Best Private Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Agnes M. Lindsay Trust Grants provide essential financial support to nonprofit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Vermont, focusing on Health and Welfare, Dental Health, Camperships, Education, and Homeless Shelters. With a history of over 81 years, the Trust aims to assist those in need, especially in underserved populations. While they are currently not accepting unsolicited requests from colleges and universities, they continue to support initiatives that enhance community welfare and educational opportunities.

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 DanPaul Foundation aims to enhance early childhood development by training teachers and parents, protecting children from abuse, and promoting social responsibility. They provide grants to non-profits for programs that focus on education, health, and welfare of youth. Key initiatives include scholarships, environmental education, and support for underprivileged children. Grant amounts range from a few hundred dollars to $15,000 annually, with a focus on impactful, community-driven projects.

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.

The Memorial Foundation for the Blind provides essential funding to nonprofit organizations in Worcester County, Massachusetts, aimed at enhancing the quality of life for individuals with visual impairments. This includes supporting adaptive equipment, assistive technology, and scholarships for higher education. The foundation encourages grant proposals that focus on improving access to arts, culture, and vocational training, helping visually impaired residents achieve greater independence and fulfillment in their daily lives.

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.

The Sidney Stern Memorial Trust Grant supports charitable, scientific, medical, and educational organizations that are 501(c)(3) certified. This private funder emphasizes impactful service to diverse populations without discrimination. Grants must be utilized within the United States and cannot be awarded to individuals, political candidates, or lobbying efforts. The Trust is dedicated to enhancing the general welfare through soundly-managed initiatives that contribute significantly to community needs.

The Emergency Community Water Assistance Grants in Massachusetts support communities facing emergencies that disrupt safe drinking water availability. Funded by USDA Rural Development, these grants assist in constructing and repairing water systems. Eligible applicants include public bodies and nonprofit organizations in rural areas with populations under 10,000. The program addresses issues like droughts, floods, and chemical spills, ensuring communities can restore access to clean water quickly.

The Water & Waste Disposal Loan & Grant Program in Massachusetts provides essential funding to improve drinking water systems, sewage disposal, solid waste management, and stormwater drainage in eligible rural areas. This initiative supports state and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally-recognized tribes to ensure access to clean water and effective waste management. Funds can cover construction costs, legal fees, and necessary equipment, enhancing community health and environmental sustainability.

The National Trust Preservation Funds provide grants ranging from $2,500 to $5,000 to support local preservation projects and ongoing work. These funds aim to enhance community engagement in preservation, foster technical expertise, and stimulate financial participation from the private sector. Eligible applicants include public agencies and nonprofit organizations focused on planning and education efforts related to preservation. The program is particularly interested in initiatives that reach new audiences and further the preservation movement.

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.

About Northeast SARE

The Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research and Education (SARE) Program offers grants and education to farmers, educators, service providers, researchers and others to address key issues affecting the sustainability of agriculture throughout our region.

The program serves Connecticut, Delaware, Massachusetts, Maryland, Maine, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. The program is administered by Northeast SARE's host institution, the University of Vermont.

Farming Community Grant Program

The Northeast SARE Farming Community Grant applies social science research and education projects that strengthen farming and food systems at the community level.

These projects explore innovative approaches to improving the health and sustainability of agricultural communities in the Northeast. This program supports projects that are grounded in community partnerships and informed by the lived experiences of farmers. It encourages collaboration among farmers, service providers, researchers, and nonprofit organizations to co-create solutions that are responsive to local needs and scalable across the region.

This program encourages innovative solutions to challenges in farming and food systems in the Northeast USA, including but not limited to the areas of: Marketing and business; Crop production; Raising livestock; Aquaculture; Economic and social sustainability; Ecological knowledge; Projects related to climate and/or bioenergy work that provide direct or indirect benefits to farmers,ranchers, and private foresters; and more.

Technical Assistance Program

Applicants and grantees of the Farming Community Grant Program are eligible for Technical Assistance (TA) provided by Northeast SARE’s Technical Assistance Providers.

Funding: This grant is reimbursement based; you must spend money to receive the grant funds.

The Mosaic Opioid Recovery Municipal Matching Grant aims to distribute $3.75 million to municipalities in Massachusetts over three years, supporting initiatives to address the opioid crisis. Funded by RIZE, the program matches municipal opioid settlement funds to enhance community efforts in prevention, harm reduction, and recovery services. Eligible projects can receive up to $50,000 individually or $150,000 through collaborative efforts, fostering partnerships among municipalities and nonprofit organizations to improve public health outcomes.

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.

