Best Health and Wellness Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Frank Reed & Margaret Jane Peters Memorial Fund I Grant supports educational, human services, and health care programs for underserved populations, particularly youth and children. Established in the 1930s, it typically offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $40,000, excluding support for the Summer Fund. Grant requests for general operating support are encouraged, with a preference for one-year projects, although multi-year support may be considered.

The Mabel A. Horne Fund Grant, established in 1957, aims to enhance educational, human services, and healthcare for underserved populations. This private fund supports general operating and program-related requests, encouraging small capital expenses. Most grants are for one year, with occasional multi-year support available. The initiative seeks to empower communities by providing essential resources for impactful programs.

The George I. Alden Trust offers grants to YMCAs in Massachusetts, reflecting founder George Alden's enduring commitment to the organization. The Trust prioritizes capital projects and primarily provides outright grants, while occasionally offering challenge grants to enhance philanthropic support. Eligible applicants include Massachusetts YMCAs, with specific policies governing application frequency and eligibility after rejection. The Trust's mission is to serve the community, ensuring that educational and charitable initiatives thrive.

The Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, provided by the Bob Woodruff Foundation, offers essential financial support for military veterans and first responders. This initiative focuses on wellness, rehabilitation, and recovery programs, ensuring participants can access mental health services, physical therapy, and holistic resources. The foundation prioritizes those facing emotional and physical challenges, empowering them to overcome barriers and improve their quality of life through customized, evidence-based support.

The Charles F. Bacon Trust Grant supports educational, human services, and health care programs for underserved populations, with a focus on elderly women. Established in 1928, the trust encourages grant requests for operating and program support, including small capital expenses. Most grants are awarded for one year, but multi-year support may occasionally be granted. This initiative aims to enhance the quality of life for vulnerable communities through targeted assistance and resources.

The Healthy Cooking in Communities initiative, funded by the US Department of Health and Human Services, aims to enhance nutrition education across the nation. By fostering a network of local partners, the program will deliver hands-on cooking demonstrations and nutrition workshops, empowering families to make healthier food choices. This initiative addresses significant public health challenges, such as poor diet quality and limited access to nutritious foods, while promoting practical cooking skills and community engagement to improve overall health outcomes.

The WWT Foundation Grant aims to empower organizations aligned with the foundation's values, focusing on community service, employee engagement, and business impact. Key areas of support include career readiness, STEM education, human services, and health and wellness. Eligible organizations must be located in the U.S. and registered as 501(c)(3). Applications are accepted year-round, allowing for flexible engagement and support for impactful community initiatives.

The Athene Charitable Foundation focuses on corporate social responsibility through community involvement, aiming to create positive social impacts in education, health, human services, and the environment. Their initiatives include partnerships, employee volunteering, and donations aligned with their mission. They prioritize organizations that support diversity and inclusion while ensuring compliance with their non-discrimination policies. Eligible entities must be registered 501(c)(3) organizations or equivalent, enhancing community welfare where Athene employees live and work.

The Get Out and Get Active Grant by the Anxiety & Depression Initiative supports innovative projects that promote the mental health benefits of physical activity. This funding aims to reduce anxiety and depression through community fitness programs and educational campaigns, emphasizing the intersection of physical activity and mental health. Eligible applicants include nonprofits and academic institutions in the U.S. seeking to enhance well-being and integrate active lifestyles for individuals living with mental illness.

The City of Boston is offering a grant of $450,000 to enhance behavioral health care access for older adults (55+). This initiative aims to support organizations providing mental health services, training, and capacity building. Eligible applicants include community-based organizations and health providers focused on culturally appropriate care. The goal is to improve mental health services for underserved populations, ensuring comprehensive support for the behavioral health needs of Boston's senior residents.

The Cape Cod Foundation's 2025 Open Door Grants aim to enhance community impact by supporting organizations in Barnstable County, Massachusetts. These competitive grants, ranging from $5,000 to $10,000, are designed for first-time applicants or those who haven't received specific grants in the past five years. By focusing on fewer, larger grants, the Foundation seeks to empower smaller organizations and respond to emerging community needs, ensuring that all applicants can contribute to the region's philanthropic landscape.

The Karen Kisslinger Fund, established by Karen's family, upholds her legacy of compassion and health in mind, body, and community. This unique charitable resource supports students from specific high schools in Connecticut and New York who are passionate about holistic health practices. Grants fund activities like yoga, mindfulness, and sustainable farming, ensuring that Karen's commitment to wellness and ethical living continues to inspire future generations.

The Impact100 Global Veterans Awards empower women to make a significant difference by awarding grants up to $100,000 to nonprofits that serve veterans. Focus areas include art and culture, education, health and wellness, environment, and family initiatives, promoting the well-being and support of veterans across the United States. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, including tax-exempt status, and are encouraged to submit proposals that utilize funds effectively within two years.

The Cape & Coast Bank Foundation Grant focuses on five key pillars that address critical community needs, including building community connections, enhancing financial and economic vitality, promoting health and wellbeing, providing housing solutions, and supporting families. Grants start at $2,500 and target 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations operating for at least three years in Barnstable County. The foundation seeks to fund impactful programs that make a tangible difference in the lives of Cape Cod residents, ensuring funds remain local.

