Massachusetts grants for Nonprofits

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts to deliver essential pre- and post-release services for young adults reentering society, with a focus on reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

The 2025 Massachusetts 250 Grant Program, offered by the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), is a competitive grant designed to fund programming and interpretation related to the American Revolution in Massachusetts. The program aims to increase tourism and travel within the state by highlighting its pivotal role in the nation's founding. This aligns with a broader mission to promote Massachusetts' historical significance and attract visitors, thereby bolstering the state's economic development through tourism. The grant targets municipalities, public agencies, tribal entities, and nonprofit organizations (501(c)3, 501(c)5, or 501(c)6) operating in Massachusetts. Eligible projects must demonstrate a direct connection to the American Revolution, link to themes of revolution and independence, celebrate significant historical "firsts" in Massachusetts, or offer creative approaches to commemorating the nation’s semiquincentennial. The program emphasizes that grant funds can be utilized for both programming and marketing initiatives. The primary priorities and focus areas for this grant include fostering a deeper understanding of the American Revolution's impact in Massachusetts and enhancing the state's appeal as a historical destination. The grant's strategic priorities are centered on supporting projects that interpret and tell these stories effectively, ultimately driving increased tourism. This implicitly supports a theory of change where investments in historical programming and marketing lead to greater engagement, visitor numbers, and economic benefits for the state. Expected outcomes and measurable results include an increase in tourism and travel to and within Massachusetts, successful programming that engages visitors with the American Revolution, and effective marketing campaigns that raise awareness of Massachusetts' historical significance. While specific quantitative metrics are not detailed, the competitive nature of the grant and the emphasis on increasing tourism suggest that successful applicants will demonstrate a clear plan for achieving these outcomes and, presumably, for measuring their impact. The program anticipates awarding up to $1,500,000 in FY25, with individual grants ranging from $5,000 to $100,000. This substantial funding demonstrates the state's commitment to commemorating the American Revolution and leveraging its historical assets for economic growth. Eligibility also requires compliance with regulations such as the MBTA Communities Act for municipal applicants, good standing with the Commonwealth, and current tax payments, ensuring responsible use of public funds.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that deliver high-quality early childhood education and family services to low-income children and families across multiple states in the U.S.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) organizations located within its market area, covering Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. The Foundation's grants support a wide array of initiatives including affordable housing, business and economic development, youth and family services, health and human service organizations, arts and cultural institutions, educational entities, environmental groups, and scholarship programs. Notably, the Foundation contributes to local education through scholarships at Providence College, Bryant University, and the University of Rhode Island, facilitating students' access to higher education. The Foundation is a strong supporter of the United Way, reflecting its commitment to community welfare through employee contributions and volunteerism. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: October 1st. Grant awarded in January

Dedicated to advancing the training and certification needs of maritime workers to ensure the Massachusetts labor pool is prepared for operations at offshore wind terminals.