The Massachusetts Cultural Facilities Fund Grant offers vital support for nonprofit cultural organizations to enhance their facilities. With over $9 million available for repairs, renovations, and new construction, the grant encourages projects that promote sustainability and align with the state’s net zero emissions goal by 2050. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and educational institutions that provide public access. The fund aims to strengthen cultural infrastructure, ensuring these facilities continue to serve their communities effectively.

Ameriprise Community Grants focus on supporting nonprofits that enhance community vitality and meet basic needs. With over 120 years of commitment to philanthropy, Ameriprise Financial engages employees in volunteerism and grantmaking. Key giving areas include hunger relief, housing stability, and community development. Priority is given to organizations with active volunteer engagement from Ameriprise advisors and employees, creating a meaningful impact on financial independence and community resilience.

The Smith Family Foundation offers Small Capital Grants ranging from $25,000 to $100,000 to support tax-exempt nonprofits in Greater Boston and Gateway Cities. These grants aim to strengthen nonprofits' capacities for one-time capital expenses, addressing critical needs in economically disadvantaged communities. With a mission to promote positive change, the foundation prioritizes organizations with operating budgets under $3 million, focusing on human services and community development.

The Summer Fund Grant, established in 1971 by Philanthropy Massachusetts, supports summer camps and enrichment programs for underserved youth in Greater Boston. It offers General Operating Grants to help nonprofits with operational costs, alongside a Mental Health Grant Program addressing youth mental health needs and the Homeless Campership Fund, which subsidizes camp fees for homeless youth. Eligible organizations must meet specific criteria, ensuring impactful support for local communities.

The Resilient and Connected Appalachians Grant Program, offered by The Nature Conservancy, provides up to $100,000 for projects that acquire land and easements throughout the Appalachian region. This program emphasizes equitable conservation, aiming to support historically marginalized communities and enhance access to nature while addressing climate change impacts. Projects must demonstrate community engagement and align with the program's goals to protect vital habitats and foster resilience in the face of environmental challenges.

The Bayer Fund Health & Wellness Grant Program aims to support organizations that provide education and resources for patients and caregivers facing cancer and cardiovascular diseases. Grants focus on assisting communities, particularly the African American population, in managing these health issues. Funding covers educational services, disease awareness, and access to care, with all activities to commence post-funding decisions. Eligible organizations must hold a 501(c)(3) status and operate within 55 miles of Bayer sites.

The Rogers Family Foundation Fund supports nonprofit organizations focused on education, health, human services, community development, and the arts in Massachusetts' Merrimack Valley and North Shore, as well as Southeastern New Hampshire. Eligible applicants must be tax-exempt under 501(c)(3) and not classified as private foundations. Proposal deadlines are March 1 and September 1, with specific funding interests prioritized for program support.

The Primary Instruction by Volunteers Grant aims to enhance adult basic education services for eligible adults unable to enroll in traditional classes. With a funding pool of approximately $500,000, the program targets around 1,000 adult learners annually, focusing on effective one-on-one tutoring by trained volunteers. Priorities include curriculum alignment with educational standards, building college and career readiness skills, and ensuring compliance with funding regulations. This initiative is designed to provide vital educational opportunities and support for adult learners across the Commonwealth.

The Rural Business Development Grants in Massachusetts aim to support small rural businesses by providing essential technical assistance and training. These grants prioritize projects that benefit rural areas and offer funding without a maximum limit, although smaller requests are favored. Eligible applicants include rural public entities and nonprofit organizations. Funds can be used for a variety of purposes, such as business planning, training, and community development, fostering economic growth in underserved regions.

The Yawkey Foundation offers Program and Small Capital Grants to nonprofit organizations making meaningful impacts in Health Care, Education, Human Services, Youth and Amateur Athletics, Arts and Culture, and Conservation and Wildlife. Grants can be up to $100,000 and support projects aligned with the nonprofit’s mission. Organizations are encouraged to submit Initial Proposals during designated periods, demonstrating strong leadership and community impact, particularly in underserved regions of Eastern Massachusetts.

Winning Home Grants are offered by Winning Home, Inc., a nonprofit dedicated to supporting disadvantaged children and their families. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations aligned with this mission. Grants prioritize specific projects and require efficient use of funds. Capital projects, endowments, and routine social services are typically ineligible. Winning Home encourages applications that benefit children in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, providing essential services and support to those in need.

The Community Enrichment Grant, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, aims to enhance community vitality through support for local arts, culture, civic engagement, and development projects. Grants typically range from $2,000 to $15,000, with a focus on fostering inclusive relationships among residents and organizations. Eligible applicants include nonprofit organizations, while individuals and for-profit entities are ineligible. This initiative seeks to create impactful and measurable community improvements.