Best Suffolk County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program, established by the Boston Athletic Association, supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that promote health and fitness through running. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 are awarded annually to initiatives that enhance community engagement and wellness. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered or public agencies and align with the B.A.A.’s mission to foster healthy lifestyles. This initiative plays a crucial role in expanding access to sports and building vibrant communities across Greater Boston.

The Torch Helps Grant provides $10,000 to non-profit organizations recognized under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code. This funding aims to support local charities that deliver essential health and human services to underserved populations. Eligible organizations must operate in the communities where Torch Technologies employees reside and must ensure services are accessible to all, regardless of background. Grants are awarded quarterly, and applications are accepted anytime but must meet specific deadlines.

The Tufts Community Grants (TCG), launched in 1995, support nonprofit initiatives in Boston, Grafton, Medford, and Somerville. Funded by Tufts University donations, TCG has awarded over $3,000 to 35 local programs in 2025, benefiting more than 150 nonprofits since inception. Grants are aimed at projects that enhance community service and require involvement from Tufts students or staff. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits or specific public agencies, focusing on direct community benefits.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on supporting organizations that empower communities through basic needs, income creation, and stable housing. By investing in health and job opportunities, they aim to enhance economic mobility for low- and moderate-income families. Their partnerships target vulnerable populations, ensuring equitable access to resources that foster community vitality and resilience. This initiative emphasizes the importance of stable housing as a foundation for personal and communal growth.

The Bridge The Gap Veterans' Services Grant, provided by the City of Boston, aims to enhance the quality of life for local veterans and their families. This grant supports projects focusing on housing, transportation, health and wellness, upward economic mobility, legal services, and educational programming. By addressing the specific needs of the veteran community, the program seeks to facilitate reintegration into civilian life and ensure veterans receive the resources and support they deserve.

The George B. Henderson Foundation offers grants to enhance and preserve outdoor elements in Boston, focusing on parks, streets, and historic buildings. Eligible projects must be visible to the public and align with the Foundation's mission. Grants typically range from $20,000 to $50,000, with larger requests requiring detailed justification. The Foundation prioritizes projects that contribute to the community's quality of life, ensuring accessibility and visibility in all funded endeavors.

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 Let's Play Boston: Relief Grant, offered by the City of Boston, aims to support community-based youth sports organizations facing financial challenges. With funding up to $2,000, this program helps ensure that youth athletes, aged 8 to 19, can continue their sports participation despite unexpected costs. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted or until February 28, 2026, promoting inclusivity and accessibility in youth sports.

About PLTW Biomedical SciencePLTW Biomedical Science students have experience with state-of-the-art tools and techniques that are used by professionals in hospitals and labs every day.Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.Program Requirements:

• Grantee must offer at least one PLTW Biomedical Science course in the 2027-2028 academic year and must offer one additional different course in the 2028-2029 academic year (two different courses in two years).
• Grantee may implement any PLTW Biomedical Science courses of their choosing.
• Grantee must complete two years of reporting.

Grant Distribution Schedule:

• Total Award: $30,000
  • 2027-2028:$15,000
  • 2028-2029: $15,000

The Charles Hayden Foundation Grant supports institutions serving youth and young adults in Boston and metropolitan New York, prioritizing high school to post-secondary success. It emphasizes programs that demonstrate significant impact and measurable progress toward defined goals. The Foundation seeks to ensure that young people gain quality education and career opportunities, and it provides funding for initiatives that foster confidence, informed decision-making, and academic achievement among youth.

The Mabel Louise Riley Foundation provides grants to support low-income children and youth in Boston. With a focus on education, human services, and neighborhood revitalization, the foundation funds projects that demonstrate sustainability and community impact. Grants typically range from $50,000 to $100,000 and are available to Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits. Exclusions include multi-year support and unrestricted operating funds. The foundation aims to enhance the lives of vulnerable families through targeted assistance.

Project Lead the Way inc.

School and district leaders need a solution that cultivates confidence and career readiness—and PLTW checks all the boxes. As a nonprofit organization founded by educators and driven by education leaders, we've spent more than 28 years equipping students with the technical knowledge, transferable skills, and career confidence they need to thrive—through programs that integrate real-world industry partnerships, best-in-class teacher training, and our proven activity-, project-, problem-based (APB) instructional model. At PLTW, we're on a mission to create a transformative learning environment and empower students to develop in-demand knowledge and skills necessary to thrive in an evolving world. 

PLTW Engineering

PLTW Engineering students adopt a problem-solving mindset, are engaged in compelling, real-world challenges that help them become better collaborators and thinkers, and are prepared with skills to step into any career path they take. Each PLTW Engineering course engages students in interdisciplinary activities like working with a client to design a home, programming electronic devices or robotic arms, or exploring algae as a biofuel source. These activities not only build knowledge and skills in engineering, but also empower students to develop essential skills such as problem solving, critical and creative thinking, communication, collaboration, and perseverance.

PLTW Engineering - Program Expansion (Haemonetics)

Haemonetics is a global medical technology company dedicated to improving the quality, effectiveness and efficiency of health care. Haemonetics strives to make a positive difference in their communities. They support PLTW in order to help foster innovation and career readiness in the communities they serve. 

Through this partnership, Haemonetics is supporting PLTW grants to schools interested in starting and expanding PLTW programs beginning in the 2027-2028 academic year.

The Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Fund Grant, established in 1949, supports quality education, family services, and healthcare for mental and physical illness recovery in Greater Boston. It also promotes the arts for under-resourced populations. Organizations in this region can apply for operating or program support, with a deadline of May 1. Grant decisions are communicated by the end of September, allowing multi-year requests and small capital expenses related to programs.

