Best Massachusetts Grants for Nonprofits

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers Family Literacy Grants to nonprofit organizations that support family literacy initiatives. Eligible applicants must provide services such as adult education, children's education, and parent-child engagement activities. Organizations must be located within 15 miles of a Dollar General store and have a valid IRS tax ID. This funding aims to enhance literacy skills for families, empowering individuals to achieve their educational goals.

The Dollar General Literacy Foundation offers the DGLF Summer Reading Grants, which support the development and expansion of summer reading programs aimed at Pre-K to 12th grade students, particularly new and below-grade-level readers, including those with learning disabilities. Eligible organizations, such as nonprofits, schools, and libraries within 15 miles of a Dollar General store, can apply for grants up to $3,000 to foster literacy and education initiatives.

The DGLF Youth Literacy Grants, established by the Dollar General Literacy Foundation, aim to enhance literacy among underperforming students in K-12. Organizations such as schools and libraries can apply for funding to implement or expand literacy programs, purchase necessary materials, and acquire technology. With over $159 million awarded to date, the foundation supports efforts that provide equitable education opportunities, ensuring every child has the chance to learn and succeed, regardless of their background.

The New Hampshire Charitable Foundation offers a Master's, Ph.D. or other Advanced Degree Scholarship Program, supporting students pursuing graduate education. With nearly $8 million awarded annually, the foundation prioritizes undergraduate funding but provides competitive scholarships for graduate studies, including medical school. The scholarship amounts range from $250 to $5,000, with an average of $3,500. Eligibility includes residency in New Hampshire or select communities in neighboring states, and awards are based on financial need and academic merit.

The Peckham Family Foundation offers Basic Support Grants aimed at enhancing the quality of life in local communities in New York and New England. The foundation supports various programs focusing on education, arts, and civic engagement. Organizations seeking funding must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt and demonstrate a commitment to community improvement. The Grants Committee, composed of local non-management members, evaluates applications to ensure alignment with the foundation's mission and values.

Armstrong County Community Foundation

The Armstrong County Community Foundation, a public nonprofit corporation,

• Gives grants, scholarships, and organizational support to address the needs of our community.
• Builds a permanent endowment to help our donors create a legacy through this endowment.
• Promotes informed philanthropy to increase and sustain charitable resources for the region.
• Provides leadership and builds partnerships to identify and solve community issues.

Gerstbrein/McCanna Scholarship for the Arts

After a long and rewarding career in Landscape Design and Art Education, Lisa Gerstbrein/McCanna wanted to promote the Arts and Industrial Arts in the community where she made her home and her livelihood. Her career brought her tremendous joy in pursuits that she loved as well as the satisfying reward of helping students find inspiration in the worlds of Art and Industrial Art. She is a true believer in the concept of STEAM based education. Accordingly, she established a fund to provide scholarships for the advanced education of advancing Senior High School Students in these areas who are residents of Armstrong County, Pennsylvania and are pursuing higher education in an approved program within 300 miles of their respective school - Armstrong High School, West Shamokin High School or Lenape Technical School. 

Scholarship Details

• Available to High School Seniors
• Nonrenewable

All ACCF Scholarships are merit based.

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 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 MMS&A Charitable Foundation provides organizational grants aimed at promoting equitable health outcomes for marginalized communities. They focus on funding non-profit organizations that deliver quality healthcare services to the un- and underinsured, as well as enhancing behavioral health services. Eligible organizations must be tax-exempt and have limited government funding. Capital campaigns, for-profit entities, and discriminatory practices are not supported. The foundation prefers innovative proposals over repeat requests, emphasizing new programs to address health inequities.

FY27 Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program: Targeted Implementation Grant

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) is offering a targeted grant to continue implementation support for a cohort of districts in Year 2 of Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Program implementation. Registered Teacher Apprenticeship Programs (RTAPs) in Massachusetts are innovative pathways into teaching designed to build a diverse and effective teaching workforce that reflects the rich cultural backgrounds of our students. At the heart of RTAP is a commitment to providing equitable opportunities for aspiring educators, particularly those from underrepresented communities, to enter the teaching profession for little to no cost.

RTAP offers a new pathway to earning an Initial license in Massachusetts. RTAP integrates on-the-job training with academic coursework, allowing participants to earn while they learn. This hands-on approach ensures that apprentices gain practical classroom experience under the supervision of experienced educators while simultaneously completing the requirements for Initial licensure.

Funding:

Approximately $1,750,000 is available for this grant.

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.

The Clowes Fund focuses on supporting socioeconomically disadvantaged individuals in New England, particularly in Massachusetts. It offers grants for immigrant services, workforce development, arts education, and K-12 education, with specific priorities for communities with high immigrant populations. Applications are open to first-time grantees and returning organizations, with a strong emphasis on transparency and accessibility in the funding process.

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.

David Cappannari Scholarship

The David Cappannari Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide tuition assistance to graduating Plymouth high schools seniors who plan to attend college.

FY2027: MassLINKS — Adult Education Virtual School

The purpose of this continuation grant is to support a statewide Adult Education Virtual School (AEVS) system branded as MassLINKS. All ABE and ESOL services must be delivered virtually.

