Best Human Rights Grants in Massachusetts

Massachusetts grassroots groups focused on social justice and human rights organizing can access funding through Haymarket People's Fund for emerging and movement-building efforts. Grants up to US $20,000 support anti-racist, community-led organizing in New England; organizations need not have 501(c)(3) status but must keep work within charitable or educational activities.

Grassroots social justice and human rights organizations in Massachusetts and the New England region can receive up to US $5,000 in urgent response funding to address unforeseen crises, political moments, or organizing opportunities. Haymarket People's Fund prioritizes people of color-led groups under $400,000 that center anti-racism and anti-oppression in their work.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts using community organizing to advance social, racial, economic, or human rights can seek approximately US $12,000 in general support from the Abelard Foundation. Focused on grassroots groups with budgets under $350,000, it prioritizes early-stage efforts building local leadership and linking local work to broader policy change.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on equity in aging and social and racial justice can receive multi-year, general operating support, including staff wellness and leadership capacity building. Grants from Point32Health Foundation help human rights and social justice groups address systemic inequities affecting older people and communities most impacted by disinvestment and structural barriers.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with urgent human rights and social justice needs can receive approximately US $2,500 for immediate expenses. New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund prioritizes historically underfunded organizations advancing racial and ethnic justice, civic engagement, community empowerment, and related human rights work across the state.

The Alexandra Hallock Capacity Building Grant for Small Nonprofits, established in 2024, honors the legacy of Alexandra Hallock by supporting small nonprofits focused on human rights, women's empowerment, and LGBTQ+ causes. This grant offers a one-time $20,000 unrestricted funding along with pro-bono capacity building support. It aims to strengthen organizational infrastructure and governance, ensuring impactful community engagement. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)3 nonprofits with revenue under $400,000, operating for at least one year, and based in the U.S.

The Park Foundation Grants for Civic Participation aim to enhance democracy through active civic engagement. Focused on mobilizing voters and protecting their rights, this program supports grassroots organizations addressing social injustices. By fostering year-round involvement rather than just election-focused efforts, the foundation seeks to empower communities and ensure robust participation in the democratic process, ultimately contributing to a more equitable society.

The Call for Kindness Grant, offered by Riley's Way Foundation, empowers young leaders aged 13-23 to launch impactful social projects focused on kindness and community connection. With grants up to $5,000, recipients receive essential mentorship, coaching, and community support. This initiative has already benefited over 3,500 youth nationwide, promoting values of empathy and social change. Applicants can pursue projects in diverse areas, including environmental justice, ensuring a broad impact in their communities.

The Empathy Building Initiative, led by Acton Family Giving, seeks to foster partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission. While currently not expanding its portfolio, it invites inquiries from potential partners. Eligible organizations must hold 501(c)3 status and align with specific giving areas. The initiative focuses on a national or broad reach and evaluates grant applications based on alignment and conversation. For more details, potential partners are encouraged to review the grants list available on their website.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups in the Greater Boston area working on poverty, income inequality, employment or educational readiness, health and wellness, or social bias can receive unrestricted general operating support. Philanthropy Connection offers these grants to 501(c)(3) organizations with $200,000–$2 million in annual revenue and solid financial standing in Massachusetts.

Doctoral students at U.S. institutions conducting dissertation research on social, political, or economic inequality, race and ethnicity, immigration, workers’ rights, or related social justice topics can access funding through Russell Sage Foundation, including those in Massachusetts. Awards up to US $15,000 support data collection, preparation, analysis, and writing focused on U.S. conditions.

Early-career social science faculty researching economic mobility, inequality, and related human rights issues can apply for US $35,000 - US $50,000 in one-year project support from the Russell Sage Foundation. Focused on U.S.-based studies, the program invites Massachusetts and other U.S. scholars to propose innovative, data-driven work on structural barriers and access to opportunity.

Massachusetts schools, local governments, and 501(c)(3) nonprofits can access funding through Safe Routes to School National Parternship to host Ruby Bridges Walk to School Day events. Grants of US $500 - US $1,000 support November activities that promote activism, anti-racism, anti-bullying, and student walking or rolling to school, advancing social justice and human rights education.

501(c)(3) organizations working on social justice and education initiatives in Massachusetts can seek support for forward-thinking programs that advance human rights and equity. The Baskin Family Foundation funds U.S.-based nonprofits, so Massachusetts human rights groups may be eligible if their work aligns with the foundation’s education or social justice priorities.

