Best Transportation Grants in Massachusetts

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is a quasi-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. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

Our Mission

MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy. MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued.

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.

The Barr Foundation's Climate Grants program is committed to addressing climate change through equitable solutions that prioritize communities impacted by environmental injustices. With a focus on clean energy, mobility, and resilience, the program aims to foster an inclusive movement that supports diverse voices and builds capacity among organizations led by people of color. The initiative emphasizes collaboration and innovative strategies to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and prepare communities for climate impacts.

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.

CSX Charitable Investments provide essential in-kind donations to nonprofit organizations focused on supporting military members and community first responders. Through intermodal transportation services, CSX offers equipment and rail services to help reduce transportation costs for eligible organizations. The program also includes occasional donations of railroad materials and equipment based on availability. CSX prioritizes support for organizations operating within its service areas, promoting community betterment and development.

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.

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 Semnani Family Foundation, established in 1993, is dedicated to supporting marginalized communities worldwide through health, education, and disaster relief initiatives. Founded by Khosrow and Ghazaleh Semnani, it began by funding an orphanage in Romania. The foundation also operates locally, providing free healthcare through the Maliheh Free Clinic in Utah. Its commitment to human welfare drives impactful partnerships in countries such as Afghanistan, India, and South Africa, focusing on the most vulnerable populations.

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 Annual Community Impact Grants program by Fallon Health provides funding between $5,000 and $45,000 to support new or existing programs addressing critical community needs. Focus areas include food security, support for older adults, and early intervention for children and youth. Emphasizing collaboration and sustainability, the program aims to enhance access to essential services, particularly in Massachusetts, ensuring the well-being of underserved populations.

The Somerville Health Foundation RFA aims to enhance primary care and preventive health services for Somerville residents, prioritizing equity principles from the CHA 2022 Regional Wellbeing Report. Key focus areas include housing stability, equitable economies, accessibility to healthcare, and climate health. Proposals that address these priorities, especially those emphasizing inclusion and collective care, will be given extra consideration for funding in the 2025-2026 cycle.

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 Autism Community Impact Grant by the Flutie Foundation supports not-for-profit organizations that enhance the lives of individuals and families affected by autism. In 2023, the grant focuses on underserved and culturally diverse communities, funding programs that make an immediate impact. Eligible projects include educational, vocational, and recreational opportunities, as well as support services. The Foundation encourages applications that serve those profoundly affected by autism, aiming to improve their quality of life.

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 goal of MassDOT’s Community Transit Grant Program is to provide and strengthen the transportation services available to meet the mobility needs of older adults and individuals with disabilities. It is recognized that these populations have transportation needs which are often not met by conventional automobile or public transportation, and require specialized assistance to access services, employment, medical care, and other important destinations.  This grant is for  those who are interested in applying for funding to operate transportation or promote mobility management to expand mobility for older adults, people with disabilities, and low-income people. 

MassDOT seeks to expand mobility for older adults and people with disabilities across the Commonwealth through filling gaps in the transportation network, complementing – not duplicating – existing services, and supporting coordinated models of transportation. Through this cycle, MassDOT will be awarding accessible vehicles. 

The Innovation Ecosystem Program (IEP) offers grants to Entrepreneur Support Organizations (ESOs) in Massachusetts, aiming to support early-stage climatetech entrepreneurs. The program features two tracks: Track 1 provides up to $120,000 for programming support, while Track 2 includes the same amount plus access to a fellowship funding pool of up to $900,000. This initiative focuses on enhancing startup programs and advancing research translation into viable climatetech businesses.

The Summer Fund Grant, established in 1971 by Philanthropy Massachusetts, supports summer camps and enrichment programs for underserved youth in Greater Boston. It offers General Operating Grants to help nonprofits with operational costs, alongside a Mental Health Grant Program addressing youth mental health needs and the Homeless Campership Fund, which subsidizes camp fees for homeless youth. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, ensuring impactful support for local communities.

The MassTrails Grants program offers matching grants to support the development and maintenance of trails in Massachusetts. Grants can reach up to $500,000, depending on the project type. Eligible activities include design, engineering, and construction, with a minimum matching requirement of 20% from proponents. Projects must demonstrate community support and landowner permission, with funding sourced from both state and federal programs. This initiative aims to enhance recreational trail connectivity across the Commonwealth.

The Quest Diagnostics Foundation is funding Priority Community Programs in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, aimed at improving health outcomes through coalition-driven solutions. This initiative focuses on chronic cardiometabolic conditions and maternal/child health, encouraging multi-sector collaborations and alignment with Community Health Needs Assessments. The foundation offers funding ranging from $100,000 to $1,000,000 annually for 1 to 2 years, seeking applicants that demonstrate robust community partnerships and effective use of diagnostic resources.

The O'Reilly Automotive Foundation Grant focuses on enhancing community welfare through philanthropic initiatives that support economic stability, workforce development, health services, and disaster relief. Established in 2020, the Foundation seeks to empower underrepresented individuals and organizations in the U.S. by addressing vital community needs. It particularly aims to provide assistance to nonprofits that foster positive change and improve quality of life for those in need, ensuring a lasting impact in local communities.

