Best Massachusetts Grants for Nonprofits

The Charles A. King Trust Postdoctoral Research Fellowship Program, established in 1936, aims to support research into human disease and improve treatments. It offers funding for postdoctoral fellows and clinician scientists in advanced stages of their training in basic, preclinical, and clinical research. This program fosters the development of independent investigators in biomedical research, particularly in health services and population health, helping them achieve their career goals.

The McCarthy Family Foundation Charity Fund, established in 1956, focuses on supporting nonprofits in Massachusetts, particularly those addressing education, food, health, and housing needs. Grants may cover general operating expenses, program support, or specific capital improvements. The fund prioritizes organizations located north of Boston and may consider emergency grant requests. However, it does not fund endowment campaigns or sponsor fundraising events such as galas.

The NEBC Graduate Student Research Award offers up to $3,000 to support graduate students conducting botanical research on New England's flora, including plants, algae, and fungi. This award encourages projects involving field, lab, and herbarium work, as well as travel within the region. Open to all graduate students, it aims to foster significant contributions to systematic botany, plant ecology, genetics, and conservation biology.

The Bluestone Bank Charitable Foundation supports local organizations through financial grants, prioritizing initiatives that aid low- and moderate-income households. Key funding areas include affordable housing, economic development, health services, and education. With an average grant of $5,000 awarded annually, applicants can submit one request per year. The Foundation encourages projects that create a positive community impact, although it does not fund individual scholarships or political activities.

The Tribal Cultural Council Program, administered by the Mass Cultural Council, empowers Tribal Cultural Councils to distribute funds for arts, humanities, and science initiatives within their communities. This program prioritizes local decision-making, allowing councils to tailor eligibility requirements based on community input. TCCs can fund diverse projects, from artist residencies to public art and community events, while ensuring a minimum grant amount of $250 to support impactful initiatives.

Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers competitive grants to farmers, educators, agricultural service providers, researchers, graduate students and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region. Northeast SARE is one of four regional SARE programs funded by the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. The program—including funding decisions—is driven by the Northeast SARE outcome statement:

Agriculture in the Northeast will be diversified and profitable, providing healthful products to customers. Farmers and the people they work with will steward resources to ensure sustainability and resilience, and foster conditions where farmers have high quality of life and communities can thrive.

Northeast SARE Research and Education Grants

The purpose of the Research and Education grant program is to invest in education for farmers that leads to changes in farmer behavior, decision-making, and/or practices. These changes must increase the sustainability of farming in the Northeast United States. A Research and Education project can also include an applied research component, related to the educational activities.

• The primary audience are farmers, ranchers, and farm employees (henceforth “farmers”) that meet Northeast SARE’s Definition of a Farm.
• Farmers must be engaged in demonstrating the need for and the design of the project.
• Anyone who works in farming, including farmers, can lead a Research and Education project.
• The education program must be useful to farmers regardless of the results of any optional research component.

This grant program seeks innovative projects that improve existing practices or introduce existing practices to new farmer audiences.

The ReTreeUS School and Community Orchards Grant Program aims to inspire future generations through hands-on education in orchards and gardens. Focused on Maine, New Hampshire, and Massachusetts, this initiative has established 94 orchards since 2012, promoting interest in horticulture and biology among youth. Eligible applicants include schools and community centers in these states, fostering environmental stewardship and food growing skills within local communities.

The NCAA Division II Degree Completion Award provides financial assistance to student-athletes who have exhausted their athletics eligibility, enabling them to complete their first undergraduate degree. Since its inception in 2001, nearly $9 million has supported approximately 1,875 athletes, with a remarkable 90 percent graduation rate among recipients. The award covers tuition costs up to $15,000 for remaining credits and may be used in the summer term or short terms surrounding the final undergraduate year.

The Early College Planning Grant aims to provide essential planning resources for applicants seeking Massachusetts Early College Designation. This grant prioritizes underrepresented students and supports partnerships between K-12 schools and higher education institutions. Eligible programs can apply for funding to develop infrastructure that fosters college access and success, with funding totals reaching approximately $1,105,000 for the fiscal year. Key deadlines for submissions are set for October 2025 and November 2025.