The MassLINKS provider will recruit, intake, orient, enroll, instruct, assess, advise, and offer supportive services/post exit follow up to adult learners who are not served by programs currently funded by ACLS and/or whose need for services are not met by programs currently funded by ACLS.

Priorities:

The MassLINKS provider will:

• deliver a program design which includes synchronous and asynchronous instruction
• serve the targeted enrollment of 780 learners (330 — ABE, 450 — ESOL) on a monthly basis encompassing the 16 local workforce development areas
• assist eligible individuals in attaining a secondary school credential and transition to postsecondary education and training through career pathways
• assist eligible individuals to become literate and obtain the knowledge and skills necessary for employment and economic self-sufficiency
• assist individuals who are English language learners— improving their reading, writing, speaking, and comprehensive skills in English including mathematical skills
• assist eligible individuals who are parents or family members to a) obtain the education and skills that are necessary to become full partners in the educational development of their children and b) result in sustainable improvements in the economic opportunities for their family
• reduce disparity in education by providing, in collaboration with WIOA partners and others, high-quality adult education programming that provides an inclusive and welcoming environment, rigorous curriculum and instruction, and related learner support services

Funding:

Approximately $3,000,000 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. If more funding becomes available, it will be distributed under the same guidelines that appear in this RFP document

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.

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.

Fall River Chamber Foundation/James T. Waldron Scholarship

The Fall River Chamber Foundation James T. Waldron Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide an annual scholarship award to a South Coast region graduating High School senior(s) attending an accredited two- or four- year college or university.

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.

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.

Leo R. and Muriel A. Lanouette Scholarship

The Leo R. and Muriel A. Lanouette Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarship awards to electrical engineering, computer science, or nursing students who have completed their first year at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Preference will be given to students enrolled in such disciplines who have matriculated from high schools in the greater Fall River or New Bedford areas.

The Davis Family Foundation Implementation Grants support innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning at accredited colleges in New England. Established in 1985, the foundation has awarded over $140 million to improve educational outcomes and reduce costs. Applicants are encouraged to consult with program staff prior to submission. Funded projects typically focus on curriculum improvement, faculty development, and collaborative cost-reduction efforts, all aimed at enriching the undergraduate experience.

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.

The BCBSM Foundation's Catalyst Fund Grant offers non-renewable grants of up to $7,500 to Massachusetts-based community organizations focused on enhancing health access for low-income and marginalized residents. Applications will be accepted starting July 1, 2025, aiming to support capacity-building initiatives rather than ongoing operational costs. The fund prioritizes organizations with limited resources that directly impact vulnerable populations, facilitating innovative projects that address health care disparities.

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 Woman's Club Scholarship

The New Bedford Woman's Club Scholarship Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation was established to provide scholarships for tuition assistance during the first year at a two- or four-year accredited college or university. Scholarships are for graduating seniors of New Bedford High School and Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School based on 50% financial need and 50% academic performance.

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.

North Baptist Church of New Bedford Community Scholarship Fund

The purpose of the fund is to provide scholarship awards to: A graduating senior from New Bedford High School, Greater NB Regional Vocational High School, Fairhaven High School, and Bristol Agricultural High School, who plans to attend a two-year school, trade school, or school/certificate program in preparation for work in a trade or healthcare profession.

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.

Olga R. Sylvia, Manuel Sylvia, and Iria R.S. Sylvia Scholarship Fund

This fund was established to provide scholarships to: One student from NBHS and one from Dartmouth HS who attends or will be attending an institution of higher learning. Scholarships can be renewed yearly. 

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.

The Dr. Norbert P. and Elsie R. Fraga Scholarship

The Dr. Norbert P. and Elsie R. Fraga Scholarship Fund provides scholarships to postgraduate students who have: 1. graduated from New Bedford, Dartmouth, Fairhaven, or Westport High school, or Greater New Bedford Regional Vocational Technical High School, 2. completed pre-dental or pre-medical studies at accredited college, 3. has an undergraduate GPA of 3.0 and 4. been accepted into an accredited dental or medical college or university. 

The Mattina R. Proctor Foundation supports vital projects in education, healthcare, the arts, and environmental stewardship, primarily in Maine and Massachusetts. Established in memory of philanthropist Mattina R. Proctor, the foundation aims to fund initiatives that demonstrate a specific need, particularly in music, trades education, public health, and land conservation. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations, and preference is given to projects that directly impact underserved communities.

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.

Thomas O. and Sarah F. Jackson Trust Award

The Thomas O. and Sarah F. Jackson Trust Fund of the SouthCoast Community Foundation provides tuition assistance on an annually rotating basis to graduating Silver Lake, Carver, and Plymouth High School seniors during their first year of college. Recipients must attend either the Massachusetts Institute of Technology or the University of Massachusetts, and preference is given to students majoring in an agricultural course of study.

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.

Westport and Beyond - The Erika Hall Memorial Scholarship

The Erika Hall Memorial Scholarship Fund was established to grant scholarships to Westport High School or Westport residents who graduated from sister schools (i.e., Diman Regional, Bristol County Agricultural, Bishop Connolly, or Bishop Stang High School). All scholarship applicants must be planning on attending a two- or four- year college or university.