Best Large Grants for Nonprofit Organizations in Massachusetts

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can access funding through USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service to implement on-the-ground conservation practices. Support helps improve soil health, water and air quality, wildlife habitat, and climate resilience on cropland, rangeland, pasture, forestland, and other farm or environmentally sensitive lands.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) and 509(a)(1)/(2) organizations working in education, human services, conservation, health, or cultural programs can receive US $2,000 - US $10,000 for operating support, projects, or occasional capital needs. McGraw Foundation provides U.S. nonprofits, including those in Massachusetts, with annual grants, with larger awards possible for especially promising, high-impact efforts.

Graduate students conducting research in drinking water quality, environmental science, or public health can receive US $3,000 to advance projects with actionable outcomes for the water industry. Focused on water-related environmental and public health topics, the American Water Works Association opportunity may benefit Massachusetts students connected to nonprofit or academic programs.

Nonprofit charitable organizations in Massachusetts can seek funding for community development, education, and workforce programs that build thriving futures. Grants from KeyBank Foundation help expand affordable housing and homeownership, financial literacy, small business growth, and college and career success, with awards ranging from US $10,000 - US $25,000 across its retail footprint states.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts working on humanitarian aid, child welfare, health care, or disaster relief can apply for funding to support women and children’s immediate and long-term needs. The Father's Table Foundation provides up to US $750,000 for projects like employment assistance, homelessness services, education, food security, microfinance, and water and sanitation initiatives that build self-sufficiency.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts can apply for $1,000 - $7,500 to support health and human services, including disability, senior, youth, family, homelessness, and food security programs. Grants from Agnes M. Lindsay Trust also back dental health, summer camp scholarships, and academic scholarship initiatives within the Trust’s New England service area.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts with established 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) status and strong financial history can seek large-scale sustainability project funding through Green Mountain Energy’s Sun Club, with awards from US $50,000 - US $400,000. Grants support initiatives like renewable energy, energy efficiency, clean transportation, resource conservation, sustainable agriculture, and broader environmental stewardship in eligible service-area communities.

Undergraduate-focused higher education institutions in Massachusetts that receive limited NIH funding can seek support for small-scale biomedical research projects and student research experiences. The National Institutes of Health provides these AREA awards to enhance campus research environments across fields like public health, neuroscience, genetics, mental health, HIV/AIDS, and related biomedical disciplines; awards up to US $375,000.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) public charities serving primarily low-to-moderate income residents can apply for Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation grants of US $2,500 - US $10,000 supporting affordable housing, children and youth programs, financial inclusion, and small business support. With a mission to strengthen communities, Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation provides nonprofits with program funding across eligible Massachusetts counties and Rhode Island.

Nonprofit charities in Massachusetts working on humanitarian aid, health, education, environment, or contemporary arts projects can seek philanthropic support to expand high-quality, sustainable programs. La Roche prioritizes accredited charities that engage its local affiliates and employees, build stronger communities, and may involve science education, primary health care, disaster relief, or innovative cultural initiatives.

Early-career research scientists at academic or research institutions in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award to support mentored clinical research careers. Grants from the National Institutes of Health help Massachusetts-based nonprofits collaborating with LMIC investigators advance cancer, cardiovascular, mental health, environmental health, and other biomedical research, with approximately US $140,000 in support.

Nonprofit organizations in Hampden and Hampshire counties working in areas like youth development, health, education, arts, environment, and human services can seek program, capital, or equipment support. Grants from the Beveridge Family Foundation help Massachusetts nonprofits fund campaigns, renovations, program development, research, and related projects, with awards up to US $50,000 available twice yearly.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits and fiscally sponsored groups with urgent or immediate needs can receive approximately US $2,500 to support their work. New Commonwealth Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund prioritizes historically underfunded organizations advancing racial justice, community power, civic engagement, health equity, education access, and related social justice efforts across the state.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits focused on social and financial empowerment may be eligible for programs that build self-reliance, skills, and financial literacy in communities where Transamerica employees live and work. Aegon Transamerica Foundation supports initiatives such as community development, basic needs, health education, arts access, workforce readiness, and financial literacy in its designated service areas.

Early-career health researchers in eligible low- and middle-income countries can apply for the Emerging Global Leader Award, which provides approximately US $140,000 for mentored research and career development. Funded by the National Institutes of Health, this award may benefit Massachusetts nonprofits partnering with LMIC institutions or hosting LMIC investigators on collaborative projects.

Focused on education and related community programs, 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Massachusetts and other U.S. regions can seek grants of US $5,000 - US $20,000 for scholarships, tutoring, youth initiatives, arts education, and community services. The John Ben Snow Memorial Trust prioritizes new or enhanced programs and short-term support to stabilize ongoing initiatives.

Massachusetts organizations planning congresses, events, or similar initiatives in neuroscience, neurology, or related disease areas can seek corporate sponsorship funding in exchange for tangible benefits like exhibits or marketing visibility. Biogen Foundation provides sponsorships on a rolling basis, considering disease focus, event details, and location, but not for general operations or capital costs.

Massachusetts 501(c) and 170(c) nonprofits working in economic development, education, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can receive up to US $1,000 in matched donations through Regions Bank’s Matching Gifts for Recent Retirees program. Eligible organizations within the Regions footprint benefit when recent retirees request matches for their monetary contributions.