The Thriving Community Impact Fund supports local events and initiatives that promote health and well-being in the community. Applications should be submitted at least 12 weeks prior to the event date. The fund prioritizes non-profit organizations, schools, and government agencies that align with the Health System’s Community Health Improvement Plan. Event sponsorships, local memberships, and partnerships are encouraged to enhance community engagement and address social needs, ultimately fostering a healthier community.

The Philanthropy Connection Grant supports Massachusetts organizations through unrestricted general operating grants. It aims to empower nonprofits by connecting them with a network of female philanthropists, enhancing their funding opportunities. Eligible applicants must demonstrate financial stability, meet revenue criteria, and be located in the Greater Boston area. The grant prioritizes missions addressing poverty, income inequality, and employment readiness among others. Organizations with significant financial losses or lacking independent 501(c)(3) status are ineligible.

The Bank of America Boston Marathon Official Charity Program supports non-profit organizations by providing invitational entries to the marathon. These organizations recruit athletes who pledge to raise funds for their causes. The B.A.A. prioritizes groups focused on building healthy communities, particularly those benefiting the local areas along the marathon route. Eligibility requires organizations to be registered 501(c)(3) and not religious or political. The program emphasizes diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

The Therapeutic Giving initiative by Johnson & Johnson focuses on funding programs in neuroscience aimed at enhancing patient access to treatments and promoting health equity. Nonprofit organizations classified as 501(c)(3) can apply for support from March 1 to May 31. The initiative emphasizes innovative, measurable programs in areas like Alzheimer’s disease and mental health, prioritizing those that address healthcare disparities and improve quality of life for affected individuals.

The Therapeutic Giving program from Johnson & Johnson Innovative Medicine aims to support local and regional organizations focused on improving patient access to treatment and advancing health equity. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with funding preferences for programs that address significant healthcare disparities, mental health initiatives, and innovative solutions with measurable outcomes. The application period for local organizations runs from March 1 to May 31, while national organizations can apply in September.

The College Well-Being Funding Opportunity aims to enhance the health of college students through innovative programs and research. Offered by the American College Health Foundation, it provides up to two awards of $3,500 to eligible institutions for improving campus infrastructure that promotes student well-being. This initiative encourages creativity and collaboration among campus health professionals to develop effective, measurable outcomes in student wellness. By fostering a culture of well-being, the foundation seeks to address the evolving needs of contemporary students.

The Eversource Energy Foundation Grants support community initiatives by providing funding to organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 and require annual reapplication. Organizations must be based within the service territory and hold a 501(c)(3) designation. The Foundation prioritizes projects focused on community wellness, education, clean energy, and economic development while avoiding support for political, fraternal, or discriminatory activities.

The Critical Needs List by Community Foundation Tampa Bay addresses urgent, unforeseen needs of nonprofits that threaten their ability to serve the community. This innovative program allows nonprofits to submit requests for funding up to $250,000 for critical expenses such as emergency repairs and essential equipment replacement. With a focus on supporting local organizations, the program aims to match funding with community philanthropists, ensuring timely assistance to those in need.

The CDV5 Foundation Grant supports charitable organizations, churches, and government entities that meet IRS 501(c)(3) requirements. This grant aims to nurture successful children, foster stronger families, and cultivate healthier communities. Through partnerships, the foundation provides resources to help individuals reach their full potential. Applicants may submit one request annually for operating, capital, or program support, while event sponsorships are also considered. The foundation encourages applicants to consider their budget and history with the foundation when requesting funding.

The Richard King Mellon Foundation invites innovative proposals that align with their 2021-2030 Strategic Plan, aiming to invest over $1.2 billion to enhance opportunities in southwestern Pennsylvania. Their funding focuses on conservation, economic development, economic mobility, health and well-being, organizational effectiveness, and social-impact investments. The General Application offers flexibility without deadlines, allowing for a variety of support types, including project-specific and general operating funding, aimed at enriching community vitality and environmental stewardship.

The Weiss Writing Prize, established by the American College Health Foundation in 2010, aims to enhance mental health care quality for college students. It honors the lead author of a significant publication addressing student retention programs for those with mental health challenges. By fostering innovative and effective solutions, this prize encourages the dissemination of impactful research among American College Health Association members, ultimately contributing to the well-being and success of students across campuses.

The Stephan D. Weiss Student Mental Health Award, established by the American College Health Foundation, aims to enhance mental health support for college students. Offering $5,000 annually, it encourages innovative initiatives that can improve mental health service delivery and student retention. Eligible applicants are members of the American College Health Association, focusing on identifying mental health needs and developing effective campus-wide strategies. This award addresses growing concerns regarding mental health issues in higher education, fostering a supportive learning environment.

The Unity for Humanity Grant invites innovative creators to submit impact-driven projects that utilize real-time 3D technology. This annual grant provides funding, technical support, and marketing resources to help bring visionary ideas to life. Projects must align with UN Sustainable Development Goals and demonstrate measurable impact. Eligible submissions include prototypes across various genres, fostering a more inclusive and sustainable world. Join us in empowering changemakers to make a positive global difference.