Best Worcester County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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 Global Impact Cash Grants by Cisco Systems Foundation support innovative early-stage solutions aimed at addressing significant social problems. Targeting nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations, these grants focus on four key sectors: crisis response, education, economic empowerment, and climate regeneration. Eligible organizations must demonstrate alignment with these areas, particularly serving underserved communities. The foundation seeks to leverage technology for impactful solutions, ensuring sustainability and community resilience through strategic investments.

Worcester County, Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored programs can seek up to US $10,000 for internal capacity-building projects, leadership development, and navigating organizational change. With a mission to strengthen local nonprofits, Greater Worcester Community Foundation provides rolling Nonprofit Effectiveness Grants for efforts like audits, infrastructure building, strategic planning, and inclusive leadership support.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Worcester County, Massachusetts that improve quality of life and independence for people with visual impairments can apply for program funding. Memorial Foundation for the Blind supports initiatives such as arts and culture access, employment training, and recreation or leisure activities that serve visually impaired residents.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Mergers and Shared Services Fund

Organizations seek out mergers and shared services for many different reasons. We believe mergers and shared services are strategic tools for organizations to achieve mission fulfillment. This funding opportunity is intended for organizations who are exploring these opportunities as a tool for strength, expansion, and/or increased community benefit.

This fund will support nonprofits in various stages of exploration or implementation and anticipates funding discrete portions of the work based on where an organization is. We recognize there is a large continuum of strategic partnership opportunities, however, this fund is solely focused on shared services for small nonprofits and organizational restructuring. 

Requests are accepted for consideration year round.

The Michael & Susan Dell Foundation provides grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of children in urban poverty in the U.S., India, and South Africa. They prioritize projects in education, health, and family economic stability. Grants typically do not exceed 25% of a project's budget or 10% of an organization's annual expenses. The foundation seeks to partner with organizations already making an impact, ensuring funding supports impactful social enterprises.

Nonprofit charities running humanitarian, educational, environmental, or arts programs in Worcester County, Massachusetts can access funding via La Roche’s corporate donations and philanthropy. Roche provides support for accredited charities through local affiliate offices, prioritizing sustainable, high-quality projects that engage employees and communities and may benefit 501(c)(3) organizations serving Worcester County residents.

Worcester County, Massachusetts nonprofits and community organizations addressing food insecurity, basic needs, education, or youth activities can access funding through Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation’s Community Donations program. Grants of approximately US $2,500 support vital community programs, including food pantries, rental and utility assistance, clothing, local education foundations, PTOs, community clubs, and non-date-specific sports or scouting initiatives.

Rockland Trust provides Worcester County, Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and community-based organizations with sponsorship funding for date-specific community events. Eligible groups can request support for galas, golf tournaments, walks and runs, cultural performances, and similar events that serve local residents in Worcester County and other designated Massachusetts counties or Rhode Island.

The Robinson Foundation Grant, established in 2016, aims to alleviate hardships faced by individuals and communities, demonstrating God's love through charitable contributions. As a family-operated foundation, it focuses on creating meaningful, long-term impacts in various areas including animal welfare, education, and disaster relief. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501(c)(3) public charities. The foundation prioritizes fiscally responsible projects with the potential for tangible results, while not supporting capital projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding may be eligible for funding that can support programs in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Dudley T Dougherty Foundation supports charitable initiatives that respect people, life, and the environment, so Worcester County nonprofits with aligned missions could benefit from this opportunity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations near TJX locations that support basic needs, at-risk youth education, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety in Worcester County, Massachusetts may be eligible for funding. The TJX Foundation requires alignment with its mission, a location within 15 miles of a TJX site, and completion of an eligibility questionnaire before a letter of inquiry.

Nonprofit organizations in Worcester County, Massachusetts supporting youth leadership and decision-making can apply for the Youth for Community Improvement Fund, offering US $2,000 - US $5,000 for youth-focused programs. With a mission to strengthen local communities, Greater Worcester Community Foundation backs mental health, educational support, and basic needs initiatives shaped by youth voice.

The Spark Good: Strengthening Community Local Grants program by the Wal-Mart Foundation empowers local organizations through grants ranging from $250 to $5000. This initiative aims to enhance community welfare by supporting diverse projects, including animal shelters and educational programs. Eligible organizations must have a verified Spark Good account, ensuring funds are allocated effectively to meet local needs and foster community development. Together, we can create lasting impacts through small yet significant actions.

Nonprofit cultural organizations and individual artists presenting projects at the Jean McDonough Arts Center in Worcester County, Massachusetts can apply for Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s JMAC Access Grant Program, with awards from US $2,500 - US $14,250. Grants cover project development, implementation, marketing, and JMAC space usage costs for Central Massachusetts audiences.

