Best Human Rights Grants in Massachusetts

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with urgent human rights and social justice needs can receive approximately US $2,500 for immediate expenses. New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund prioritizes historically underfunded organizations advancing racial and ethnic justice, civic engagement, community empowerment, and related human rights work across the state.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts using community organizing to advance social, racial, economic, or human rights can seek approximately US $12,000 in general support from the Abelard Foundation. Focused on grassroots groups with budgets under $350,000, it prioritizes early-stage efforts building local leadership and linking local work to broader policy change.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on equity in aging and social and racial justice can receive multi-year, general operating support, including staff wellness and leadership capacity building. Grants from Point32Health Foundation help human rights and social justice groups address systemic inequities affecting older people and communities most impacted by disinvestment and structural barriers.

Grassroots social justice and human rights organizations in Massachusetts and the New England region can receive up to US $5,000 in urgent response funding to address unforeseen crises, political moments, or organizing opportunities. Haymarket People's Fund prioritizes people of color-led groups under $400,000 that center anti-racism and anti-oppression in their work.

Massachusetts grassroots groups focused on social justice and human rights organizing can access funding through Haymarket People's Fund for emerging and movement-building efforts. Grants up to US $20,000 support anti-racist, community-led organizing in New England; organizations need not have 501(c)(3) status but must keep work within charitable or educational activities.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in the Greater Boston area working on poverty, income inequality, employment or educational readiness, health and wellness, or social bias can receive unrestricted general operating support. Philanthropy Connection offers these grants to 501(c)(3) organizations with $200,000–$2 million in annual revenue and solid financial standing in Massachusetts.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting dissertation research on social, political, or economic inequality, race and ethnicity, immigration, workers’ rights, or related social justice topics can access funding through Russell Sage Foundation, including those in Massachusetts. Awards up to US $15,000 support data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing focused on U.S. conditions.

Early-career social science faculty researching economic mobility, inequality, and related human rights issues can apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project support from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on U.S.-based studies, the program invites Massachusetts and other U.S. scholars to propose innovative, data-driven work on structural barriers and access to opportunity.

Massachusetts schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support November activities that promote activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and student walking or rolling to school, advancing social justice and human rights education.

501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice and education initiatives in Massachusetts can seek support for forward-thinking programs that advance human rights and equity. The Baskin Family Foundation funds U.S.-based nonprofits, so Massachusetts human rights groups may be eligible if their work aligns with the foundation’s education or social justice priorities.

Graduate students focusing on social justice, public or human service, education, or health can receive scholarship support for master’s or doctoral studies through Hawai'i Community Foundation’s Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund. Applicants must be full-time Kauai residents in Hawaii with financial need and strong academics; Massachusetts-based human rights students may be eligible if they meet these criteria and study in the U.S.

Education unions and affiliates advancing racial justice in K–12 education can apply for the CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, which supports awareness, capacity-building, and action projects across the U.S., including Massachusetts. Grants from National Education Association Staff Organization range from US $5,000 - US $75,000, with one-year and possible multi-year support.

Nonprofit and education-focused organizations working to advance K–12 student achievement and racial justice in education in Massachusetts can apply for partnership funding that supports community advocacy, leadership engagement, and union-based community roles. With a mission to strengthen educational equity, National Education Association provides support for initiatives centered on social justice and human rights in schools.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in Massachusetts can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects that strengthen AE programs. Funding can support educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that advance human rights and educational equity.

Education unions and NEA affiliates in Massachusetts can seek funding to develop student-centered collective bargaining and advocacy initiatives. The National Education Association supports projects that unite educators, families, and communities to advance social justice, human rights, educational equity, and healthier learning environments, including efforts around safe schools, mental health supports, and fair use of federal education funds.

