Best Grants for After School Programs in Massachusetts

Massachusetts public school districts running 21st Century Community Learning Centers or McKinney-Vento homeless education programs can receive up to US $20,000 to enhance family engagement and playful after-school learning. The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education funds FISS-based family engagement and K–3 playful learning units, including staff stipends, curriculum development, and multilingual outreach.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits running after-school, experiential, or alternative education programs can access funding through Island Foundation to support general operations or specific projects. Programs that connect youth to the natural world, emphasize community service, maritime trades, hands-on marine education, or expand opportunities for at-risk youth may be especially competitive.

Massachusetts public school districts, including charter schools, seeking to expand student work-based learning systems can apply for approximately US $500,000 to build and align career-connected learning. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education funding supports implementation of the MEFA Pathway database and development of models and resources that can enhance after-school and summer educational programming.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running after-school or summer educational programs in Massachusetts and the broader Northeast can apply for grants up to US $2,500 to support youth development and related services. The Howard E. Stark Charitable Foundation prioritizes small, well-run groups with limited assets and government funding that relieve suffering for people or animals in need.

Massachusetts public school districts and other LEAs serving grades 6–8 can receive US $15,000 - US $75,000 to design and implement middle school career connected learning. Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education supports development of MyCAP-aligned curricula, career exploration activities, and related schoolwide efforts that may enhance after-school or extended learning programming.

Massachusetts public school districts and other LEAs serving grades 9–12 can use this competitive funding to plan or implement MyCAP and related college, career, and civic readiness activities, including after-school work. With a mission to strengthen K–12 academic and career pathways, Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides Massachusetts schools with US $7,000 - US $56,000 for planning teams, PD, and implementation support.

Massachusetts-based nonprofit organizations experienced in supporting afterschool and out-of-school time programs can access funding to subgrant and provide training, technical assistance, and oversight for youth enrichment. Grants from the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education help Massachusetts after school and summer educational programs with $15,000 - US $100,000 subgrants to expand quality and access for low-income and diverse students.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running youth and after-school educational programs in Massachusetts can seek funding for programs, operations, facilities, and equipment. The Amelia Peabody Foundation supports out-of-school time, mentoring, academic enrichment, and youth development initiatives, with particular interest in projects outside Boston and efforts that expand or replicate successful models.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and eligible fiscally sponsored programs offering educational or out-of-school time opportunities for youth (birth through 8th grade) in Lawrence, Methuen, and Andover can apply for the Dee & King Webster Fund for Greater Lawrence; awards up to US $40,000 for high-quality, enriching after-school and youth development programs in Massachusetts.

Students, school personnel, parents, nonprofits, and community members in the Central Berkshire Regional School District can apply for Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation’s Seven Towns’ Educational Enrichment grants, awarding US $100 - US $1,000 for projects that enhance K-12 learning. After school and summer educational programs in Massachusetts that enrich students’ experiences may be eligible.

Massachusetts after-school and enrichment organizers connected to Richmond Consolidated School can seek US $100 - US $1,000 for K-12 educational projects, activities, and resources. Richmond Educational Enrichment Fund grants, administered by The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, support new programs, extra-curriculars, field trips, creative projects, and teacher development that enhance students’ learning experiences.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations or those with a fiscal sponsor serving people who live in or rely on Cambridge, Massachusetts can seek flexible funding for after-school and other community programs. Focus areas include youth development, education, after-school and summer learning, basic needs, health, arts, and community engagement, with grants up to US $25,000, including general operating support.

The South Berkshire County Fund's Better Together Grants focus on enhancing mental health and wellness by funding community projects that foster resilience and well-being. Open to nonprofits and community organizations, these grants emphasize impactful initiatives for underserved populations. Examples include counseling, educational programs, and arts activities, all aimed at creating positive social interactions. The program seeks to empower individuals through collaborative efforts while ensuring inclusivity for all community members.

The Rabbi Abraham Halbfinger and Charlesview Charitable Fund, established by Charlesview, Inc. in 2013, focuses on enhancing community empowerment in the Allston-Brighton area through various initiatives. This fund supports nonprofits aiming to provide essential services such as education, health, arts, housing, and workforce development. By fostering partnerships and collaboration, the fund seeks to uplift low- and moderate-income residents, ensuring they have access to resources that help them thrive in their community.

Summer Learn and Earn Program

The Summer Learn and Earn Program is a unique opportunity for rising high school juniors and seniors to earn a stipend while taking college level courses.

Grant Program Description

The Summer Learn and Earn (SLE) 2026 Grant Program supports Boston-based higher education institutions in delivering high-quality, credit-bearing summer coursework for rising high school juniors and seniors. SLE provides students with the opportunity to earn 3–4 college credits over a seven-week term while receiving a stipend, allowing young people to pursue academic learning without sacrificing summer income. 

College partners will design courses taught by qualified faculty and supported by academic coaches, integrating targeted activities that build college and career readiness, financial literacy, and professional skills. 

