Best Grants for Women 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.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million offering arts or science programming can apply for the Hearst Foundations’ culture grants, awarding more than US $100,000 for program or capital support. Massachusetts organizations serving large audiences, including women and girls, may benefit, especially those focused on arts education, artist development, or STEAM initiatives.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

Massachusetts Jewish organizations and individual organizers offering meaningful Jewish culture or community programs can access funding through Harold Grinspoon Foundation’s reimbursement-based Jewish Community Grants. Eligible events must occur in Western Massachusetts or Southern Vermont and emphasize impact, collaboration, and engaging under‑engaged individuals and families, including programs that highlight or celebrate women in Jewish life.

Massachusetts nonprofits and other eligible charitable organizations can seek funding for health, education, and community programs that advance equitable care and education. Focused on community health and welfare, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites groups, including those serving women and girls, to apply for support such as food access, healthcare for underserved populations, and STEM initiatives.

Roche Corporate Donations and Philanthropy (CDP) focuses on impactful projects that foster sustainable development, engage employees, and leverage Roche's expertise. Their philanthropic efforts prioritize humanitarian, educational, environmental, and cultural initiatives, aiming to build stronger communities and support innovative projects. Eligibility is limited to local organizations, while ineligible projects include those with political or religious ties. The foundation strives to create a positive societal impact through collaboration and strategic partnerships.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations serving Lowell residents through women’s and girls’ services, social programs, education, health, or community development can seek project and capital funding from the Theodore Edson Parker Foundation, with awards ranging from US $15,000 - US $50,000. Priority goes to under-served groups, including disadvantaged young women, children, the elderly, refugees, and immigrants.

Friends of NRA

Friends of NRA is the National Rifle Association’s premier fundraising program, supporting the future of shooting sports. Since day one, Friends of NRA has been a 100% grassroots effort fueled by a united front to secure the Second Amendment and raise money for the shooting sports.

Committee volunteers are appointed to State Fund Committees to make recommendations for local grant funding in areas such as youth education, women-focused clinics, law enforcement training, hunter safety, range improvement, firearms and marksmanship training and safety. Recognizing the impact American youth has on the future of the shooting sports, State Fund Committees frequently recommend grants for youth programs, allocating the most significant portion of monies to this vital area.

Grant awards fund activities and support programs in the United States to promote firearms and hunting safety, to enhance marksmanship skills of those in the shooting sports, and to educate the public about firearms in their historic, technological and artistic context.

Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program - Massachusetts

The Friends of NRA State Fund Grant Program provides supplies, equipment, and financial support to a variety of qualified groups and programs at the local level; geared towards youth, women, law enforcement, veterans, the disabled, and the general public, including:

• General shooting programs
• Competitive shooting
• Education, training and safety
• Hunting and conservation
• Community outreach
• Historical education

Grant funding must be used to further a charitable purpose as defined by the Internal Revenue Code under section 501(c)(3) and accompanying rules, regulations, and other IRS law and materials.

Diverse 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts seeking support for community services, environmental conservation, or peacebuilding projects can apply for funding from the Dudley T Dougherty Foundation. This flexible grant may benefit organizations whose programs serve women and girls within these broader focus areas.

Nonprofit organizations, public schools, and local government entities supporting education, environment, entrepreneurship, or community enrichment in Massachusetts communities near Georgia-Pacific facilities may be eligible for this funding. Focused on strengthening GP communities, Georgia-Pacific Foundation invites locally based groups within 30 miles of a GP manufacturing community to apply; programs serving women and girls may qualify.

Nonprofit or fiscally sponsored organizations serving Lowell, Massachusetts residents, especially women and girls and other under-served groups, can apply for mini-grants up to US $7,500 to address community needs. With a mission to build a more caring and equitable community, Theodore Edson Parker Foundation reviews these smaller requests quarterly.

