Best Mental Health Grants in Massachusetts

Postdoctoral fellows and mentored clinician scientists conducting mental health and psychiatric or related biomedical research in Massachusetts can apply for two-year awards from the Charles A. King Trust, administered by Health Resources in Action, ranging from US $219,100 - US $240,000. Funding supports advanced training toward independent research careers in human disease and public health.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with urgent or immediate needs can access approximately US $2,500 to support community-focused work, including mental health and psychiatric programs. New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund prioritizes historically underfunded organizations advancing racial equity, community empowerment, and transparency across Massachusetts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts addressing food security, housing stability, or safe, bias-free spaces can seek up to US $25,000 to strengthen their programs. Sincere Charitable Foundation considers impact and organizational capacity, and includes mental health resources and supportive services within its priorities for vulnerable communities.

Veterans and first responders seeking wellness, rehabilitation, or mental health recovery support in Massachusetts can apply for the Gridiron Veterans Scholarship, which funds access to treatment and holistic wellness programs. With a mission to strengthen the military-veteran community, Bob Woodruff Foundation backs evidence-based services like mental health care, physical therapy, adaptive training, and fitness partnerships nationwide.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working to build AI readiness and organizational capacity can apply for Citizens Charitable Foundation’s Champions in Action award, which provides US $50,000. With a mission to strengthen community-focused nonprofits, Citizens Charitable Foundation provides selected organizations with funding plus promotion, publicity, and volunteer support that may benefit mental health and related service providers.

Nonprofit organizations working on mental health access and education equity in Massachusetts can apply for US $10,000 - US $75,000 from the L.B. Research and Education Foundation. U.S.-based 501(c)(3)s with $500,000–$10 million budgets and established, research-informed programs for adolescents, post-secondary students, or adult vocational learners may be competitive.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits with at least three years of status and $100,000+ budgets can seek funding for mental health, youth development, job readiness, and related programs in communities where RBC Wealth Management operates. RBC Foundation USA supports efforts that build in-demand skills, increase community prosperity, and advance environmental sustainability alongside mental health services.

Small 501(c)(3) organizations offering mental health and emotional support programs in Massachusetts and the broader Northeast U.S. can seek funding for services that relieve suffering for people or animals in need. Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation awards up to US $2,500, with a preference for well-run groups under $1M in assets and limited government funding.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on equity in aging, including mental health and social determinants of health for older people, can seek multi-year general operating support that also covers staff wellness and leadership capacity. Grants from Point32Health Foundation help community-based groups advancing social and racial justice for older adults, especially in communities facing systemic inequities and disinvestment.

Cures Within Reach

Cures Within Reach is the philanthropic leader in drug, device and nutraceutical repurposing research, which has the potential to transform the lives of patients with unsolved diseases by delivering treatments that can be used in the near-term. Our focus: we find and fund proof-of-concept clinical trials that, once successful, de-risk and catalyze follow-on funding, building the clinical evidence required for regulatory approval or to support off-label use by patients everywhere.

Clinical Repurposing Research to Impact US Veterans/Military

This Request for Proposals (RFP) from Cures Within Reach (CWR) is seeking clinical repurposing trials from US-based research institutions using already approved treatments to address unmet and high-priority medical needs of US veterans and/or active US military, such as mental health, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and brain injuries. Our strongest preference is for proof of concept, pivotal, Phase I or Phase IIA clinical repurposing trials. Eligible trials may be conducted at accredited US-based academic, nonprofit and governmental research institutions and/or health systems involved with medical research, including Veterans Administration (VA) health systems and hospitals. 

Repurposed therapies must be approved and/or generally recognized as safe for human use by some regulatory agency, such as the US Food and Drug Administration, European Medicines Agency, Health Canada or Japan’s Pharmaceuticals and Medical Devices Agency, and may include drugs, devices, nutraceuticals or diagnostics, as well as combination therapies. These repurposed therapies must be tested in a new indication for which they are not already approved or used widely in clinical practice as standard of care. Repurposed therapies also may be added to current standard of care to improve patient outcomes and/or quality of life.

The ALACRITY Research Centers, funded by the National Institute of Mental Health, aim to enhance the effectiveness of mental health interventions for youth and adults. This initiative supports interdisciplinary research to develop innovative approaches for optimizing mental health care access and quality. By fostering collaborations across various fields such as behavioral science and health systems engineering, the program seeks to transform clinical practices and improve outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges.

Patricia Schroder Memorial Scholarship

Pat had a big heart for helping others and devoted her life to assisting, teaching, and coaching students with disabilities. She worked as a special education teacher's assistant at various schools across the Evergreen School District after earning her Masters, she moved to White Salmon, Washington, where she taught at Columbia High School. In 1994, she moved back to Vancouver and accepted a teaching position at Camas High School where she taught social studies and special education. She retired in 2010 after more than 16 years with the Camas School District.

Pat had a big heart for helping others. She loved and took interest in many of her students throughout her teaching career. She was also actively involved in Special Olympics as a coach and volunteer in addition to providing temporary respite care relief for families of children with special needs.

Additionally, Pat developed a passion for politics at an early age when she first served as a government page at the Washington State Capitol during her senior year in high school. She became an active member in Washington State Democrats, where she attended state democratic caucuses and managed senatorial and legislative campaigns. She also successfully spearheaded the passage of levy and bond election campaigns to support educational programs in the Evergreen School District. Her love for politics later resulted in her running and being elected as Mayor of the city of White Salmon in 1992, where she held the post for two years. Pat enjoyed visiting Frisco, Texas to spend time with her family whenever she could.

Award Amount

2 scholarships are awarded each year. Awards will likely be between $1,000-$1,400.