501(c)(3) childcare centers in Worcester County, Massachusetts can apply for Franklin Square House Foundation capital improvement grants up to US $100,000 to upgrade facilities, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Eligible centers must be Massachusetts-licensed, NAEYC-accredited, own or long-lease their facility, and provide at least 50% subsidized slots, with readiness to start projects within 90 days.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects in Worcester County, Massachusetts can receive US $10,000 - US $25,000 for general operating, program, project, or capital needs that advance mental health, youth opportunity, or economic mobility. Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Inspiring Generosity Match Fund offers dollar-for-dollar matching to help build donor support and expand community impact.

High school seniors in eligible Worcester County, Massachusetts schools planning full-time undergraduate study can receive US $1,000 - US $2,000 for college costs through this scholarship program. With a mission to eliminate financial barriers to education, Scholarship America supports higher education and college preparation, including AVID seniors meeting the two-year participation requirement.

Graduating seniors from Eastern Shore high schools planning undergraduate study can receive a one-time US $2,000 Janosik Family Scholarship for college costs. Focused on higher education access, Delaware Community Foundation invites students from eligible Sussex or Kent County (DE) and Wicomico, Worcester, Somerset, or Dorchester County (MD) schools with strong citizenship, work ethic, and community service to apply.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Worcester County, Massachusetts seeking program or project support for children, education, animals, environment, humanitarian needs, or arts and culture can apply for grants of US $1,000 - US $10,000. Grants from Hansen Family Foundation help smaller-budget organizations, including those abroad, that uphold life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Facing Change: Sustainable Pathways Grant Program

Facing Change: Sustainable Pathways is a new grant program focused on sustainability, capacity and resiliency for smaller nonprofit organizations in Worcester and across the county. Through a grant from the City of Worcester, this two-year grant program will provide multi-year funding for nonprofits in Worcester, with limited additional funding available for eligible nonprofits in other parts of Worcester County. 

The focus of this grant program is on supporting pathways to sustainability for smaller nonprofit organizations. The program includes both unrestricted funding and facilitated peer cohorts.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing community-focused services such as economic stability, workforce development, health, or disaster relief may be eligible for project, operating, or capital support, including those in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Grants from O'Reilly Automotive Foundation help U.S.-based charities serving underserved and underrepresented individuals in communities where O'Reilly Auto Parts operates.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored programs in Worcester County, Massachusetts can seek funding for efforts to increase access to healthy foods, build food program capacity, and advance hunger-related advocacy and policy change. Focused on ending hunger, Greater Worcester Community Foundation offers approximately US $3,000 for operating, project, or capital expenses supporting these goals.

Greater Worcester County 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups can receive US $2,500 - US $25,000 for projects or general operating support in arts and creativity, basic needs, economic opportunity, health and wellbeing, or youth development. Greater Worcester Community Foundation prioritizes organizations with strong local relationships and equitable, community-informed programming serving Worcester County, Massachusetts residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local governments in Worcester County, Massachusetts can seek Beim Foundation’s Regional Grant Program funding for environmental education programs serving children and youth from under-resourced communities. Awards of US $5,000 - US $15,000 support direct-service projects that address ethnic and racial inequality, heal community trauma, and incorporate trauma-informed, culturally competent approaches.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

Run by the people, for the people, the Foundation is unique as a citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future, rather than just one sector or cause. The Foundation is unique in its capacity to unite people from diverse sectors in influencing and effecting positive change throughout Worcester County.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Mission: To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. Vision: The communities of greater Worcester are valued and attractive because of the well-being of our citizens.

Worcester County Weatherization Assistance Grant Program

National Grid has partnered with Greater Worcester Community Foundation – through our Worcester County Green Fund – to support nonprofit organizations that help households reduce their winter and year-round energy costs. As a Sponsor of the Mass Save Programs, National Grid offers qualifying income-eligible households a variety of no-cost upgrades, including comprehensive home energy assessments, insulation and air-sealing upgrades. For residents living in single family (1-4 unit) homes:

• Low-income customers are defined as those earning up to 60% of state median income (“SMI”)
• Moderate-income customers are defined as those earning 61% SMI up to either 80% area median income (“AMI”) or 80% SMI (whichever is greater)

This funding is available to Worcester County nonprofit organizations that already do this type of home energy improvement work themselves, or sub-contract vendors to do this type of work as part of their existing service mix. The goal of this funding is to supplement existing National Grid programs and enable weatherization assistance.

Nonprofit organizations in Worcester County, Massachusetts can apply for Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Community Grant: Operating Support Grant, with awards up to US $50,000 for general operating support. Flexible, unrestricted funding can back mission fulfillment across areas like arts and culture, education, health, housing, food access, workforce readiness, and family services.