Best Worcester Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Organizational Development Grant by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts aims to enhance nonprofit effectiveness through funding small capital needs. This initiative supports vital resources such as furniture, equipment, and technology, ensuring nonprofits can sustain their impact. Eligible organizations can apply once per program, fostering collaboration and measurable outcomes. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to improve community life across a diverse 33-community region, emphasizing capacity-building and efficiency.

The Community Health Grant from the Nashoba Valley Health Care Fund aims to enhance the health of residents across twelve communities. This year's focus is on improving access to quality healthcare, including primary and preventive care and behavioral health services. Grants typically range from $5,000 to $20,000, with larger requests considered for impactful projects. The fund supports tax-exempt organizations committed to addressing community health challenges.

The Beim Foundation's Regional Grant Program invites proposals from nonprofit organizations serving under-resourced communities in the U.S. for environmental education projects by 2025. The foundation prioritizes initiatives that address ethnic and racial inequality, heal community trauma, and provide culturally competent services. Grant amounts range from $5,000 to $15,000, supporting direct services to participants rather than staff training or curriculum development. Applications are limited to specific geographical areas.

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 Felicia Rose Grant Program supports animal welfare nonprofits in Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire, focusing on strengthening the human-animal bond and providing care for animals in need. With $120,000 awarded annually, eligible 501(c)(3) organizations can apply for grants up to $20,000 for operating expenses. This initiative honors Felicia Rose, a therapy dog who exemplifies the program's mission. Organizations must meet specific criteria, including location and experience, to qualify for funding.

The ES Veterans Association Grant supports U.S. military service members and veterans in New England. This grant aims to enhance services through charitable giving, focusing on mental, physical, and educational support. Organizations with an EIN can apply for grants of any amount, which must align with the association's mission. The Board of Directors has the final authority on grant requests, ensuring the needs of veterans are met and their sacrifices honored.

Rockland Trust is committed to strengthening local communities through charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations and community groups. Their mission focuses on providing essential services, enhancing quality of life, and fostering relationships with customers. They prioritize funding programs that align with their philanthropic goals, specifically in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Capital projects are not eligible for support, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community services.

The Georgia-Pacific Foundation Grant supports organizations in the Metro Atlanta area, focusing on education, entrepreneurship, community enrichment, and environmental sustainability. Established in 1958, the foundation prioritizes investments that align with its mission and values, promoting long-term well-being within communities where Georgia-Pacific operates. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) nonprofits, public schools, and local government entities located within 30 miles of GP manufacturing sites.

The JMAC Access Grant Program, supported by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Barr Foundation, offers vital resources to artists and organizations for showcasing their projects at the Jean McDonough Arts Center. This initiative aims to empower BIPOC and underserved artists in Worcester by funding project development and implementation costs. Through a structured application process, selected participants can secure financial assistance to present their work, ensuring a vibrant cultural landscape in Central Massachusetts.

The Dolores Zohrab Liebmann Fund Fellowships provide financial support for U.S. citizens pursuing graduate studies in various fields at accredited institutions. The fellowships cover tuition and offer an annual stipend of $18,000 for living expenses. Candidates must demonstrate financial need and have an outstanding undergraduate record. Applications are submitted through the dean of the university, with deadlines in January and notifications by mid-June. This program honors Dolores Zohrab Liebmann's legacy of supporting education.

The Kate Van Winkle Keller Fellowship, established by the Society for American Music, supports short-term research residencies for scholars at all levels focusing on American music or dance. Awardees can utilize the American Antiquarian Society's resources in Worcester, Massachusetts, for one to two months, receiving a stipend of $2,200 per month. This fellowship promotes scholarly engagement and provides a one-year membership in SAM for non-members, fostering a deeper appreciation for American musical heritage.

The Community Grant: Operating Support Grant by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation aims to enhance the vibrancy of Worcester County by funding organizations aligned with focus areas such as Health & Wellbeing, Arts & Creativity, Youth & Families, and Basic Needs. This initiative encourages nonprofits to adopt equitable practices and engage community voices, while offering flexible funding options based on organizational budgets. The grant seeks transformative partnerships that address systemic barriers and foster community-driven solutions.

The Hench Post-Dissertation Fellowship, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, provides a unique opportunity for scholars to refine their dissertations for publication. This prestigious fellowship includes a $40,000 stipend and up to $4,000 for health insurance. Applicants must be within three years of earning their doctorate and focus on topics relevant to American history and culture through 1900. The program fosters collaboration and feedback from leading scholars, enhancing the academic community in Worcester, Massachusetts.

The Kate B. and Hall J. Peterson Fellowships, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, support scholarly research in any field related to American history and culture up to 1876. Each fellowship provides a stipend of $2,000 per month for a term of one to two months between June 1 and May 31. Preference is given to applicants who haven’t received long-term fellowships in the past three years, and eligibility extends to postdoctoral scholars and graduate students.

The Brown Family Collection Fellowship, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, supports graduate and postdoctoral researchers for projects utilizing the Brown Family Collections and related materials. With a stipend of $2,200 per month, the fellowship is available for one to two months between June 1 and May 31. Preference is given to individuals who have not held long-term fellowships recently, and scholars of Black and Indigenous descent are encouraged to apply.