The Expanding Engagement Grant from the City of Boston's Age Strong Commission aims to enhance social engagement for older adults in the city. By funding grassroots organizations, the grant focuses on outreach and programming for underserved communities. The program supports various grant levels, ensuring that resources are accessible to all neighborhoods. With a commitment to fostering community connections, this initiative seeks to empower Bostonians aged 55 and older to live vibrant, engaged lives.

The TMCity Foundation Grant supports innovative neurocognitive research and mental health initiatives, offering funding between $25,000 and $250,000. Organizations should be 501(c)(3) and focus on healthcare solutions for brain-related ailments. Applications are accepted via a rolling letter of inquiry, followed by a detailed application if interested. The Foundation prioritizes projects based in Southern California and Greater Boston, aiming to advance understanding of mental health through cutting-edge research and technologies.

The A.C. Ratshesky Foundation Grant focuses on supporting economically disadvantaged individuals and families through active learning programs for preteens and teens. It prioritizes initiatives that foster skills development and self-sufficiency, offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Eligible organizations must serve the Metro Boston area and demonstrate a commitment to youth development. The foundation does not support individuals or large-scale initiatives but values programs that provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

The Schrafft Charitable Trust offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts focused on youth development. Prioritizing those serving underserved populations aged 6-21, the Trust supports programs that enhance educational, artistic, and economic opportunities. New grantees must submit a Letter of Intent if they haven't received funding in the last three years. The Trust aims to foster paths to independence through community-driven initiatives, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its funding decisions.

The Mission Hill/Fenway Neighborhood Trust Grant supports community-based organizations in the Mission Hill and Fenway areas. It provides funding for projects that enhance the quality of life, focusing on arts, education, youth sports, senior activities, community gardens, affordable housing, and social services. Eligible applicants include non-profits and civic groups dedicated to these initiatives, fostering community development and engagement.

The Eastern Bank Foundation offers community donations to support local needs and events in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply for donations ranging from $100 to $10,000, with an average of $3,000 to $4,000. Applications are reviewed on a rolling basis, and applicants can expect a decision within 60 days. Note that private foundations and organizations with certain IRS designations are ineligible.

The Foley Hoag Foundation Grant supports innovative projects aimed at addressing various forms of inequality in Greater Boston, New York City, and Washington, D.C. Established in 1981, it prioritizes small organizations with annual budgets under $750,000. The Foundation encourages community engagement and collaborations that enhance civil rights and equity. Grants are generally awarded for one year and are designed to create impactful changes in the communities served.

The Colon Cancer Coalition offers the Get Your Rear in Gear Grants to support local programs aimed at improving colon cancer screening and awareness. Open year-round, applications are reviewed biannually in February and August. Grants fund initiatives that educate the public about colon cancer and alleviate the financial burden on patients. By applying, organizations commit to promoting local events that raise funds for these important community programs.

The Babson Foundation's Competitive Grants Program supports entrepreneurship, youth development, and urban environmental improvements in Greater Boston. Focusing on three key areas—entrepreneurship education, community building through urban gardens, and violence reduction—this initiative aims to enhance the quality of life in the region. Eligible organizations must be located within Greater Boston, while specific individuals and certain types of requests, such as summer camps and scholarships, are not funded.

The TD Charitable Foundation has been dedicated to improving community quality of life since 2002, contributing over $254 million to non-profit organizations. They fund initiatives aligned with their corporate citizenship goals, focusing on Better Health, Connected Communities, Financial Security, and Vibrant Planet. Special consideration is given to programs that support inclusivity for diverse and historically underserved communities. Their commitment to enhancing lives through targeted grants reflects their core values and social responsibility.

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.

Grant Program Purpose & Details

The City of Boston is offering a grant to recruit and offer work experience opportunities to immigrant youth, ensuring that their program involvement is engaging, meaningful, and a building block for their professional development and personal success. Organizations will provide leadership development and professional skills attainment in a culturally and linguistically sensitive manner, offering access to programs that are essential to their economic and social inclusion. In collaboration with nonprofit organizations across the City, we seek to support program models that offer immigrant youth the 21st-century skills to succeed when they enter the workforce as well as early exposure to various career paths.

The Immigrant Youth Advancement (IYA) Program pairs diverse students with immigrant-serving non-profits across the city of Boston to provide professional, hands-on experience, vital life skills, for their future development as community leaders. With a focus on inclusivity, the program caters to youth ages 14-24, with summer participants committing 20 hours weekly for six weeks. The IYA program ensures equal opportunities for personal and professional growth for youth, regardless of immigration status. 

Award Amount per Grant per Organization:

• Varies on the number of youth being allotted to serve 

Amount Available per Youth Served:

• Up to and not to exceed $2,400.00 per youth ($1,800 for payments, based on federal minimum wage, and $600 for programmatic costs). In addition, organizations will be eligible to receive 5% for any indirect/administrative expenses (accounting, payment processing, and fiscal sponsorship fees).

Programmatic costs include staff time devoted to the program, materials/supplies, and related costs for program activities. 

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Trilogy Grants to organizations that have received at least three Single-Year grants. Each grant totals $25,000 over three years, with $10,000 in the first year and $7,500 in the following years. Limited to a 50-mile radius from MetroWest Boston, the Foundation prioritizes measurable projects in arts and general education. Only four Trilogy Grants are awarded annually, encouraging sustained educational engagement through hands-on experiences.