Nonprofit 501(c) or 170(c) organizations in Massachusetts working on economic and community development, education and workforce readiness, financial wellness, arts and culture, veterans, or disability services can benefit from Regions Bank’s employee Matching Gifts Program. Eligible organizations within the Regions footprint may receive matched donations when supported by full-time associates or recent retirees.

The Adelard A. and Valeda Lea Roy Foundation Grant focuses on supporting organizations in arts, education, health, and environmental sectors, especially in underserved communities in Massachusetts and Northern New England. Grants typically range from $2,500 to $10,000, with an emphasis on projects that address food security, housing, and cultural access for disadvantaged populations. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that align with its current funding priorities, particularly benefiting low-income youth, Indigenous communities, and immigrants.

The Clif Family Foundation Open Call invites 501(c)(3) organizations to apply for grants supporting general operating costs or specific projects. With a focus on regenerative farming, food worker health, climate justice, and food access, the foundation aims to empower grassroots initiatives. Grants range from $5,000 to $50,000, with applications reviewed twice a year. Deadlines are March 1 and August 1, and announcements occur about four months post-deadline.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating for at least three years can seek more than US $2,500 to support community, health, housing, family, and economic vitality initiatives on Cape Cod. Cooperative Bank of Cape Cod Charitable Foundation Trust funds capital projects, scholarships, and program expansion that directly benefit Barnstable County residents and meet clearly defined unmet needs.

The William P. Wharton Trust Grant supports projects that align with the vision of its patron, focusing on tangible outcomes. It prioritizes land conservation efforts that protect natural resources over recreational use. The Trust aims to leverage funds for impactful environmental initiatives and encourages collaboration among organizations. Eligible applicants include public charities and governmental units, while grants are limited to direct project costs. Notably, the Trust avoids funding for overhead, construction, and educational programs for youth below college level.

The Island Foundation offers Environment Grants to support projects in coastal regions of Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island, focusing on marine and coastal resource conservation. Priority is given to initiatives addressing climate change, promoting sustainable landscapes, and enhancing community health through environmental conservation. The Foundation encourages 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations, with a preference for those engaged locally, to apply for funding that strengthens both ecological and community resilience.

About MassCEC

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is a state economic development agency dedicated to accelerating the growth of the clean energy sector across the Commonwealth to spur job creation, deliver statewide environmental benefits and to secure long-term economic growth for the people of Massachusetts.

Our Mission

MassCEC's mission is to accelerate the clean energy and climatetech innovation that is critical to meeting the Commonwealth’s climate goals, while advancing Massachusetts’ position as an international climate leader and growing the state’s clean energy economy.

2030 Fund

About the 2030 Fund

The $50M 2030 Fund is a signal to the market that Massachusetts is committed to the commercialization of climate technologies. MassCEC invests impactfully and countercyclically in Massachusetts’ most promising climate technology innovators. Our investments support climatetech companies as they de-risk their technology, reach early commercial milestones, and attract private funding for growth.  

Climatetech encompasses a wide range of tech solutions across sectors that further mitigation, adaptation, and resilience. Portfolio companies work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions, prepare for and respond to the impacts of climate change, and/or serve as enabling solutions to achieve the Commonwealth’s climate goals. We invest across seven major sectors: energy; industry and manufacturing; transportation; buildings; agriculture, food and nature; carbon management; and adaptation and resilience.

The 2030 Fund invests in a variety of financial instruments, including SAFEs, convertible notes, equity, and venture debt. Investments typically range from $100k-$600k per check and may total $1.5M cumulatively. MassCEC is able to provide more patient capital than a typical private investor. Deploying strategic state capital, with no artificial pressures of fund lifetimes, the 2030 Fund can invest counter-cyclically, back founders through challenging market conditions, and work for successful long-term exits. 

MassCEC considers new investments on a rolling basis. The timeline from pitch to close of investment is typically three to five months.

NAFC Open Grant/Product Donation Applications

The National Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (NAFC) is the only nonprofit 501c(3) organization whose mission is solely focused on the issues and needs of the medically underserved throughout the nation and the more than 1,400 Free and Charitable Clinics that serve them. The NAFC has earned the Platinum Seal of Transparency from GuideStar and a 4-Star rating from Charity Navigator. Founded in 2001 and headquartered near Washington, D.C., the NAFC is working to ensure that the medically underserved have access to affordable quality healthcare and strives to be a national voice promoting quality healthcare for all. For more information about the NAFC, including how to become a member, please visit https://www.nafcclinics.org.

NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund

The NAFC Healthcare Services Expansion Fund supports the launch or expansion of clinical programs and new service areas that increase access to care for underserved patients. This funding is designed to help NAFC members introduce new services or grow existing programs that address unmet community health needs and improve access to comprehensive, patient-centered care.

The Soil and Water Stewardship Scholarship, sponsored by the Community Foundation of Northern Illinois, provides financial support to students pursuing careers in natural resources. Applicants must reside in specific Illinois counties and plan to enroll in a full-time program related to fields such as ecology, hydrology, and conservation. Academic performance is a key consideration in the selection process. For more details, contact the Winnebago County Soil & Water Conservation District.