Graduate students focusing on social justice, public or human service, education, or health can receive scholarship support for master’s or doctoral studies through Hawai'i Community Foundation’s Inspired to Serve Scholarship Fund. Applicants must be full-time Kauai residents in Hawaii with financial need and strong academics; Massachusetts-based human rights students may be eligible if they meet these criteria and study in the U.S.

Education unions and affiliates advancing racial justice in K–12 education can apply for the CRSJ Racial Justice in Education Grant, which supports awareness, capacity-building, and action projects across the U.S., including Massachusetts. Grants from National Education Association Staff Organization range from US $5,000 - US $75,000, with one-year and possible multi-year support.

Nonprofit and education-focused organizations working to advance K–12 student achievement and racial justice in education in Massachusetts can apply for partnership funding that supports community advocacy, leadership engagement, and union-based community roles. With a mission to strengthen educational equity, National Education Association provides support for initiatives centered on social justice and human rights in schools.

The IAF Research Fellowship Program, administered by the Social Science Research Council, aims to support rigorous research on community-led development in Latin America and the Caribbean. The fellowship provides a $20,000 stipend for twelve months, fostering innovative solutions to pressing issues such as economic opportunity, migration, and social inclusion. Researchers are encouraged to explore how community-led models can create lasting impacts and respond to global trends, enhancing local resilience and development.

State Aspiring Educators organizations and campus chapters in Massachusetts can apply for National Education Association Staff Organization’s CREATE grants, awarding up to US $2,000 for projects that strengthen AE programs. Funding can support educator quality, community engagement, political action, or social justice initiatives that advance human rights and educational equity.

Education unions and NEA affiliates in Massachusetts can seek funding to develop student-centered collective bargaining and advocacy initiatives. The National Education Association supports projects that unite educators, families, and communities to advance social justice, human rights, educational equity, and healthier learning environments, including efforts around safe schools, mental health supports, and fair use of federal education funds.

Nonprofit organizations hosting social justice and human rights projects in Massachusetts can partner with ACLS Leading Edge Fellows, who bring recent humanities PhD expertise to substantive roles. Recent U.S.-work-authorized PhDs in the humanities or interpretive social sciences receive more than US $142,000 in stipend support plus benefits over a 24‑month fellowship.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public entities addressing community development, economic mobility, or human rights in Massachusetts counties within Santander’s footprint may be eligible for charitable sponsorship. With a mission to strengthen communities, Santander Bank Foundation supports programs such as affordable housing, small business development, workforce training, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization benefiting low- to moderate-income residents.

The B.W. Bastian Foundation Grant supports organizations committed to equality for all Americans, including the LGBTQ+ community. Grants typically range from $100 to $15,000, and applicants must have 501(C)3 tax status. Funding is primarily for projects in the Intermountain West and may include general operating support or specific programs. Organizations should first inquire before applying, especially if requesting more than previous grants. The foundation does not fund individuals or lobbying efforts.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) public charities, government entities, and qualifying foundations can access funding for social justice, STEM education, and basic human needs programs that advance equity and inclusion. The American Electric Power Foundation accepts invited requests from organizations within its service territory or with regional or national reach that benefit the public and AEP customers.

The Mockingbird Nonprofit Incubator Grant Program supports emerging nonprofit founders in creating sustainable growth and impact. The program includes eight live workshops on nonprofit management, fundraising, and access to resources from Givebutter. Selected organizations receive scholarships and the chance to apply for $4,000 in grant funds. Eligibility is limited to 501c3 nonprofits or those under fiscal sponsorship with budgets under $500,000, fostering a community of committed leaders ready to make a difference.

Massachusetts human rights and legal services nonprofits can access funding through Indigo Oak Fund’s Equal Justice Under the Law program to support fair justice, rehabilitation, and anti-recidivism initiatives. Organizations promoting civic engagement or educating future attorneys and social justice workers may also be considered, with typical funding focused on Colorado and the Bay Area but occasionally other areas.

The Baugh Foundation supports progressive, inclusive, nonprofit organizations that reflect the love of Christ by providing assistance to those in need, enriching the lives of children and youth, keeping faith communities informed and engaged, and guarding the wall of separation between church and state.We welcome applications from progressive, faith-based organizations. At this time, the vast majority of our funding goes to progressive Baptist organizations or initiatives, and organizations that work to guard the separation of church and state. We believe that a free church in a free state is dependent upon a functioning democracy.Funding Priorities: 

• Social justice and advocacy
• Progressive faith-based journalism
• Meeting basic human needs
• Progressive faith-based post-secondary education
• Inclusivity initiatives
• Arts and enrichment