The Katharine C. Pierce Trust Grant aims to enhance the lives of women in Massachusetts facing challenging circumstances. Focusing on health and human services, it supports nonprofit organizations providing essential services, including homecare and emergency assistance. The grant prioritizes program or capital requests, with a typical award of $10,000 for one year. Applications for direct service grants are due by May 1. Special consideration is given to initiatives benefiting elderly women.

The Massachusetts Urban Agriculture Grant Program aims to enhance food security and access to fresh produce in urban areas. It supports commercial projects for the production and marketing of food, focusing on long-term investments in infrastructure and innovative farming techniques. The program prioritizes initiatives that address soil quality, land acquisition, and community engagement, ensuring that urban farming benefits low to moderate-income neighborhoods and fosters local economic development.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is a quasi-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. MassCEC works to increase the adoption of clean energy while driving down costs and delivering financial, environmental, and economic development benefits to energy users and utility customers across the state.

Our Mission

MassCEC’s mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climate solution innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader while growing the state’s clean energy economy. MassCEC is committed to creating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive organization where everyone is welcomed, supported, respected, and valued.

Transportation Equity Needs and Barriers Assessment

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”) the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (“MassCEC”) is seeking qualified consultants or professionals with experience in stakeholder engagement and facilitation; working with and understanding the needs of burdened populations and community-based organizations (“CBOs”); data collection/synthesis; communication; project management; and clean transportation technologies to serve as a project manager under MassCEC’s Transportation Equity Needs and Barriers Assessment.

The goal of this Initiative is to coordinate robust stakeholder engagement and synthesize key transportation needs and barriers identified through this engagement, which can then inform future MassCEC and other state clean transportation programming.

The Consultant will be responsible for:

• Ongoing management and reporting;
• Partnering with and compensating CBOs to provide input on transportation needs and barriers and to assist with engagement efforts;
• Facilitating robust outreach and engagement to residents of Burdened Areas through surveys, interviews, focus groups, attendance at community events, and other methods to collect feedback on key transportation needs and barriers; and
• Synthesizing information collected to identify and prioritize key transportation needs and barriers that should be addressed by the state.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Massachusetts aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. These grants prioritize projects that benefit rural areas and offer funding without a maximum limit, although smaller requests are favored. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as business planning, training, and community development, fostering economic growth in underserved regions.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

METCO Program

Purpose

The purpose of the state-funded Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) Program is to expand educational opportunities by fostering the opportunity for children from Boston and Springfield to attend public schools in neighboring communities for students to develop a deeper understanding of one another in an integrated public school setting. The METCO program provides students of participating school districts the opportunity to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse setting.

Priorities

The priorities of this fund source are to provide Boston and Springfield students further opportunities to achieve at high levels the learning standards of the state curriculum frameworks and enrich both the urban and suburban communities by providing opportunities and support for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Applicants for this grant opportunity should be deliberate and intentional in the use of grant funds to support the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) standards and priorities. Specifically, this program may include, but not be limited to, the following priorities:

• Academic & mental health supports for METCO students, including: 1) Regular day and after-school tutoring and mentoring programs. 2) Initiatives that bridge opportunity gaps between and within METCO program students and in-district resident students. 3) Other programs and services that support family engagement and community engagement events.

• Hiring needs and professional development for METCO community members (all school and district-based staff and students), designed to support racial integration efforts, including: 1) Professional development geared towards building a culturally and linguistically responsive school culture that contributes to increased cross-cultural and racial understanding. 2) Professional development for new and current METCO staff, and 3) Memberships to and participation in professional organizations focused on diversity and reducing racial imbalance within METCO school communities.

• Transportation

Fund Use

Grant funds must be aligned to the purpose of this grant (see "Purpose" section) and priorities (see "Priorities" section). Funds may be used for local district costs incurred as a result of the participation of Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO students, Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO transportation costs, and for supplemental services that will contribute in a measurable way to enhanced educational opportunities and academic achievement, as well as enrichment.

Funds can be used to supplement but not supplant the costs of district participation in Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO. All budgets must be reviewed and approved by the district Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO leader. 

The Community Clean Air Grant Program, initiated by the City of Boston's Air Pollution Control Commission, seeks proposals from nonprofit organizations for projects that reduce urban air pollution. This initiative aims to enhance public health and tackle climate change impacts, particularly in marginalized communities disproportionately affected by air pollution. Eligible projects include efforts to mitigate pollution sources, improve community monitoring capabilities, and achieve measurable air quality improvements. The program emphasizes support for vulnerable populations facing health risks from environmental pollutants.

The Mutual of America Foundation Community Partnership Award honors exemplary nonprofit organizations in the U.S. that foster collaborative partnerships across sectors. Annually, a national competition showcases numerous organizations demonstrating impactful community partnerships. Six organizations receive recognition, including the Thomas J. Moran Award, which offers $100,000, and the Frances R. Hesselbein Award, granting $75,000. Since 1996, the award has acknowledged 262 partnerships, emphasizing Mutual of America's commitment to societal improvement through collaboration.