Nonprofit organizations hosting social justice and human rights projects in Massachusetts can partner with ACLS Leading Edge Fellows, who bring recent humanities PhD expertise to substantive roles. Recent U.S.-work-authorized PhDs in the humanities or interpretive social sciences receive more than US $142,000 in stipend support plus benefits over a 24‑month fellowship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public entities addressing community development, economic mobility, or human rights in Massachusetts counties within Santander’s footprint may be eligible for charitable sponsorship. With a mission to strengthen communities, Santander Bank Foundation supports programs such as affordable housing, small business development, workforce training, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization benefiting low- to moderate-income residents.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations can access funding for social justice, STEM education, and basic human needs programs that advance equity and inclusion. The American Electric Power Foundation accepts invited requests from organizations within its service territory or with regional or national reach that benefit the public and AEP customers.

Massachusetts human rights and legal services nonprofits can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program to support fair justice, rehabilitation, and anti-recidivism initiatives. Organizations promoting civic engagement or educating future attorneys and social justice workers may also be considered, with typical funding focused on Colorado and the Bay Area but occasionally other areas.

The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program supports emerging nonprofit founders in creating sustainable growth and impact. The program includes eight live workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising, and access to resources from Givebutter. Selected organizations receive scholarships and the chance to apply for $4,000 in grant funds. Eligibility is limited to 501c3 nonprofits or those under fiscal sponsorship with budgets under $500,000, fostering a community of committed leaders ready to make a difference.

The B.W. Bastian Foundation Grant supports organizations committed to equality for all Americans, including the LGBTQ+ community. Grants typically range from $100 to $15,000, and applicants must have 501(C)3 tax status. Funding is primarily for projects in the Intermountain West and may include general operating support or specific programs. Organizations should first inquire before applying, especially if requesting more than previous grants. The foundation does not fund individuals or lobbying efforts.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

The Transformative Organizing Grants, funded by the Arch Community Fund, aim to bolster grassroots movements advocating for systemic change. These grants, ranging from $15,000 to $25,000, prioritize organizations with 501(c)(3) status and an annual budget under $1 million. The focus is on empowering community leadership through anti-capitalist solutions, promoting intersectionality, and addressing immediate needs while fostering long-term structural change. Eligible groups are encouraged to apply for support in their transformative organizing efforts.

The Lenny Zakim Fund Grant aims to empower grassroots organizations throughout eastern Massachusetts by providing unrestricted funding up to $20,000 to those with annual budgets under $350,000. The Fund prioritizes historically marginalized communities and supports initiatives focused on social, economic, and racial justice. With core values rooted in love, diversity, and grassroots leadership, the Fund seeks to foster relationships and create lasting change in the community. This commitment to equity and inclusion is essential for building a more just society.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) public charities and fiscally sponsored projects rooted in BAMEMSA communities can seek general operating support to build community power and advance human and civil rights. With a mission to advance racial, gender, queer, and disability justice, Proteus Fund’s RISE Together Fund supports organizing, advocacy, civic engagement, and narrative change work, which may benefit Massachusetts human rights organizations. Awards are up to US $25,000.

Seattle Foundation

Seattle Foundation is an agent of change, igniting powerful, rewarding philanthropy to make Greater Seattle a stronger, more vibrant community for all.

At Seattle Foundation, we believe that community is more than a place. It’s the shared understanding that our joy and well-being are tied to one another. Every day we work with nonprofits, philanthropists, and partners like you to strengthen community by igniting powerful philanthropy and advancing long-term solutions. Because it takes all of us to create a joyful region where every person can thrive.

Theresa Earenfight Scholarship

The purpose of the Theresa Earenfight Scholarship is to support undergrad or graduate students who are passionate about the intersection of social justice and animal welfare within a historical context. Applicants should be studying history, in particular how history intersects with animal activism, animal rights, animal liberation, and other related topics. Preference will be given to students with strong financial need, students of color and those from historically marginalized communities, and/or students who may face barriers to receiving other scholarships. This is a $10,000 annual scholarship renewable through the completion of the student’s degree, assuming the student continues to meet the eligibility criteria. The scholarship may be applied to tuition and fees, or other academic expenses payable to the college or university.