The Massachusetts Office of Grants and Research (OGR) will be accepting State-Share Applications from eligible state applicants for the Homeland Security Grant Program (HSGP) from the DHS, FEMA. Proposed funding allocations are an approximation and contingent upon the anticipated receipt of federal funds.

OGR anticipates that approximately $1.5 million will be made available for state agencies to competitively solicit for the purpose of addressing homeland security needs.

MEL Community Foundation

Our values of equity, resilience, inclusivity, innovation and strengths-based approach always informs our work supporting English learners in schools.

Our mission is to support English learners in Massachusetts public schools by raising academic achievement and post-secondary educational attainment. The MEL Community Foundation hopes to create and support equitable and inclusive school communities where all students are exposed to rigorous curricula and expectations and the opportunity for post-secondary educational and career opportunities are the norm and not the exception for English learners.

MEL Community Foundation Grant

Developing district partnerships and effective K-12 programming will require strong design, implementation, and staffing. We’ll launch our partnerships and program support by partnering with targeted school districts in Massachusetts. Defining the model, determining the level of staffing required, and achieving operational excellence will take time, but program support in targeted school districts will quickly reveal gaps that need filling and strength areas that can be replicated as we bring program partnerships to more districts in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

The MEL Community Foundation partners with nonprofits in the U.S. that support learning outcomes for English Learners in public schools. Although we are Massachusetts based, the MEL Community Foundation welcomes any 501(c)(3) charitable applicant and/or public school district provided the organization meets the criteria.

The State Agency Traffic Safety Grant in Massachusetts provides up to $6.5 million in funding for state government agencies to enhance road safety. This grant, administered by the Office of Grants and Research, focuses on critical areas such as impaired driving, child passenger safety, and distracted driving. By targeting these priority areas, the program aims to significantly reduce traffic crashes and improve overall safety on Massachusetts roadways.

The Underserved Communities Traffic Safety Grant Program in Massachusetts aims to enhance road safety for vulnerable populations. It supports projects utilizing crash data to identify community needs and implement educational initiatives aimed at reducing fatalities and serious injuries. Partnerships with local organizations are encouraged to foster a comprehensive approach to traffic safety. Key focus areas include impaired driving, pedestrian safety, and seat belt usage. The program aspires to achieve zero fatalities on the roads.

Purpose

The purpose of this competitive grant program is to support teaching and learning related to the history of genocide. As stated in Chapter 98 of the Acts of 2021 , "Every school district shall, for the purpose of educating middle and high school students, provide instruction on the history of genocide consistent with the content standards articulated in the history and social science curriculum framework."

This grant supports LEAs to develop and/or select curriculum materials, implement professional development, and design other enriching learning experiences intended to further secondary students' understanding of the history and patterns of genocide. LEAs may propose to collaborate with vendors to support this work.

This grant is structured as a two-year program. LEAs awarded funding in FY27 (Year 1) may apply only for continuation funding in FY28 (Year 2) to support the next phase of their projects, contingent upon available funds and satisfactory progress. Continuation funding is not guaranteed. FY27 awardees will not be eligible to apply under a new FY28 competitive RFP. However, contingent upon available funds, a new cohort of LEAs may be selected through the FY28 competitive RFP process.

For more details about the genocide education in Massachusetts, please visit Genocide Education Resources and Guidance.

Priorities

DESE seeks to fund genocide education initiatives that exemplify:

Grant-funded projects should increase all students' access to high-quality genocide education experiences and work to address historical inequities where they exist. In addition, projects should provide students with culturally and linguistically sustaining learning experiences that value and affirm their identities and linguistic resources, center student and community agency, and develop students' critical perspectives. Supports for multilingual learners should be developed in alignment with the 2020 WIDA English Language Development Framework.

