was established to honor community contributions towards environmental preservation and is awarded based on academic merit and financial need. Apply once for all scholarships you may qualify for to streamline your application process.

The FY2026 Title III, Part A Immigrant Children and Youth grant, administered by the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, provides vital funding to local school districts. This initiative aims to enhance educational opportunities for immigrant students through evidence-based programs that promote academic achievement and community engagement. Key priorities include family literacy, educator training, and supportive services, ensuring equitable access and improved outcomes for a diverse student population.

The Ogden Codman Trust Grant provides crucial financial support to organizations serving residents of Lincoln, Massachusetts. It focuses on assisting individuals in need with food, shelter, medical assistance, and educational grants. The Trust encourages community engagement by requiring matching funds for grants, fostering a sense of collaboration and awareness of local programs. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) qualified and cannot be private foundations, ensuring that aid reaches those who truly need it.

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is launching the FY2027 Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program to support Local Educational Agencies in developing diverse pathways to teacher licensure. This initiative emphasizes equitable access for underrepresented communities through paid training and mentorship. The program aims to strengthen workforce stability while addressing critical staffing needs in special education, ESL, and STEM. Districts will receive planning grants to enhance educator preparation and community engagement, ensuring a high-quality and inclusive education system.

The Schrafft Charitable Trust focuses on the growth of underserved youth (ages 6-21) through neighborhood-based education and economic independence programs in Boston and New Bedford. Eligible nonprofits can apply for Program or General Operating Grants, emphasizing community representation and impactful youth development initiatives. Returning grantees from the past three years may submit a full proposal directly. The Trust does not fund capital expenditures or scholarships, ensuring resources are directed towards meaningful educational opportunities.

The Growing Tribal Economies Through Forest Market Innovations grant program, initiated by First Nations Development Institute, aims to empower Tribes and Alaska Native Villages to engage in emerging markets that enhance forest health and resilience. With funding of $200,000 to $500,000 per grant, this initiative supports projects focusing on sustainability, innovation, and traditional knowledge. Eligible applicants are encouraged to develop forest products, certifications, and practices that contribute positively to biodiversity and ecosystem management.

The Offshore Wind Works program aims to build a qualified and equitable workforce for the growing offshore wind industry in Massachusetts. By enhancing training capabilities and incorporating Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Justice (DEIJ) principles, the program seeks to develop a skilled workforce ready to support the planning, construction, and maintenance of offshore wind projects, ensuring safety and innovation in this vital sector.

The Asian Cultural Council's Individual Fellowship provides artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia and the United States with opportunities for self-directed cultural exchange and research in unfamiliar regions. This program supports activities such as interviews, workshops, and archival research, fostering cultural immersion and collaboration. With a funding limit of $35,000, the fellowship encourages innovative proposals that enhance creative perspectives and relationships among peers, while also ensuring strong eligibility criteria for applicants.

The Asian Cultural Council's New York Fellowship offers a transformative six-month program for artists, scholars, and arts professionals from Asia. Participants engage deeply with New York City's vibrant cultural landscape, attending performances, exhibitions, and workshops while building networks with local communities. This unique opportunity fosters peer-learning and individual artistic development, encouraging fellows to incorporate their experiences into their practices and contribute to their home cultures. The fellowship emphasizes exploration, exchange, and support, culminating in a rich cultural immersion.

The Coaching Enhancement Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to increase diversity in assistant coaching roles by providing financial support to member institutions. Over two years, selected schools receive $15,000 to cover salaries, requiring a matching contribution. This initiative encourages ethnic minority and gender representation, allowing up to 11 institutions to benefit annually, thus enhancing inclusivity in collegiate sports.

RFP: Grants for Enhancing MA Grid Resilience & Reliability

Increased electricity demand and more severe weather events pose a challenge to Massachusetts’ grid infrastructure and state energy users. This program funds projects to enhance the resilience of the electric grid, prevent outages, and mitigate the impact of disruptive events. MassCEC is interested in supporting microgrid enabling projects that help achieve resiliency goals at critical facilities, more details in the Request for Proposals below.​

The Kroger Foundation is dedicated to uplifting communities through significant charitable contributions, having donated over $1.9 billion in the past six years. Their focus on combating hunger through the Zero Hunger | Zero Waste initiative exemplifies their commitment to social impact. Annually, they provide over $300 million to nonprofit organizations aligned with their mission, promoting health, education, and disaster relief while fostering diversity and inclusion. This initiative reflects Kroger's belief that strong communities are a shared responsibility.

The NRP Research Grant Program offers up to $50,000 for healthcare professionals to explore optimal neonatal resuscitation methods. It encourages innovative research addressing gaps in transitional physiology and effective teaching of resuscitation skills. Applications must focus on evidence-based practices and demonstrate potential for meaningful impact in delivery room care. Researchers from Canadian and US institutions are eligible, though applications primarily focused on quality improvement without a research emphasis will not be considered.

The ASP Conservation Small Grants program is dedicated to supporting primate conservation efforts. It invites proposals for conservation research or related projects, including education, with awards up to $3500. This initiative encourages ASP members, especially those in habitat countries, to submit impactful projects that contribute to broader conservation goals. The program emphasizes funding for local salaries, research supplies, and educational materials, ensuring the sustainability of primate conservation efforts.

The Charlesbank Homes Foundation Grant provides financial support for new construction, rehabilitation, and major repairs of affordable housing in Massachusetts. Grants range from $25,000 to $100,000, targeting low to moderate-income families. Applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations and submit a complete request with necessary documentation. The foundation favors projects under $10 million in total development costs and requires a capital plan for maintenance requests. Please allow three to six months for application processing.

The Schrafft Charitable Trust offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts focused on youth development. Prioritizing those serving underserved populations aged 6-21, the Trust supports programs that enhance educational, artistic, and economic opportunities. New grantees must submit a Letter of Intent if they haven't received funding in the last three years. The Trust aims to foster paths to independence through community-driven initiatives, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its funding decisions.