Best Affordable Housing Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts seeking support for affordable housing and community development projects can apply for Washington Trust Charitable Foundation grants. Washington Trust Charitable Foundation supports equitable and affordable housing, revitalization, and related community programs in its market area, including Massachusetts, with consideration for capital needs, campaigns, and specific projects.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing in Massachusetts can benefit from Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts Program for full-time associates. Eligible housing, community development, and related nonprofits within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by Regions employees or recent retirees, helping deepen individual giving impact.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on equitable and affordable housing and related community needs, including those in Massachusetts, can receive matching donations through Regions Bank’s program. Regions Bank provides eligible U.S. nonprofits with up to US $1,000 per recent retiree in matched gifts to support housing, economic development, and community services.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on affordable housing, homelessness, or related community services can seek up to US $5,000 to support local programs. Bluestone Bank Charitable Foundation also considers economic development, health and human services, education, youth, financial literacy, and capacity-building projects that benefit low- and moderate-income households and neighborhoods.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Massachusetts working on equitable and affordable housing, homeownership, and community development can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support neighbors, education, and workforce initiatives. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen safe, inclusive communities, expand financial capability, and create measurable, sustainable economic outcomes.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits developing or preserving affordable housing can seek $50,000 to $100,000 for new construction, rehabilitation, or major repairs for low- or moderate-income residents. With a mission to expand equitable and affordable housing, Charlesbank Homes provides capital grants for Massachusetts projects that tap multiple funding sources and go beyond standard capital reserves.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts and other Vermont Mutual Insurance Group territories can seek funding for programs that build healthy lives and strong communities, including equitable and affordable housing, homelessness, and hunger. Vermont Mutual Insurance Group also supports education, youth development, life skills, and other community-based initiatives that enhance quality of life.

Nonprofit organizations developing or supporting housing and services for older adults in Massachusetts can apply for grants ranging from US $10,000 - US $250,000 to fund capital, operating, and program needs. Grants from Charles H. Farnsworth Trust help Greater Boston and statewide groups expand affordable, supportive housing, community-based services, and planning or research to improve senior housing options.

Executive Office of Economic Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Economic Development works to strengthen the state’s economy by supporting business growth, attracting investment, expanding economic opportunity, and helping communities across Massachusetts thrive.

MassWorks Infrastructure Program

MassWorks provides grants to communities to help them prepare for success and contribute to the long term strength and sustainability of our Commonwealth.

The MassWorks Infrastructure Program is a competitive grant program that provides the largest and most flexible source of capital funds to municipalities and other eligible public entities primarily for public infrastructure projects that support and accelerate housing production, spur private development, and create jobs throughout the Commonwealth.

Project Categories: Infrastructure Pre-Development; Infrastructure Construction; and Small Town Road Improvement

Infrastructure Pre-Development Grants

Pre-Development applications are intended to benefit the pre-development costs (design and engineering costs) of public infrastructure costs and make it feasible for municipalities and other units of local government to secure funding the execution of design documents related to publicly owned and operated infrastructure. Pre-development grants are not available to subsidize the pre-development soft costs of private developments associated with the applications.

Executive Office of Economic Development, Commonwealth of Massachusetts

The Executive Office of Economic Development works to strengthen the state’s economy by supporting business growth, attracting investment, expanding economic opportunity, and helping communities across Massachusetts thrive.

HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP)

Competitive grant program available to all Massachusetts municipalities for a variety of horizontal infrastructure related activities to support and unlock housing.

The HousingWorks Infrastructure Program (HWIP) is a competitive grant open to municipalities for a variety of infrastructure projects associated with housing development. This grant program awards funds based on the project’s nexus with housing, transportation, infrastructure, and community development needs.

Applicants should request funding to support a complete project or complete phase(s) and must provide clear justification for the requested amount. 

Ineligible entities must apply in partnership with an eligible entity.

Graduate students in urban planning, policy, public administration, economics, or related fields can apply for the NCRC Fellowship for Equitable Development, which provides a US $20,000 stipend for eight months of part-time, community development project work. Massachusetts affordable housing nonprofits may participate as host organizations if located within an hour of a selected host site and apply separately as hosts.

Massachusetts local governments, public housing agencies, and partner organizations focused on equitable and affordable housing can access funding through US HUD: Office of Public and Indian Housing to implement comprehensive neighborhood revitalization plans. These U.S. Choice Neighborhoods Implementation Grants provide up to US $75,000,000 to redevelop distressed public or HUD-assisted housing, support resident self-sufficiency, and improve surrounding communities.

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.

Fellowship for Equitable Development

The National Community Reinvestment Coalition matches top-level graduate degree students with premiere community development organizations.

NCRC is looking for fellowship projects that move the needle on housing, small business development, and workforce development. Projects may directly result in community outcomes in these focus areas, or involve work with community members to create plans or project pipelines that will solve local issues in these areas.

The NCRC Fellowship cultivates the next generation of community development leaders and empowers them to tackle the issues of tomorrow. The community development sector will face significant challenges in the coming decades from climate change, widening wealth gaps, food insecurities, extreme housing shortages and other needs. These challenges will disproportionately impact low-wealth communities and communities of color. Therefore, it is NCRC’s intention and pledge to uphold the values of community empowerment in the fellowship program.

Interested students and host organizations must apply for this fellowship opportunity.

