Best Grants for Global Health in Massachusetts

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement conservation practices on eligible lands. Support helps improve water and air quality, conserve water, build soil health, reduce pollution, and enhance wildlife habitat, benefiting environmental and community health outcomes.

Tax-exempt 501(c)(3) and 509(a) organizations working in health, medical care, and human services, including some global health-related efforts, can seek support for operating costs, specific projects, or occasional capital needs. McGraw Foundation provides grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000, generally for organizations in the greater Chicago area, which may benefit Massachusetts partners or initiatives.

Graduate students conducting research on drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with timely, actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related research, American Water Works Association invites students, including those in Massachusetts working on global or public health challenges, to apply for this scholarship opportunity.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Massachusetts working on community development, education, workforce readiness, or financial literacy can apply for grants of US $10,000 - US $25,000 to support their programs. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help strengthen affordable housing, small business growth, academic success, and job creation, which may benefit organizations with global health-related initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations addressing global health-related needs such as health care, humanitarian aid, child welfare, and women’s services can access funding through The Father's Table Foundation; awards are up to US $750,000. Massachusetts organizations working on issues like HIV/AIDS care, clean water, food security, or disaster relief may be eligible if they build long-term self-sufficiency.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts and nearby New England states can apply for Agnes M. Lindsay Trust grants of US $1,000 - US $7,500 to support health and human services, including capital and operating needs. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust help programs in health and welfare, dental care, homeless shelters, food security, youth services, and camp scholarships, which may benefit global health–related initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects in Massachusetts and other eligible states. Grants from Green Mountain Energy help organizations implement renewable energy, energy efficiency, conservation, and related environmental initiatives that benefit local communities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions conducting biomedical and public health research can apply for small-scale project funding, including global health-related work, in Massachusetts and other eligible U.S. jurisdictions. US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health provides up to US $375,000 to expand research opportunities for undergraduates and strengthen campus research environments at institutions with limited prior NIH support.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) public charities serving low- to moderate-income residents with housing, youth, financial inclusion, workforce, or small business support programs can apply for Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000. With a mission to strengthen communities, the foundation may benefit nonprofits whose work touches global health through housing stability, youth wellness, and economic opportunity.

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, health, science education, or community projects in Massachusetts and worldwide can seek philanthropic support that promotes sustainable development and community well-being. La Roche supports accredited charities through its Corporate Donations and Philanthropy program, prioritizing innovative projects in humanitarian and social development, primary health care, disaster relief, youth services, and related global health initiatives.

Early-career research scientists in low- and middle-income countries conducting clinical global health research can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development. Grants from US Dept. of Health & Human Services: National Institutes of Health support three to five years of protected research time, benefiting partners in places like Massachusetts engaged in global health collaborations.

Nonprofit organizations working on health, medicine, or related human services in Hampden and Hampshire counties, Massachusetts can seek funding for program development, equipment, capital projects, research, and more. Grants from the Beveridge Family Foundation help Massachusetts organizations improve quality of life, which may benefit programs with a global health dimension or focus.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with urgent equity, justice, or community needs can receive approximately US $2,500 in one-time support for immediate expenses. New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund prioritizes historically underfunded organizations, which may include those advancing health access, mental health, or social determinants of health connected to global health work.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits working on social or financial empowerment may be eligible for community-focused support, including health, basic needs, arts access, education, and financial literacy programs. Aegon Transamerica Foundation funds innovative initiatives in markets where it operates, emphasizing self-reliance, inclusion, and opportunities for employee engagement in supported communities.

Early-career research scientists at low- or middle-income country academic or research institutions conducting health-related global health projects can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, offering approximately US $140,000 for mentored career development and research. This National Institutes of Health opportunity may benefit Massachusetts-based partners collaborating with LMIC investigators on priority health issues.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations seeking funding for education-focused programs in Massachusetts and other U.S. regions can apply for US $5,000 - US $20,000 from the John Ben Snow Memorial Trust. Priority goes to educational initiatives, with additional consideration for youth, arts, community, environmental, disability, and historic preservation projects that may intersect with global health concerns.

Organizations planning congresses, events, or initiatives in Massachusetts that focus on neurological and related health issues can seek corporate sponsorship funding for tangible benefits like exhibits or recognition. Biogen Foundation provides support for programs in areas such as Alzheimer’s, ALS, multiple sclerosis, Parkinson’s, stroke, and other neurological diseases, which may include global health–related efforts.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s recent retirees program. Eligible organizations must be within the Regions footprint, which includes Massachusetts for certain categories.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Massachusetts working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible charities receive matched donations when supported by full-time Regions associates or recent retirees within the bank’s footprint.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of operations can seek funding for community health, wellbeing, and related services, including global health–adjacent work. The Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust supports Cape Cod projects in areas like healthcare access, mental health, housing, family services, and economic vitality with grants of more than US $2,500.

The William P. Wharton Trust Grant supports projects that align with the vision of its patron, focusing on tangible outcomes. It prioritizes land conservation efforts that protect natural resources over recreational use. The Trust aims to leverage funds for impactful environmental initiatives and encourages collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental units, while grants are limited to direct project costs. Notably, the Trust avoids funding for overhead, construction, and educational programs for youth below college level.

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.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts.

Our Mission

MassCEC's mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climatetech innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, while advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader and growing the state’s clean energy economy.

2030 Fund

About the 2030 Fund

The $50M 2030 Fund is a signal to the market that Massachusetts is committed to the commercialization of climate technologies. MassCEC invests impactfully and countercyclically in Massachusetts’ most promising climate technology innovators. Our investments support climatetech companies as they de-risk their technology, reach early commercial milestones, and attract private funding for growth.  

Climatetech encompasses a wide range of tech solutions across sectors that further mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Portfolio companies work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, and/or serve as enabling solutions to achieve the Commonwealth’s climate goals. We invest across seven major sectors: energy; industry and manufacturing; transportation; buildings; agriculture, food and nature; carbon management; and adaptation and resilience.

The 2030 Fund invests in a variety of financial instruments, including SAFEs, convertible notes, equity, and venture debt. Investments typically range from $100k-$600k per check and may total $1.5M cumulatively. MassCEC is able to provide more patient capital than a typical private investor. Deploying strategic state capital, with no artificial pressures of fund lifetimes, the 2030 Fund can invest counter-cyclically, back founders through challenging market conditions, and work for successful long-term exits. 

MassCEC considers new investments on a rolling basis. The timeline from pitch to close of investment is typically three to five months.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.