About

Central Carolina Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization that helps generous people give back to the Midlands of South Carolina in ways that matter. Since 1984, we’ve been a trusted partner, helping individuals, families, and businesses make smart, meaningful contributions that support local nonprofits, scholarships, and community projects.

Jeryl Salmond II Memorial Scholarship ($1,700)

This renewable scholarship is available to students who are pursuing a career in the Mental Health field. 

The Women & Girls Mental Health Mini-Grant, offered by the City of Boston's Office of Women's Advancement, aims to support innovative mental health programming for women and girls. Grants of up to $20,000 are available for collaborative applications from 501(c)(3) organizations serving Boston residents. This initiative focuses on enhancing mental health through education, mentorship, and community engagement, ensuring accessible and culturally responsive services for all participants.

Organizations that can operate a national crisis counseling and support line for disaster-related emotional distress can apply for SAMHSA’s Disaster Distress Helpline program, with awards up to US $1,200,000. This funding supports 24/7, toll-free, confidential mental health and crisis intervention services across the U.S., including Massachusetts and its territories.

Massachusetts mental health and social service providers serving motion picture exhibition and distribution workers can access financial assistance for medical, counseling, housing, and emergency needs through the Will Rogers Motion Picture Pioneers Assistance Fund. Eligible applicants are industry individuals facing illness, injury, or life-changing events, with programs that may also support vocational rehabilitation and equipment aid.

Nonprofits, schools, and government agencies in Massachusetts can seek support for community health, mental health, and wellness initiatives through the Thriving Community Impact Fund’s Support Grants. With a mission to strengthen community well-being, Gundersen Lutheran Medical Foundation provides up to US $2,499 for programs addressing health, poverty, economic stability, and neighborhood environments, including mental health efforts.

Nurses Educational Funds

Nurses Educational Funds, Inc. depends solely on donations to advance our only mission, to promote nursing leadership through annual scholarship support for professional nurses seeking masters and doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration.

NEF’s only purpose is to provide nursing scholarship assistance to make graduate level nursing education possible. NEF is one of the largest, national, private, professionally endorsed source of funds for advanced nursing study with over one hundred years of service to and for professional nursing. NEF is a non-profit organization with 501(c) status.

Madeline A. Naegle Scholarship for Mental Health Nursing

In 2018, Madeline A. Naegle, PhD, CNS-PMH, RN, BC, FAAN, a national and international nursing leader in mental health/substance abuse education, research, and practice together with NEF created this scholarship with a preference to graduate nurses specializing in mental health nursing.

The Judith G. Whitaker Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports nurses pursuing master's and doctoral degrees in nursing. Applicants must have two semesters of study remaining and meet specific eligibility criteria, including a valid RN license and a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to doctoral students focusing on nursing research. This scholarship reflects over a century of commitment to advancing nursing education and leadership.

The Joanne V. Pontier Scholarship, established in 2022 by Mary V. Insall, honors her sister, a dedicated emergency nurse. With a generous $50,000 donation, this scholarship supports emergency nurses pursuing graduate studies. Applicants must be enrolled in accredited nursing programs and have a minimum GPA of 3.6. Preference is given to doctoral students in nursing research. This scholarship aims to foster leadership in nursing and improve emergency care, ultimately saving lives and supporting families.

The Joan L. Conroy Scholarship, established in 2024, supports Ph.D. nursing students dedicated to educating future nurses. It honors Joan L. Conroy's legacy, emphasizing her love for education and nursing. Applicants must have two semesters left in their program and demonstrate a commitment to geriatric nursing and home health care. This scholarship is funded by the Nurses Educational Funds Inc., a nonprofit organization that promotes nursing leadership through educational scholarships.

The Jane Eleanor Knox Scholarship, established by a $50,000 bequest from Dr. Knox, supports doctoral nursing students committed to leadership in the field. Applicants must possess a current RN license and maintain a minimum GPA of 3.6 while enrolled in accredited nursing programs. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship fosters the advancement of nursing education and leadership through financial support from Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.

The Isabel McIsaac Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports master's and doctoral nursing students with a minimum GPA of 3.6. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have completed a baccalaureate degree in nursing. Preference is given to candidates pursuing nursing research or organizational studies. This scholarship aims to promote nursing leadership and is funded solely through donations, reflecting over a century of commitment to advancing nursing education.

The Isabel Hampton Robb Scholarship, provided by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports doctoral candidates in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must hold a current RN license and have two semesters of study remaining after the award notification. Preference is given to those majoring in nursing research or organizational study. With over a century of service, NEF is dedicated to advancing nursing leadership through scholarship assistance, fostering the next generation of nursing professionals.

The Henry B. Spencer Scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., supports RNs pursuing master's or doctoral degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have at least two semesters remaining in their program and meet specific eligibility criteria, including current RN licensure and professional nursing association membership. This scholarship prioritizes doctoral students focusing on nursing research or organizational study, continuing a legacy of leadership in nursing established by Henry Spencer.

The Georgette Viellion Scholarship, established in 2021 with a $50,000 donation, supports doctoral nursing students aiming to become full-time faculty members. Applicants must have an RN license and maintain a GPA of at least 3.6. Preference is given to those focusing on nursing research or organizational study. This scholarship is part of the Nurses Educational Funds, Inc.'s mission to promote nursing leadership through financial assistance for advanced education in nursing.

The Evelyn J. Barclay Scholarship supports professional nurses pursuing advanced degrees in nursing education, practice, research, and administration. Applicants must have a current RN license and be enrolled in accredited graduate nursing programs. This scholarship, awarded by Nurses Educational Funds Inc., emphasizes the importance of nursing leadership and aims to enhance the nursing workforce. Preference is given to doctoral candidates focusing on public health, nursing education, or research, ensuring a continued commitment to improving healthcare outcomes.