Grant-funded projects should take steps toward long-term enhancements to genocide education, including, but not limited to, the development of supportive instructional leadership structures. Investments such as professional development for educators or acquisition of needed instructional materials can provide benefits long past the period of this grant, as opposed to "one-off" activities.Grant-funded projects should include opportunities to work in partnership with relevant organizations and/or engage local community members. Examples include (but are not limited to): partnering with organizations with expertise in genocide education, partnering with local community-based organizations, soliciting input from relevant community stakeholders, and designing learning opportunities at local sites.Competitive priority in the scoring process will also be given to:

• Districts and schools in the strategic transformation region.
• LEAs that have not previously been awarded a Genocide Education Grant
• LEAs with a student population in which greater than 40% are designated as low-income.
• Grant-funded projects that enhance the antibias impact of their work by strengthening students' sense of safety and belonging in school. This may include learning about the relationship and differences between bullying, hate, prejudice, bias, and factors that can potentially lead to or disrupt violence and genocide, and/or applying these concepts to modern-day contexts and examples relevant to the school community. These efforts may also include work grounded in an analysis of available data [such as from the Views of Climate and Learning (VOCAL) and Youth Risk Behavior Survey (YRBS)].

Funding

Approximately $1,200,000 is available through this grant. Total amount of awards will be determined based on quality of proposals received.

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 RFP document.

Maximum award is determined by the total student enrollment of the applying LEA or group of LEAs if applying as a partnership. The maximum award represents what an LEA may receive over a two-year period.

• Size Tier 1: LEAs or LEA groups enrolling up to 1,000 students (total)
  • May apply for up to $40,000
• Size Tier 2: LEAs or LEA groups enrolling 1,001 – 6,000 students (total)
  • May apply for up to $80,000
• Size Tier 3: LEAs or LEA groups enrolling 6,001 – 10,000 students (total)
  • May apply for up to $120,000
• Size Tier 4: LEAs or LEA groups enrolling 10,001 or more students (total)
  • May apply for up to $160,000

Fund Use

The total funding amount listed in this RFP represents the maximum cumulative award an LEA may receive across both FY27 and FY28. This means the amount is not per year, but rather the combined ceiling for the entire two-year period. Year 2 funding is not guaranteed and is dependent on annual funding appropriation and continuation grant application approval. Applicants may request any portion of the maximum funding amount for Year 1. While applicants are encouraged to plan a two-year project, LEAs may propose a one-year project if it better aligns with their needs and capacity. Please see the Fund Use Details attachment for additional information including allowable fund use.

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.

What does this program do?

It provides loans and grants to Microenterprise Development Organizations (MDOs) to:

• To help microenterprises startup and growth through a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund.
• Provide training and technical assistance to microloan borrowers and micro entrepreneurs.

Microenterprise Development Organizations must demonstrate experience in managing a Revolving Loan Fund, or:

• Certify that it or its employees have received education and training from a qualified microenterprise development training entity so that the applicant has the capacity to manage such a revolving loan fund.
• Demonstrate that it is actively and successfully participating as an intermediary lender in good standing under the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Microloan Program or other similar loan programs as determined by the Administrator.

 What kind of funding is available?

• Grants are available to provide technical assistance to rural micro-entrepreneurs or microenterprises, up to $205,000 annually.
  • Funding at the requested level is not guaranteed, and at least 15 percent matching funds are required.

• Loans of $50,000 to $500,000 may be used for establishing a Rural Microloan Revolving Fund managed by the Microenterprise Development Organization.
  • Total aggregate debt is capped at $2.5 million.

What are the loan terms?

• Maximum term is 20 years.
• Two-year payment deferral.
• Must establish a loan loss reserve fund.

What terms are required on loans to ultimate recipients?

• Up to $50,000.
• Fixed interest rate.
• Limited to 75 percent of project cost.

How may the funds be used?

Microlenders may make microloans for qualified business activities and expenses including, but not limited to:

• Working capital.
• Debt refinancing.
• Purchasing equipment and supplies.
• Improving real estate.

