Best Grants for Education Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Highland Street Foundation Grant supports critical needs for children and families in Massachusetts and California. Focused on education, housing, health care, and the arts, it awards grants based on established relationships with nonprofit partners. The foundation does not accept unsolicited proposals and limits submissions to one letter of inquiry per organization each year. Organizations outside the U.S. are not eligible for funding, ensuring support remains local.

The Amgen Foundation Inc focuses on non-healthcare donations and sponsorships that target humanitarian, social, educational, and community programs. They offer support to organizations outside the U.S. healthcare community, particularly those recognized as tax-exempt public charities. Eligible organizations must serve specific Amgen communities throughout the U.S. This initiative aims to enhance health outcomes and address critical societal needs, thereby reducing the burden of disease and improving lives.

The Sun Club Sustainability Grant, offered by Green Mountain Energy, empowers U.S.-based nonprofits to implement sustainability initiatives. Established in 2002, this grant supports diverse projects, including clean transportation, renewable energy, and resource conservation. Organizations must demonstrate three years of tax-exempt status and a commitment to community impact. Awards range from $50,000 to $400,000, focusing on measurable environmental, social, and financial benefits. Join us in fostering a greener future through innovative solutions and community engagement.

The Yawkey Foundation's Transformational Capital Grant provides significant funding, up to $5 million, for nonprofit organizations to enhance their mission delivery through the development of impactful physical spaces. The grants are highly competitive and require compelling proposals demonstrating project need, community support, and financial commitment. Organizations must align with the Foundation's priority Areas of Giving, primarily serving Eastern Massachusetts and Georgetown County, South Carolina. Review timeframe for proposals is approximately 12-18 months.

The Penn National Gaming Foundation Grants support various community initiatives across North America, emphasizing education, health services, and cultural affairs. Launched post-Hurricane Katrina, the foundation aids local nonprofits, enhancing community development, public safety, and veteran support. The grants cater to organizations that address the needs of children, senior citizens, and disadvantaged populations, ensuring a broad impact in areas where Penn National Gaming operates. This commitment reflects the foundation's dedication to uplifting communities and fostering resilience.

The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation provides grants to nonprofit organizations serving Hampden County, Massachusetts. Funding areas include early education, health, economic mobility, and arts. The Foundation supports general operating, capital, program, capacity building, and emergency funding to foster community development and address pressing needs. Eligible organizations must demonstrate measurable outcomes and a commitment to sustainable change while enhancing collaboration among local nonprofits.

The Mabel Louise Riley Foundation provides grants to support low-income children and youth in Boston. With a focus on education, human services, and neighborhood revitalization, the foundation funds projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 and are available to Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Exclusions include multi-year support and unrestricted operating funds. The foundation aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable families through targeted assistance.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Island Foundation offers Environment Grants to support projects in coastal regions of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, focusing on marine and coastal resource conservation. Priority is given to initiatives addressing climate change, promoting sustainable landscapes, and enhancing community health through environmental conservation. The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for those engaged locally, to apply for funding that strengthens both ecological and community resilience.

The Smith Family Foundation offers Small Capital Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support tax-exempt nonprofits in Greater Boston and Gateway Cities. These grants aim to strengthen nonprofits' capacities for one-time capital expenses, addressing critical needs in economically disadvantaged communities. With a mission to promote positive change, the foundation prioritizes organizations with operating budgets under $3 million, focusing on human services and community development.

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.

The Cummings $30 Million Grant Program will allocate $30 million to 150 local nonprofits in the Greater Boston area in 2026. This program primarily supports organizations focused on human services, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental initiatives. Eligible applicants must be based in specific Massachusetts counties and provide services within those areas. The program does not fund requests related to the arts, culture, or animal welfare, ensuring resources are directed to pressing community needs.

The Greater Merrimack Valley Efforts Horne Family Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community services in Massachusetts and New Hampshire. With a commitment to Human Services, Environment, and Wildlife, the foundation supports initiatives aiding at-risk youth, the homeless, and victims of abuse. It provides operational support and funding for innovative programs, prioritizing conservation, health, and welfare in upcoming grant cycles. The foundation encourages eligible organizations to apply for grants that align with its mission and values.

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 National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

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

The New England BioLabs Foundation Grant focuses on supporting nonprofit organizations that enhance biocultural diversity and ecosystem services in regions such as Central America and West Africa. Projects should aim to conserve biological diversity, sustain traditional knowledge, and promote local economic vitality. The foundation prioritizes community-led initiatives, especially in coastal communities along Massachusetts' North Shore. Those interested must first submit a letter of inquiry, adhering to specific guidelines before proceeding with full proposals.

The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund Grant offers vital support for nonprofit cultural organizations to enhance their facilities. With over $9 million available for repairs, renovations, and new construction, the grant encourages projects that promote sustainability and align with the state’s net zero emissions goal by 2050. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions that provide public access. The fund aims to strengthen cultural infrastructure, ensuring these facilities continue to serve their communities effectively.