Total Amount Available for Grant Program:

• $90,000

Award Amount per Grant per Organization:

• Up to $36,000.00 with $18,000.00 per class maximum. 

The Watertown Community Foundation offers grants of up to $2,500 for educational enrichment programs in collaboration with Watertown Public Schools. The foundation prioritizes projects that foster collaboration and extend beyond single classrooms, including after-school programs and district-wide initiatives. Preference is given to programs involving partnerships across multiple schools. Organizations with 501(c)(3) status can apply, while certain expenses like transportation and stipends for school employees are ineligible for funding.

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through grants that prioritize low-to-moderate income populations. Key funding areas include affordable housing, children and youth programs, financial education, workforce development, and small business support. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities located in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Funding is directed towards initiatives that promote safety, education, and economic opportunity, ensuring a positive impact on the communities served.

The Schrafft Charitable Trust focuses on the growth of underserved youth (ages 6-21) through neighborhood-based education and economic independence programs in Boston and New Bedford. Eligible nonprofits can apply for Program or General Operating Grants, emphasizing community representation and impactful youth development initiatives. Returning grantees from the past three years may submit a full proposal directly. The Trust does not fund capital expenditures or scholarships, ensuring resources are directed towards meaningful educational opportunities.

Meet The Trustees

The Schrafft Candy Company was founded in Boston as a candy company by William F. Schrafft in 1861 before expanding into the restaurant business with stores in Boston and New York. The famous Schrafft neon sign, constructed in 1928, still sits atop the former candy factory in Charlestown, MA, where it can be seen from Route 93. In 1946, William and his wife Bertha Schrafft established a private charitable foundation which today continues their legacy of giving to improve the lives of the citizens of Boston and Massachusetts, especially its young people.

Schrafft Charitable Trust

Mission

The William and Bertha Schrafft Charitable Trust invests in community-based organizations to expand access to educational and artistic opportunities for young people in Boston and New Bedford.

Vision

We envision a future where every young person in Boston and New Bedford has the opportunity and resources to thrive and achieve their full potential.

How We Invest

Schrafft Charitable Trust is committed to investing in communities that have faced long-standing systemic disinvestment, aiming to increase access to life affirming services and opportunities.

Focus Areas

We value introducing all young people to high quality arts to develop their own skills as well as a passion for the arts. Our arts and culture partners offer direct instruction in the visual and performing arts as well as meaningful exposure to a wide range of arts disciplines.

We believe that nurturing the personal and interpersonal development of young people sets them up to thrive in adulthood. Our youth development partners provide developmental, mentoring, skill-building, and recreational opportunities during out of school hours (after-school, evenings, weekends and summers).

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations running after-school or other educational, housing, health, or economic development programs for disadvantaged communities can access funding through Erich & Hannah Sachs Foundation. Support includes program-related investments and grants for self-sustaining initiatives that expand opportunities for low-income individuals, youth, and families in the U.S. and select developing regions.

The Community Empowerment Fund Grant aims to support community-based organizations in Boston working to empower Black men and boys. With a total of $500,000 available, grants of up to $20,000 will be awarded to programs focusing on areas such as mentoring, housing mobility, and economic inclusion. This initiative seeks to enhance opportunities for historically marginalized communities, particularly in Roxbury, Dorchester, Mattapan, and Hyde Park, while emphasizing the importance of measurable outcomes.

The Day-End Dough-Nation® Program by Panera Bread exemplifies community generosity through the donation of unsold bakery products to local charities. This impactful initiative supports various organizations that distribute food to those in need, including shelters, health centers, and youth programs. By partnering with thousands of non-profits nationwide, Panera Bread not only reduces food waste but also plays a crucial role in addressing hunger and promoting equality within communities.

The National Girls and Women in Sports (NAGWS) Legacy Award, established by SHAPE America, honors exemplary contributions to increasing opportunities for women in sports. This annual award recognizes current SHAPE America members who submit impactful proposals related to women's sports, with a monetary prize of $1000. The award will be presented at the National Convention & Exposition, with a special deadline of November 1st. Nominations can include various initiatives aimed at empowering women in sports.

State education affiliates in Massachusetts and across the U.S. can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s ARP Implementation Network Grant, offering up to US $100,000 to fund a coordinator position. Funding supports implementation of the American Rescue Plan for public education, which may benefit after school and other K-12 programs.

After-school and summer programs serving grades 3–8 in Massachusetts can receive donated Walking Classroom sets to combine physical activity with academic learning. Alliance For A Healthier Generation’s program supports sites with higher socioeconomic or academic need, providing preloaded audio players or app access, lesson plans, training, and supplemental resources to enhance student health and engagement.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving children and youth can seek funding for direct-service programs like snacks, meals, playground equipment, computers, art supplies, music lessons, and after school activities in Rhode Island and southeastern Massachusetts. With a mission to support children’s welfare, Billy Andrade Brad Faxon Charities for Children provides grants to programs aiding at-risk children up to age 18, including after school and summer educational programs.