Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Massachusetts

The Costco Wholesale Charitable Contributions program prioritizes support for children, education, and health services within local communities. Nonprofit organizations seeking assistance must be 501(c)(3) certified and focus on monetary requests. Applications are reviewed within 4-6 weeks, factoring in community needs and collaboration. However, Costco limits grants to 10% of the program budget and typically restricts organizations to one request per fiscal year. They do not fund individuals or direct aid for various specific purposes.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for health, education, development, and welfare programs from the Dan Paul Foundation, including work in Massachusetts. Grants up to US $15,000 may support child advocacy, poverty and homelessness services, refugee enrichment, and youth environmental education such as clean air and water initiatives.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology for crisis response, education access, economic empowerment, or climate resilience in Massachusetts and beyond can seek Global Impact Cash Grants to scale innovative programs. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help organizations serving predominantly economically underserved communities, with overhead generally at or below 25 percent, and are accepted year-round via an initial LOI process.

Educational institutions, government programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, and 501(c)(4) volunteer fire companies in Massachusetts can seek funding for safety, education, and community development initiatives. Grants from State Farm Companies Foundation help support projects like disaster preparedness, community revitalization, affordable housing, and job training, which may benefit communities facing environmental justice concerns.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and justice in coastal Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island can apply for Island Foundation support for general operating or project-based needs. Grants may fund marine and coastal protection, climate and renewable energy initiatives, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, environmental health, and capacity-building for local conservation and environmental justice efforts.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth with disabilities or serious health conditions in Massachusetts can seek funding for capacity building, programs, capital, multi-year projects, start-up, or general operating support. With a mission to aid vulnerable children, John W. Alden Trust also supports research on diseases affecting children and may benefit groups addressing environmental justice–related health disparities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on human services, fairness and justice, education, healthcare, or environmental programs can seek general operating support through this program, with awards from US $30,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from Cummings Foundation help locally based organizations in Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and select Norfolk communities, including those advancing environmental justice and advocacy work.

Massachusetts local governments and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can secure funding for urban and community forestry capacity-building projects, including in environmental justice neighborhoods, in Massachusetts. Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs offers US $1,000 - US $40,000 matching challenge grants for activities like tree planting, heritage tree care, urban forestry plans, ordinances, staffing, and community wood banks.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community services, including those in Massachusetts, can seek philanthropic grants or event sponsorships to support their service and fundraising goals. Insperity supports community-focused work in select U.S. counties; Massachusetts environmental justice and advocacy groups may be eligible if they meet the company’s employee, client, or community connection criteria.

The Dudley T. Dougherty Foundation Grant supports nonprofit charitable organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Revenue Code. Established in 2002, the foundation aims to empower groups committed to positive change, fostering respect for life and the environment. Their vision emphasizes collaboration for a better future, encouraging applicants to embody these values in their initiatives. With a focus on impactful projects, this grant is an opportunity for organizations striving to make a critical difference in our world.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment projects that serve Georgia-Pacific communities. Focused on strengthening communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites organizations within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing facility to apply, which may include groups advancing environmental justice and advocacy work.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.

The Lawrence Foundation is a private family foundation established in 2000, dedicated to granting funds for environmental and human services causes. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and public schools, with grants typically ranging from $5,000 to $10,000. The foundation supports unrestricted grants for various projects, including disaster relief and environmental programs, but does not fund individuals or for-profit entities. Applications are evaluated based on alignment with the foundation's priorities.

The Max and Victoria Dreyfus Foundation offers grants to support diverse initiatives, including museums, educational programs, and environmental activities. Aiming to make a significant impact with modest funding, the Foundation targets IRS-qualified non-profits in the U.S. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $20,000, fostering community development and enhancement. Organizations focused on youth, seniors, and individuals with disabilities are particularly encouraged to apply, as the Foundation seeks to empower those in need.

Nonprofits, training providers, and other organizations in Massachusetts that deliver clean energy workforce training for underserved communities can apply for Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants, with awards up to US $1,200,000 over two to three years. With a mission to expand equitable clean energy careers, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center supports programs that build career pathways and pipeline training for climate-critical jobs, benefiting environmental justice communities.

Massachusetts and Vermont nonprofit organizations, schools, and local governments can apply for Vermont Community Foundation’s Deerfield River Enhancement Fund, offering up to US $14,000 for watershed conservation and stewardship projects. Eligible projects must occur in or directly benefit the Deerfield River Basin, including activities like monitoring, trail work, education, events, and improving public access.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations showing measurable outcomes and, ideally, active Ameriprise volunteer engagement may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofits, schools, and workforce organizations in Massachusetts can seek funding to run clean energy career awareness, exploration, and training programs for students and young adults from environmental justice communities and other underrepresented groups; awards up to US $600,000. Grants from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center support planning, capacity-building, and work-based learning in the clean energy sector.

Nonprofits, workforce programs, and other organizations building clean energy career pathways in Massachusetts can access funding for work-based learning, skills training, and service opportunities for ages 18–24. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center supports workforce development in energy efficiency and clean heating and cooling, including planning and implementation grants up to Up to US $375,000 over two years.

Organizations planting trees in Massachusetts environmental justice neighborhoods can apply for US $20,000 - US $100,000 to expand urban tree canopy on public and private property. Focused on environmental justice and community greening, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s program seeks measurable environmental, health, and energy-efficiency benefits for disadvantaged communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on youth development, food security, housing, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, offering US $30,000 - US $350,000 for impactful community programs. Environmental justice groups serving underserved youth and families may be especially competitive across education, hunger, housing, and greening initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on community projects in Boston that reduce air pollution or its health impacts can apply for the City of Boston’s Community Clean Air Grant Program, with awards up to US $200,000. Projects that monitor, prevent, or cut greenhouse gas emissions in vulnerable, environmental justice communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant through social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief may be eligible for this international funding, including work in Massachusetts. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller 501(c)(3) and qualifying foreign entities with revenues of $300,000 to $3,000,000, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000.