The Commonwealth Corps Host Site RFA invites Massachusetts organizations to partner with AmeriCorps to address local community needs. Through AmeriCorps Planning Grants, eligible nonprofits, schools, and agencies can develop new programs to recruit and manage AmeriCorps members. These members play a crucial role in service, receiving training and support while making a significant impact on education, the environment, and public safety. This initiative aims to strengthen community engagement and enhance service delivery.

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Yawkey Foundation's Strategic Investment Grant supports nonprofit organizations aiming for strategic growth through board-approved plans. Grants, ranging from $250,000 to $1 million, may fund regional expansions, collaborative efforts among nonprofits, and organizational mergers. Initial Proposals are highly competitive and must demonstrate strong leadership, proven impact, and alignment with the Foundation's Areas of Giving. Review periods for proposals can take 6-12 months, during which feedback is not provided.

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

The Trust for the Meditation Process offers grants focused on mindfulness and contemplative Christianity, aiming to promote health, wholeness, and inner awareness through silent practices. These grants support non-profit organizations that enhance contemplative traditions, expand mindfulness education, and connect with underserved communities. With a rich history dating back to 1986, the program seeks to foster compassion and dialogue among various contemplative practices, making a significant impact on mental and emotional well-being.

The Harold Brooks Foundation, established in 1984, supports nonprofit organizations that enhance the lives of South Shore residents in Massachusetts. Focused on five key areas—education, food and nutrition, health, housing, and mental health—the Foundation aims to address the basic human needs of the community. By funding impactful programs, it seeks to assist the underserved and improve the overall well-being of the region's residents.

Enterprise Community Partners

Enterprise Community Partners is a national nonprofit that exists to make a good home possible for the millions of families without one. Home is where life happens, where plans are made, and futures begin. It is the foundation for dignity, health, education, wealth, and community. Yet rents keep going up, paychecks don’t keep pace, and good homes in strong neighborhoods are increasingly out of reach.

The system doesn’t work. It must be changed, and it must be changed by us.

Enterprise has the breadth, scale, and expertise to do it. We support community development organizations on the ground. We aggregate and invest billions to improve housing and strengthen communities across the U.S. We advance housing policy at every level of government. We build and manage communities ourselves. Everything we do is informed by the residents we serve.

Together with our partners, we focus on the greatest need — the massive shortage of affordable rental homes — to achieve three goals:

• Increase the supply of affordable homes
• Advance racial equity after decades of systematic racism in housing
• Support residents and strengthen communities to be resilient to the unpredictable, and make upward mobility possible

Since 1982, we have invested $92.0 billion and created 1.1 million homes across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. We do all this to make home and community places of pride, power, and belonging.

National Housing Innovation Grant Competition

Home is foundational. It’s where we plant roots, raise and care for our families, and build community bonds. Yet in every corner of the country, millions of people of all ages and backgrounds need a home they can afford.

Wells Fargo is meeting this moment with a powerful grant opportunity. Together with Enterprise, Wells Fargo has launched the third iteration of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge. The 2026 cycle of the housing innovation competition will identify and propel proven, ready-to-scale solutions that transform current practices and increase housing choice and access.

Eligible applicants will compete for five individual grants of $2 million to advance their innovation and drive meaningful, systems-level change in the housing and adjacent industries. Winners will gain access to mentorship and coaching from industry leaders and experts and join a powerful network of Breakthrough Challenge innovators.

Focus Areas

This third cycle of the Housing Affordability Breakthrough Challenge aims to meet the nation’s affordable housing challenges across all types of communities: Native, rural, suburban, tribal, and urban.

Proposals must encompass one or more of three focus areas:

• Design and Construction
• Finance
• Service Delivery and Programs

Applicants will be asked to show how their proof of concept or pilot program has achieved clear outcomes and success, and provide a clear pathway to expanding the innovation’s reach and impact

Round 1: Criteria and Scoring

Your innovation must meet the criteria below to advance to the official scoring stage.

Type of Community

Innovations can serve all types of communities:

• Rural
• Urban
• Suburban
• Tribal

Location

Priority scoring will be given to applications from entities that are based in – or whose innovations are designed for – one or more of these 28 states, plus D.C.:

• Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Minnesota, Montana, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Virginia, Washington, Washington D.C.

Affordability

Innovations must serve residents at these income levels:

• Rental: 80% AMI or below
• Homeownership: 120% AMI or below
• Workforce housing: 120% AMI or below

The Yawkey Foundation offers Program and Small Capital Grants to nonprofit organizations making meaningful impacts in Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife. Grants can be up to $100,000 and support projects aligned with the nonprofit’s mission. Organizations are encouraged to submit Initial Proposals during designated periods, demonstrating strong leadership and community impact, particularly in underserved regions of Eastern Massachusetts.