Best Water Grants in Massachusetts

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Massachusetts and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, including initiatives that incorporate climate resilience, green jobs, or clean water access within these focus areas.

Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units can apply for the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for water-related safety education, rescue services, and research. Funding supports one-time projects, equipment purchases, start-up programs, and academic or health sciences research focused on preventing and treating injuries on the water.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based charities to apply during its March and September review cycles.

The PNC Foundation aims to enhance the lives of individuals in local communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. Their focus includes promoting educational opportunities, particularly for early childhood education, and supporting economic development initiatives. Grants are available for organizations that benefit low- to moderate-income families and enhance community growth. The foundation prioritizes programs that foster sustainability and diversity, ensuring a lasting impact on the communities they serve.

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 from Green Mountain Energy. Focused on environmental initiatives, the Sun Club invites Massachusetts organizations working on freshwater conservation, water resource management, and related sustainability efforts to propose impactful community projects.

Rural public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts can access funding through USDA Rural Development to address emergencies threatening safe, reliable drinking water. Grants up to US $1,000,000 support waterline extensions, repairs, new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, and treatment plants in eligible low-income rural areas and towns of 10,000 or fewer residents.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Massachusetts can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal funding to build or improve water and waste systems. Support covers drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater projects, plus related costs like engineering, land acquisition, and start-up operations.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Norfolk County, Massachusetts can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation support to run community development, education, health, human services, cultural, or veteran and military support programs. Organizations may use funding for local projects that improve quality of life and address broad community needs where the company operates.

501(c)(3) organizations active over three years and serving the Southern U.S. can seek funding for nature and wildlife conservation, environmental work, and related community services. Robinson Foundation supports projects with tangible, meaningful impact; Massachusetts-based groups may be eligible if their freshwater or water-resource efforts serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

Agricultural producers in Massachusetts seeking support for water management, irrigation improvements, or conservation practices can apply for funding from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Massachusetts. This program helps manage financial risk through resource conservation, including water-related projects, and may benefit farms working on water conservation or broader water resource management efforts.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices that improve water quality, conserve water resources, and enhance soil health. With a mission to address natural resource concerns, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides support for projects that reduce agricultural pollution, protect drinking water, and restore wildlife habitat through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

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 within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports organizations aligned with its mission that have not received TJX funding in the past 12 months.

Massachusetts nonprofits focused on environmental conservation and coastal ecosystems can access funding through New England Biolabs Foundation for community-based projects that protect water, soil, and related ecosystem services. Eligible projects along the North Shore may also incorporate arts, education, or civic engagement to promote environmental protection and community inclusion.

Municipal water utilities in Massachusetts can receive US $75,000 - US $350,000 to implement energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects that lower energy use and operating costs. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, working with MassDEP and the Clean Energy Center, helps utilities upgrade infrastructure that supports both water resource management and green infrastructure goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and arts access. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with grants that prioritize strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Tax-exempt nonprofit child care providers in Massachusetts can receive capital funding to develop or improve facilities serving predominantly low-income families. MassDevelopment’s Early Education and Out of School Time Small Grant Program supports rehabilitation projects such as outdoor play spaces, HVAC upgrades, indoor reconfiguration, safety and accessibility improvements, and security enhancements, with awards ranging from US $200,000 - US $499,999.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Massachusetts and other Appalachian states can seek up to US $100,000 for land acquisition and related project costs. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy supports fee and easement purchases that enhance resilience, connectivity, and community water and nature access benefits.

Massachusetts water-focused nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and civic groups in Berkshire County can access funding through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for projects addressing water quality and related land issues. Eligible freshwater and land conservation initiatives, including those by unincorporated community groups using a fiscal agent, must provide a 1:1 cash or in-kind match.

Massachusetts commercial, industrial, institutional, nonprofit, and public entities planning hydropower upgrades or new conduit facilities in Massachusetts can access funding through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for feasibility studies and construction projects. Awards up to US $300,000 support projects that boost MA RPS-qualified hydropower output, are cost-effective, and provide economic benefits to Massachusetts entities or workers.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on youth development, family services, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that touch water, gardens, or outdoor environmental education may be especially relevant for this page’s visitors.

Urban agriculture organizations and municipal or nonprofit partners in Massachusetts can receive capital funding for commercial food production, processing, and marketing projects that expand access to fresh, local produce in low- and moderate-income urban neighborhoods. Focused on urban farming infrastructure and systems, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources supports projects that may include water-efficient technologies and climate-resilient growing practices.

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.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller organizations, including those in Massachusetts, that are non-sectarian and ensure at least 90% of funds reach beneficiaries.

Ocean Technology Opportunity Roadmap

Award Potential

• $150,000

The Ocean Innovation Network was developed through collaboration between the Offshore Energy and Emerging Climatetech teams. The goals of the OIN Program are to: 

• Establish a cost-effective and reliable path to in-water testing and demonstration by creating a network of test facilities/sites that cover a range of representative ocean conditions; 
• Invest in partner organizations to support their endeavors to provide the OceanTech Startup community with valuable assets, resources, and programming; and 
• Continue to grow and attract OceanTech Startups to Massachusetts. 

The purpose of the Opportunity Roadmap is to identify high-leverage opportunities where strategic public investment and other interventions can strengthen Massachusetts’ ocean technology ecosystem and deliver meaningful economic development benefits to Commonwealth businesses, residents, and ratepayers.