The Primary Instruction by Volunteers Grant aims to enhance adult basic education services for eligible adults unable to enroll in traditional classes. With a funding pool of approximately $500,000, the program targets around 1,000 adult learners annually, focusing on effective one-on-one tutoring by trained volunteers. Priorities include curriculum alignment with educational standards, building college and career readiness skills, and ensuring compliance with funding regulations. This initiative is designed to provide vital educational opportunities and support for adult learners across the Commonwealth.

The USTA New England Game Changer Grant offers up to $20,000 to support innovative projects that promote tennis and healthy communities across New England. This funding opportunity is aimed at high-impact initiatives that align with USTA New England's mission. Please note that ongoing program expenses like court time and coach salaries are not eligible for funding. Providers can seek assistance through the USTA Tennis Venue Services application process.

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.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Raymond E. Carr Scholarship Fund

Supporting students attending American International College, Elms College, Springfield College, Western New England University or Westfield State University

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant by the NCAA Division III aims to bolster ethnic minority and gender representation in senior athletics administration roles. With an annual budget of $1.6 million, it supports up to 46 schools and conferences over five years. Eligible institutions must be active NCAA Division III members and meet various requirements. This grant encourages diversity in leadership, fostering an inclusive environment for student-athletes.

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 Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education is offering a competitive planning grant for Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) to establish Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs). This initiative aims to create a diverse educator workforce by providing equitable access to teaching through low-cost, job-embedded training. The grant supports workforce assessments, program designs, and partnerships, focusing on enhancing teacher diversity and preparation quality, ultimately contributing to long-term workforce stability in Massachusetts education.

Site Readiness Program

The 2021 Economic Development Bill authorizes $15M for the Commonwealth Site Readiness Fund, to be administered by MassDevelopment, for the purpose of funding “for site assembly, site assessment, predevelopment permitting and other predevelopment and marketing activities that enhance a site's readiness for commercial, industrial or mixed-use development; provided, that a portion of the funds shall be used to facilitate the expansion or replication of successful industrial parks; and provided further, that funding shall be awarded in a manner that promotes geographic equity” B. FY 2027 Information

The Site Readiness program is part of the Community One Stop for Growth, a single application portal and collaborative review process of community and economic development grant programs that make targeted investments based on a Development Continuum. 

Maximum Award

• No set maximum but typical awards range from $50,000 to $500,000.

What makes a good project?

MassDevelopment will be accepting applications for funding in the eligible use categories described in the program guidelines and summarized below: 

• Site Preparation 
• Site Concept Plans – Including feasibility and planning studies in addition to concept-level master planning.  
• Site Market Studies – Including broker consultation, market analysis, and development of marketing materials. 
• Site Acquisition and Related Tasks – Including costs of property acquisition, title analysis, surveying, and legal fees.  
• Demolition
• Construction of Site-Related Upgrades – Including utilities and roadways. 

The Coaching Enhancement Grant - Division II aims to enhance diversity in NCAA coaching by providing financial support for new assistant coaching positions. This grant specifically targets increased representation of ethnic minorities and women in athletics. Selected schools receive funding for three years to cover salaries and benefits, totaling $370,000 annually for up to 21 institutions. Eligible schools must be active NCAA Division II members committed to these diversity efforts.

The Northeast SARE Partnership Grant Program supports innovative projects that enhance sustainable agriculture practices through collaboration between agricultural service providers and farmers. With funding up to $30,000, the program encourages research and education initiatives that address sustainability challenges in Northeast farming systems. It aims to foster partnerships that lead to better agricultural practices and community well-being, focusing on involving farmers directly in project development.

The Strategic Alliance Matching Grant - Division II offers financial support to enhance ethnic minority and gender representation in mid- to senior-level athletics administration roles across NCAA Division II institutions. With an annual budget of $860,000, the grant aims to fund up to 20 schools and conferences each year. Eligible applicants must be active Division II members and are encouraged to collaborate with their human resources departments during the proposal process, ensuring compliance with grant requirements.