The Metrowest Women's Fund Grant aims to empower women and girls from low-income backgrounds in the Metrowest area. With funding between $5,000 and $20,000, the grant focuses on educational opportunities, addressing safety from violence, and supporting the unique needs of girls. Eligible programs must be nonsectarian and open to all qualified participants, fostering community involvement in program development and leadership.

The AAS-American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies Fellowships support research projects on the American eighteenth century. Funded by the American Society for Eighteenth-Century Studies and the American Antiquarian Society, these fellowships offer a stipend of $2,200 per month for one to two months of research between June 1 and May 31. Eligibility includes postdoctoral scholars and foreign nationals residing in the U.S. for three years prior to application.

The Alstott Morgan Fellowship, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, supports research on 19th-century American education. It provides a stipend of $2,200 per month for a term of one to two months, available from June 1 to May 31. Eligible candidates include postdoctoral scholars and graduate students engaged in scholarly research across various fields related to American history and culture up to 1900. Preference is given to those without long-term fellowships in the preceding three years.

The American Historical Print Collectors Society Fellowship supports research on American prints from the eighteenth and nineteenth centuries. Funded jointly by the American Historical Print Collectors Society and the American Antiquarian Society, this fellowship offers a stipend of $2,000 per month for one to two months of research. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral scholars and graduate students from various humanities fields. Preference is given to those who have not held long-term fellowships recently.

Worcester Neighborhood Arts and Creativity Grant

The Worcester Neighborhood Arts and Creativity Grant supports small-scale, resident and artist led projects that activate neighborhoods through arts, culture, and creative expression. This program is designed to fund ideas that respond to a clearly identified community need and use creativity as a tool to strengthen connection, belonging, and neighborhood identity. 

This grant program is being offered through a partnership between Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the City of Worcester Cultural Development Division using ARPA funds.

Unlike festivals or large public events, funded projects should be small scale, place-based, and deeply rooted in local context. Projects may be temporary, experimental, or pilot initiatives that test new ways of engaging neighbors and community members through the arts.

This program prioritizes projects that are accessible, community driven, and led by those who live, work, or create in Worcester neighborhoods.

Grant Amount

Awards of up to $5,000 per project. Applicants should request only what is necessary to successfully carry out the proposed activity.

Projects must:

• Be free and open to the public.
• Take place in Worcester neighborhoods.
• Demonstrate meaningful community engagement.
• Be achievable within the grant period.

The Stephen Botein Fellowships, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, support research on the history of the book in American culture. With a monthly stipend of $2,200, these fellowships are available for one to two months from June to May. Eligible applicants include postdoctoral scholars, graduate students, and doctoral candidates from various academic fields. Preference is given to those without prior long-term fellowships, promoting a diverse scholarly community dedicated to exploring America's literary heritage.

The "Drawn to Art" Fellowship, funded by the American Antiquarian Society, supports research in American art and visual culture using graphic materials. Aimed at postdoctoral scholars and graduate students, it offers a stipend of $2,000 per month for a term of one to two months. Eligible applicants include those from diverse fields relevant to American studies prior to 1900, with priority given to those who have not held long-term fellowships recently.

The David Jaffee Fellowship in Visual and Material Culture, offered by the American Antiquarian Society, supports postdoctoral scholars and graduate students researching American history before 1900. Named after Professor David Jaffee, this fellowship encourages the use of visual and material culture in scholarship. The fellowship provides a stipend of $2,000 per month for a term of one to two months, emphasizing the importance of scholarly qualifications and project significance.

The George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation Grant supports non-profit organizations in Worcester and Boylston, Massachusetts, focusing on youth services for ages 0-22. The foundation welcomes unsolicited proposals for various projects, including capital campaigns, educational programs, and healthcare initiatives. However, it does not fund individuals, endowments, or large multi-year capital grants. Organizations seeking support must align with the foundation's interests in culture, education, and social services.

Community Momentum Micro Grant Program  

The Community Momentum Micro Grant Program provides flexible, responsive funding for timely, short-term projects that help organizations address emerging needs, seize unexpected opportunities, and remove barriers to program success.

Grant Amount

Awards range from $500 to $3,000.

Organizations may receive up to $3,000 in total Community Momentum Micro Grant funding per fiscal year (July 1–June 30).

Focus & Priorities Areas

• Career-related training
• Post-secondary education
• Other educational initiatives

What We Fund

Community Momentum Micro Grants are intended to support:

• Emerging or time-sensitive needs, including unforeseen or unexpected funding gaps requiring a prompt response
• Unforeseen opportunities, including programs or opportunities not anticipated during traditional grant cycles and unanticipated matching grants.
• Unexpected Small-scale projects that address expected gaps or obstacles to program success (e.g., capacity-building for active programs, removing barriers for program participants)
• Projects should be discrete, achievable within the grant period, and aligned with CFNCM’s mission and service area.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers Jewish Community Grants aimed at enriching Jewish life in Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. These grants support innovative and engaging programs that connect under-engaged individuals and families to the Jewish community. Applications are competitive, with individuals eligible for up to $2,500 and organizations for up to $7,500. Collaborative proposals are encouraged to maximize resources and reach a diverse audience, fostering community engagement and meaningful experiences.

The Nellie Mae Event Sponsorship Fund supports one-time events that promote education justice and racial equity in New England. Organizations targeting local communities, with annual budgets under $2 million, can apply for funding for events scheduled in 2025 or early 2026. The foundation prioritizes public entities and 501(c)3 educational organizations, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. Note that operational costs and online fundraising are not eligible for funding.