Best Grants for Women 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.

The Creag Foundation, established in 2009 in Woodinville, Washington, provides funding to innovative 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations addressing social issues. Focused on smaller organizations, the foundation seeks to support those with unique approaches to improve the human condition. Eligible applicants must have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year and present a new or previously unaddressed solution to societal challenges. Applications are by invitation only, encouraging creativity and passion in charitable work.

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 those in Massachusetts. Grants up to US $15,000 may benefit initiatives such as child advocacy, homelessness and poverty services, refugee enrichment, and other youth-focused efforts, including programs supporting girls and young women.

The Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

State Farm's Good Neighbor Citizenship Company Grants aim to enhance community safety, development, and education. Focused on long-term impact, they support initiatives in auto and home safety, disaster preparedness, affordable housing, and educational programs. Eligible recipients include nonprofits, educational institutions, and government entities. However, funding is not available for individuals, religious programs, or organizations outside the U.S. By addressing critical community needs, these grants foster safer and more resilient neighborhoods.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million offering arts or science programming can apply for the Hearst Foundations’ culture grants, awarding more than US $100,000 for program or capital support. Massachusetts organizations serving large audiences, including women and girls, may benefit, especially those focused on arts education, artist development, or STEAM initiatives.

Massachusetts Jewish organizations and individual organizers offering meaningful Jewish culture or community programs can access funding through Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s reimbursement-based Jewish Community Grants. Eligible events must occur in Western Massachusetts or Southern Vermont and emphasize impact, collaboration, and engaging under‑engaged individuals and families, including programs that highlight or celebrate women in Jewish life.

Massachusetts nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, and community programs that advance equitable care and education. Focused on community health and welfare, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites groups, including those serving women and girls, to apply for support such as food access, healthcare for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits can receive support for early childhood education and community economic development initiatives that serve low- and moderate-income families. PNC Foundation provides funding for programs such as early learning, workforce development, affordable housing, small business support, community services, and arts and culture, which may benefit organizations advancing opportunities for women and girls.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts coastal communities serving fishermen, their families, or low-income older adults can apply for Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston’s annual grants supporting social service programs and operations. Women- and girl-serving nonprofits may be eligible if their work addresses housing stability, independence, or other social service needs in areas like Gloucester, New Bedford, or Cape Cod.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts that provide social services to fishermen, their families, and low-income elders can seek multi-year support to test or expand programs. With a mission to strengthen coastal communities, Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston offers operating, program, start-up, and special project funding, with preference for traditional fishing areas like Gloucester, New Bedford, and Cape Cod.

Massachusetts nonprofits providing human services or health programs for underserved elders, especially older women in Bristol County, can access funding through Sophia Romero Trust for general operating, program support, and small program-related capital needs. Most awards are one-year grants supporting basic needs, primary care access, and community health education for vulnerable seniors.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations serving Lowell residents through women’s and girls’ services, social programs, education, health, or community development can seek project and capital funding from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, with awards ranging from US $15,000 - US $50,000. Priority goes to under-served groups, including disadvantaged young women, children, the elderly, refugees, and immigrants.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving women, girls, and families through education, poverty relief, health, or related services in the Southern U.S. may be eligible for this funding. Robinson Foundation supports humanitarian, family, and youth-focused work; Massachusetts-based groups with programs reaching communities below the Mason-Dixon line can apply if they meet regional and tenure requirements.

Nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organizations serving Lowell, Massachusetts residents, especially women and girls and other under-served groups, can apply for mini-grants up to US $7,500 to address community needs. With a mission to build a more caring and equitable community, Theodore Edson Parker Foundation reviews these smaller requests quarterly.

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.

Focused on professional development for oligonucleotide researchers, the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society invites current OTS members to apply for up to US $2,000 to support local meetings and networking events. Massachusetts organizers hosting women-in-science, diversity-focused, or junior scientist events that bring together multiple labs or institutions may be eligible.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting women and children can receive up to US $5,000 for programs addressing child abuse, domestic violence, economic self-sufficiency, and basic needs through the Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund. Southcoast Community Foundation prioritizes services like prevention, treatment, shelters, hotlines, legal advocacy, employment training, and financial management across eligible counties.

Women- and girl-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Massachusetts seeking unrestricted operating support for poverty, education, health, or equity work may be eligible. With a mission to strengthen Greater Boston–area organizations, Philanthropy Connection provides general operating grants to nonprofits addressing issues like income inequality, employment readiness, wellness, and social or gender bias.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on hunger relief, shelters, adult self-sufficiency, community development, or cultural enrichment may be eligible, with preference for sites near Ameriprise employee centers and strong volunteer engagement.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) childcare centers seeking capital improvements can apply for grants up to US $100,000 to expand or upgrade facilities, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Grants from Franklin Square House Foundation prioritize economically and racially integrated centers with at least 50% subsidized slots, strong administrative capacity, and readiness to create new childcare spaces for women and their children.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations offering health-building, educational, recreational, or counseling programs, especially for girls and young women, can apply for grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support capital needs, operations, or special projects. Grants from Rebecca Pomroy Foundation particularly favor groups serving the Newton community and historically marginalized populations.

Nonprofit agencies providing community-based services for women and children in crisis in Massachusetts can seek funding to improve health, safety, independence, and self-sufficiency. Chickering Foundation supports privately funded programs in Eastern Massachusetts counties that build long-term support networks, bridge gaps in government services, and raise awareness of underserved needs.

Massachusetts nonprofits providing health and human services for women in reduced circumstances can access funding through the Katharine C. Pierce Trust, with typical one-year grants of US $10,000. Eligible programs include homecare for elderly women, adult day health, and emergency assistance for women facing homelessness, domestic violence, disabilities, or substance use disorders.

The True Inspiration Awards, established by Chick-fil-A in 2015, recognizes nonprofit organizations that significantly impact their communities. In 2025, the program will distribute $6 million in grants, ranging from $30,000 to $350,000, to sixteen selected organizations. Categories include Caring for People, Caring through Food, Community, and Caring for our Planet, with a focus on educational initiatives, food security, housing services, and environmental stewardship, honoring the legacy of founder S. Truett Cathy.

The Gupta Family Foundation Grant aims to empower disadvantaged individuals by providing financial support to organizations that foster self-reliance. Headquartered in Herndon, Virginia, the foundation offers grants ranging from $5,000 to over $250,000, prioritizing smaller organizations with a strong commitment to their missions. Eligibility typically includes US-based IRS 501(c)(3) entities, with operations extending to countries like India and Kenya. The foundation emphasizes mission alignment and effective resource allocation to ensure maximum impact.