Focused on professional development for oligonucleotide researchers, the Oligonucleotide Therapeutics Society invites current OTS members to apply for up to US $2,000 to support local meetings and networking events. Massachusetts organizers hosting women-in-science, diversity-focused, or junior scientist events that bring together multiple labs or institutions may be eligible.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting women and children can receive up to US $5,000 for programs addressing child abuse, domestic violence, economic self-sufficiency, and basic needs through the Hawthorn Medical Associates Charitable Fund. Southcoast Community Foundation prioritizes services like prevention, treatment, shelters, hotlines, legal advocacy, employment training, and financial management across eligible counties.

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.

Women- and girl-serving 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in Massachusetts seeking unrestricted operating support for poverty, education, health, or equity work may be eligible. With a mission to strengthen Greater Boston–area organizations, Philanthropy Connection provides general operating grants to nonprofits addressing issues like income inequality, employment readiness, wellness, and social or gender bias.

With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides Massachusetts nonprofits with funding for basic needs, community vitality, and volunteer-driven programs. U.S.-based 501(c)(3) organizations working on hunger relief, shelters, adult self-sufficiency, community development, or cultural enrichment may be eligible, with preference for sites near Ameriprise employee centers and strong volunteer engagement.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) childcare centers seeking capital improvements can apply for grants up to US $100,000 to expand or upgrade facilities, furniture, fixtures, and equipment. Grants from Franklin Square House Foundation prioritize economically and racially integrated centers with at least 50% subsidized slots, strong administrative capacity, and readiness to create new childcare spaces for women and their children.

The Dr. Scholl Foundation offers grants annually to IRS 501(c)(3) organizations, primarily focusing on U.S. applicants. The foundation supports projects in education, social services, healthcare, civic and cultural initiatives, and environmental efforts. While the grant cycle runs from October 1 to March 1, it encourages innovative solutions to global challenges. Only one application per organization is accepted each year, and funding is limited to one year. Unqualified organizations, including political entities, are ineligible.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) organizations offering health-building, educational, recreational, or counseling programs, especially for girls and young women, can apply for grants of US $2,000 - US $10,000 to support capital needs, operations, or special projects. Grants from Rebecca Pomroy Foundation particularly favor groups serving the Newton community and historically marginalized populations.

Nonprofit agencies providing community-based services for women and children in crisis in Massachusetts can seek funding to improve health, safety, independence, and self-sufficiency. Chickering Foundation supports privately funded programs in Eastern Massachusetts counties that build long-term support networks, bridge gaps in government services, and raise awareness of underserved needs.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts that serve local communities can seek project, operating, or capital support for programs improving economic stability, workforce readiness, health, social services, or disaster relief. O'Reilly Automotive Foundation supports efforts that benefit underserved and underrepresented individuals and families, which may include initiatives focused on women and girls.

Massachusetts nonprofits providing health and human services for women in reduced circumstances can access funding through the Katharine C. Pierce Trust, with typical one-year grants of US $10,000. Eligible programs include homecare for elderly women, adult day health, and emergency assistance for women facing homelessness, domestic violence, disabilities, or substance use disorders.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts that provide social services to fishermen, their families, and low-income elders can seek multi-year support to test or expand programs. With a mission to strengthen coastal communities, Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston offers operating, program, start-up, and special project funding, with preference for traditional fishing areas like Gloucester, New Bedford, and Cape Cod.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with strong, replicable community partnerships can apply for Mutual of America Foundation’s national Community Partnership Award, recognizing collaborations that measurably improve lives. Programs serving women and girls may be eligible if they demonstrate exemplary cross-sector partnership, community impact, and potential to scale or be replicated in other communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts coastal communities serving fishermen, their families, or low-income older adults can apply for Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston’s annual grants supporting social service programs and operations. Women- and girl-serving nonprofits may be eligible if their work addresses housing stability, independence, or other social service needs in areas like Gloucester, New Bedford, or Cape Cod.

Massachusetts nonprofits providing human services or health programs for underserved elders, especially older women in Bristol County, can access funding through Sophia Romero Trust for general operating, program support, and small program-related capital needs. Most awards are one-year grants supporting basic needs, primary care access, and community health education for vulnerable seniors.