Best Grants for Environmental Justice in Massachusetts

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

MassDEP Commercial Refrigeration Grant

This program provides financial incentives for retail food businesses, food banks, and nonprofit organizations to install more climate-friendly commercial refrigeration equipment.

Through its Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, MassDEP is providing financial incentives for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state.

MassDEP will pay your grant funds on a reimbursement basis after you submit invoices and required documentation.

Eligible Projects

Program funding to support projects for ultra-low-GWP systems is available for new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions in Massachusetts that plan to install refrigeration systems that contain ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerants. Eligible costs for ultra-low-GWP systems include the cost of the refrigeration equipment and its installation.

Eligible Project Types: Type I – New Facilities; Type II – Existing Facilities

Type II – Existing Facilities

Installation of ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerant systems

• Full system conversion
• Partial system conversion

Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MASSDEP)

MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.​

MassDEP Commercial Refrigeration Grant

This program provides financial incentives for retail food businesses, food banks, and nonprofit organizations to install more climate-friendly commercial refrigeration equipment.

Through its Commercial Refrigeration Grant Program, MassDEP is providing financial incentives for voluntary adoption of more climate-friendly, low global warming potential (GWP) refrigerants in commercial refrigeration equipment across the state.

MassDEP will pay your grant funds on a reimbursement basis after you submit invoices and required documentation.

Eligible Projects

Program funding to support projects for ultra-low-GWP systems is available for new or existing retail food locations, food banks, and nonprofit institutions in Massachusetts that plan to install refrigeration systems that contain ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerants. Eligible costs for ultra-low-GWP systems include the cost of the refrigeration equipment and its installation.

Eligible Project Types: Type I – New Facilities; Type II – Existing Facilities

Type I – New Facilities

Installation of ultra-low-GWP (<10) refrigerant systems

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 work in Massachusetts. Grants up to US $15,000 may support child advocacy, poverty and homelessness services, refugee enrichment, and youth environmental education such as clean air and water initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for the Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant to support arts and science programs, including in Massachusetts. Awards of more than US $100,000 may fund program, capital, or limited general support, and may benefit organizations integrating arts or STEAM into environmental justice education efforts.

The Labcorp Charitable Foundation, a private 501(c)(3) entity, aims to enhance healthcare access and education for all. With grant opportunities focusing on food programs, healthcare services for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives, it seeks to support community health and well-being. Organizations eligible for funding must be U.S.-based and hold tax-exempt status. Requests are reviewed biannually, in March and September, to foster impactful community projects.

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.

The Bank of America Foundation Sponsorship Program aims to enhance economic mobility and social progress in low- and moderate-income communities through partnerships with nonprofit organizations. This initiative focuses on critical areas such as workforce education, basic needs like food and housing, and community development. The Foundation invested $350 million last year and encourages employee volunteerism and giving, supporting nonprofits in various sectors, including arts, culture, and diversity initiatives.

Nonprofits, training providers, and other organizations in Massachusetts that deliver clean energy workforce training for underserved communities can apply for Equity Workforce Training Implementation Grants, with awards up to US $1,200,000 over two to three years. With a mission to expand equitable clean energy careers, Massachusetts Clean Energy Center supports programs that build career pathways and pipeline training for climate-critical jobs, benefiting environmental justice communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation and justice in coastal Massachusetts, Maine, and Rhode Island can apply for Island Foundation support for general operating or project-based needs. Grants may fund marine and coastal protection, climate and renewable energy initiatives, sustainable agriculture and fisheries, environmental health, and capacity-building for local conservation and environmental justice efforts.

Nonprofit organizations serving children and youth with disabilities or serious health conditions in Massachusetts can seek funding for capacity building, programs, capital, multi-year projects, start-up, or general operating support. With a mission to aid vulnerable children, John W. Alden Trust also supports research on diseases affecting children and may benefit groups addressing environmental justice–related health disparities.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on human services, fairness and justice, education, healthcare, or environmental programs can seek general operating support through this program, with awards from US $30,000 - US $1,000,000. Grants from Cummings Foundation help locally based organizations in Middlesex, Essex, Suffolk, and select Norfolk communities, including those advancing environmental justice and advocacy work.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts nonprofits addressing basic needs, community vitality, or volunteer-driven causes with support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and cultural enrichment. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations showing measurable outcomes and, ideally, active Ameriprise volunteer engagement may be competitive applicants.

Nonprofits, schools, and workforce organizations in Massachusetts can seek funding to run clean energy career awareness, exploration, and training programs for students and young adults from environmental justice communities and other underrepresented groups; awards up to US $600,000. Grants from Massachusetts Clean Energy Center support planning, capacity-building, and work-based learning in the clean energy sector.

Massachusetts and Vermont nonprofit organizations, schools, and local governments can apply for Vermont Community Foundation’s Deerfield River Enhancement Fund, offering up to US $14,000 for watershed conservation and stewardship projects. Eligible projects must occur in or directly benefit the Deerfield River Basin, including activities like monitoring, trail work, education, events, and improving public access.

The Nordstrom Community Grant focuses on supporting youth and families by providing over $1 million in grants annually. It aims to assist grassroots organizations that address essential community needs such as food, shelter, and clothing, as well as creating opportunities for economic mobility through mentorship and workforce development. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits located in areas where Nordstrom operates. Applications are encouraged for those meeting these criteria.

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.

Nonprofits, workforce programs, and other organizations building clean energy career pathways in Massachusetts can access funding for work-based learning, skills training, and service opportunities for ages 18–24. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center supports workforce development in energy efficiency and clean heating and cooling, including planning and implementation grants up to Up to US $375,000 over two years.

Organizations planting trees in Massachusetts environmental justice neighborhoods can apply for US $20,000 - US $100,000 to expand urban tree canopy on public and private property. Focused on environmental justice and community greening, the Massachusetts Department of Fish and Game’s program seeks measurable environmental, health, and energy-efficiency benefits for disadvantaged communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on environmental conservation, wildlife, or related humanitarian efforts in the Southern U.S. may be eligible for Robinson Foundation support. While the foundation does not fund capital projects, it backs single-year projects with tangible impact, which could benefit environmental justice and advocacy partners connected to Massachusetts communities.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on community projects in Boston that reduce air pollution or its health impacts can apply for the City of Boston’s Community Clean Air Grant Program, with awards up to US $200,000. Projects that monitor, prevent, or cut greenhouse gas emissions in vulnerable, environmental justice communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with strong, replicable community partnerships addressing significant social issues can apply for the Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award. This U.S.-wide competition honors collaborations among public, private, and social sector partners, which may include environmental justice and advocacy initiatives that model effective, scalable community solutions.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant through social services, poverty alleviation, disability support, or disaster relief may be eligible for this international funding, including work in Massachusetts. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller 501(c)(3) and qualifying foreign entities with revenues of $300,000 to $3,000,000, with awards from US $5,000 - US $250,000.

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, public schools, and local government entities can seek funding for education, entrepreneurship, environmental, and community enrichment projects that serve Georgia-Pacific communities. Focused on strengthening communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites organizations within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing facility to apply, which may include groups advancing environmental justice and advocacy work.

The TJX Foundation Grants support nonprofit organizations located within 15 miles of a TJX store that align with their community mission. Eligible areas include basic needs, education for at-risk youth, workforce training, and safety from domestic violence. Organizations must be a registered 501(c)(3) for at least 12 months and have a nondiscrimination policy. Applications are invited through a Letter of Inquiry, with funding decisions based on community impact.