Program Benefits for Student Fellows Include:

• High-quality training and support from regional leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• A $20,000 stipend for the eight-month, part-time (20-hours per week) fellowship
• The opportunity to meet with leaders in the nonprofit, government, planning and community development fields
• Academic credit, in accordance with the policies of the Fellows’ respective universities
• Complimentary admission to the NCRC annual Just Economy Conference

Program Benefits for Host Organizations Include:

• Fresh, innovative talent to help advance organizational mission
• The opportunity to help shape the next generation of community development leaders
• Participation in a fellowship program at little to no cost

The Process

1. NCRC Members Apply; 2. NCRC Selects Member Projects; 3. Students Apply To Selected Projects; 4. Top Student Candidates Interviewed; 5. NCRC & Member Select Student Fellow; 6. NCRC Onboards Member & Student 7. Fellowship Commences

Host Partnerships

Fellowship host partners must be NCRC members. If your organization would like to participate in the Fellowship but is not a member, you can join here and then apply.

Host Requirements

• A compelling project to provide a challenging assignment for fellows with real world application.
• Must commit to a schedule with at least one day per week in office for both fellow and host supervisor.

Massachusetts nonprofits working on equitable and affordable housing, hunger relief, education, or youth and family support can access funding through Wegmans Family Foundation to strengthen local communities. Grants may support housing stability, food access, youth programs, health, and economic mobility efforts that help families thrive and enrich neighborhoods.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored community groups in Massachusetts working in Boston on equitable and affordable housing and related services can receive up to US $20,000 to scale ongoing programs. City of Boston’s Community Empowerment Fund prioritizes small-budget organizations serving historically marginalized neighborhoods, including Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) charitable corporations serving Greater Lawrence and the Merrimack Valley with affordable and equitable housing programs can access funding through the Abbot & Dorothy H Stevens Foundation; awards US $5,000 - US $15,000 for operating support. Additional grants may support capital projects, renovations, pilot initiatives, program expansion, and evaluation efforts.

National Association of Realtors provides Massachusetts housing and real estate associations with funding to educate REALTORS on fair housing and diversity topics. The Level 1 Fair Housing Grant offers up to US $3,000 for classes, speakers, forums, book clubs, and NAR’s At Home With Diversity and Bias Override trainings, using a reimbursement process.

Real estate associations and similar groups working on housing affordability education in Massachusetts can use this grant to host classes, forums, speakers, or stakeholder meetings on affordable housing issues. The National Association of Realtors offers Level 1 Housing Opportunity Grants up to US $3,000, with one reimbursement-based award per association each calendar year.

Nonprofit and community-focused organizations working on equitable, affordable housing activities in Massachusetts can apply for up to US $7,500 to support broad-reaching community initiatives. With a mission to strengthen communities, National Association of Realtors provides funding for housing forums, consumer housing expos, or housing studies through its Level 2 Housing Opportunity Grants.

Real estate associations planning comprehensive housing opportunity projects that expand affordable or equitable housing, including in Massachusetts, can apply for National Association of Realtors Level 3 Housing Opportunity Grants. Focused on scalable, partnership-based initiatives, NAR requires at least one non-REALTOR primary partner and significant REALTOR involvement; one-time events and limited-involvement studies are ineligible. Awards are up to US $15,000.

Professional and semi-professional musicians, music industry workers, or their close family members facing serious medical or mental health conditions can receive living and medical expense support in Oregon and Clark County, Washington. Grants from the Jeremy Willson Charitable Trust help with rent, utilities, and other essential housing-related costs, which may interest affordable housing advocates in Massachusetts researching similar support models.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on affordable housing, community development, youth development, or environmental concerns may be eligible for program support. Grants from Unibank Charitable Foundation help groups in Middlesex and Worcester Counties strengthen local communities, with preference for existing bank relationships and organizations where employees volunteer.

The Elizabeth M. Pfriem Foundation, established in 2015 in Rye Brook, New York, is committed to enhancing the human condition through grants to 501(c)(3) public charities. Focusing primarily on the greater Bridgeport, Connecticut area, it supports initiatives in education, healthcare, food security, and housing. The foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating fiscal responsibility and innovative programs with significant impact potential, ensuring sustainable support for vulnerable populations, especially children and families in need.

The Melrose Cooperative Bank Foundation Grant supports community service organizations in Melrose and surrounding areas. It focuses on education, health, human services, affordable housing, and general community support. Grants range from $250 to $10,000 and are available to 501(c)3 organizations. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants may reapply if previous submissions were denied due to missing information or relevance. The Foundation does not fund political activities or individual scholarships.

The Big Bets Fellowship: Economic Opportunity in the United States is a transformative 4-month program designed to empower emerging leaders to tackle economic challenges head-on. With a focus on innovative solutions for job creation, affordable housing, and equitable access to resources, the fellowship equips participants with essential skills and a supportive network. The initiative aims to drive systemic change and promote sustainable economic prosperity, addressing inequalities while fostering resilient communities across the nation.

The Ferguson Cares Grant is an essential aspect of Ferguson's Sustainability strategy, focusing on social challenges and community wellbeing. This grant supports nonprofit organizations in the U.S. dedicated to affordable housing, skilled trades workforce development, clean water access, and enhancing local economic quality of life. Ferguson aims to create lasting partnerships that drive positive impact within their operational regions, reflecting their commitment to social responsibility and community support.

OneRural provides essential technical assistance to rural organizations, fostering the development of affordable housing and community initiatives. This program offers tailored support, helping organizations enhance their operational capabilities and drive impactful change. By accessing expert resources and training, participants can effectively navigate challenges, improve program outcomes, and strengthen community resilience. This initiative targets nonprofits and tribal entities, ensuring that rural communities receive the guidance needed for sustainable growth and development.