Notice of Funding Opportunity SummaryThe Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency under the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) is announcing potential availability of cooperative agreements for the purpose of leveraging NRCS resources to assist our agency with conducting and implementing important NRCS Farm Bill Program contract management on multiple private landowner properties throughout Massachusetts. NRCS recognizes the importance of utilizing partners to help facilitate project management for NRCS customers throughout Massachusetts. The agreement holder could be asked to assist with customer technical assistance, conservation planning, certification packets for completed conservation practices, and writing Comprehensive Nutrient Management Plans (CNMPs). The agreement holder will also be responsible for providing training to NRCS staff and affiliates to demonstrate the ability to have direct conversations with agricultural producers, investigate and navigate conservation opportunities, demonstrate project management and implementation skills, as well as customer outreach.NRCS-Massachusetts is making a funding opportunity available for applicants to submit proposals with an award ceiling of $400,000 and a minimum project award of $200,000. NRCS will be awarding a cooperative agreement for up to a five-year period. If, in coordination with NRCS, additional resources are needed at a rate that exceeds this schedule, NRCS may add funds to this agreement to support continued partnership over the performance period.The primary goal is to expand conservation technical assistance to NRCS customers throughout Massachusetts. The project list ranges in size from less than 1-acre farms to several hundred-acre farms. Applicants will identify the average number of conservation application site visits with written conservation plans, existing contract conservation technical assistance site visits, and CNMPs that they could complete in any year with a minimum of fifteen application based and 15 contract based site visits per year being acceptable for this agreement (5 of those including CNMP development). NRCS will work with the selected applicant to make the choice of priority conservation site visits each year of the agreement based on interest and need. Applicants will be required to hold 1-2 conservation focused trainings per year for NRCS staff and partners to expand their technical knowledge. Applicants should provide a list of training ideas to NRCS for the length of the agreement. Applicants will be awarded based on the specified scoring criteria in Section E of this announcement. Eligible applicants are identified in Section C of this announcement. Applicants should be familiar with all applicable state, federal, local laws, policies, and regulations that apply to conservation improvements in the locales of Massachusetts.For new users of Grants.gov, see Section D. of the full Notice of Funding Opportunity for information about steps required before submitting an application via Grants.gov.Key DatesApplicants must submit their applications via Grants.gov by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on June 29, 2024. For technical issues with Grants.gov, contact Grants.gov Applicant Support at 1-800-518-4726 or support@grants.gov. Awarding agency staff cannot support applicants regarding Grants.gov accounts.For inquiries specific to the content of the NFO requirements, contact the federal awarding agency contact (section G of this NFO). Please limit questions to those regarding specific information contained in this NFO (such as dates, page numbers, clarification of discrepancies, etc.). Questions related to eligibility, or the merits of a specific proposal will not be addressed.The agency anticipates making selections by June 30, 2024, and expects to execute awards by August 15, 2024. These dates are estimates and are subject to change.

This grant provides over $1 million to local nonprofit organizations in specific Massachusetts counties to support a wide range of community-focused initiatives, including human services, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental efforts.

This funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

This grant provides multi-year funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver gender-specific programs and services aimed at improving the lives of at-risk women and girls in Essex County, Massachusetts.

The Hispanic Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, is dedicated to improving and promoting socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. This grant program is a direct reflection of the Community Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being and addresses specific needs within the Hispanic population of Lorain County, Ohio. By focusing on areas such as citizen empowerment, neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and educational achievement, the program aligns with a comprehensive approach to community development and equity. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations and community members whose projects directly impact the Hispanic community. The program aims to achieve significant positive impacts, including enhanced citizen empowerment, improved living environments through neighborhood revitalization, increased public safety and reduced crime, and a greater understanding and implementation of collaborative solutions to community problems. Ultimately, the goal is to address the root causes of social ills and elevate educational attainment within the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Fund's grant program prioritizes projects that provide or work to improve several key areas. These include initiatives that empower Hispanic citizens, address neighborhood revitalization or environmental issues, and promote public safety, education, and crime/violence prevention. Furthermore, the fund seeks projects that offer collaborative solutions or new approaches to existing problems, and those that directly tackle the root causes of social challenges within the Hispanic community. A significant focus is also placed on programs that positively influence Hispanic educational achievement in both public and higher education settings. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus areas inherently suggest expected outcomes. For instance, projects addressing citizen empowerment could lead to increased civic participation, while educational initiatives would aim for improved academic performance and higher rates of public or higher education enrollment. Neighborhood revitalization projects would likely target improvements in local infrastructure and living conditions, and public safety initiatives would work towards a reduction in crime rates. The fund's strategic priority is to support initiatives that create lasting, positive change, operating under the theory that empowering and educating the Hispanic community will lead to broader societal benefits and improved quality of life.

This mini-grant program provides funding to Boston residents and nonprofits for neighborhood block parties during the Halloween and fall season, promoting safe and festive community celebrations.

The Artist Opportunity Grants (AOGs) program, administered by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, aims to support Arizona artists in pursuing unique professional growth opportunities. The core mission of this grant aligns with fostering artistic development and entrepreneurship within the state. It provides financial assistance to artists across all disciplines and career stages, enabling them to engage in activities that significantly impact their careers. The primary beneficiaries of the AOGs are individual artists aged 18 or older and residing in Arizona. Organizations are not eligible to apply. The program seeks to achieve significant impact in three key areas: introducing artists' work to new audiences, developing new artistic skills, and fostering artistic entrepreneurship. The overarching goal is to enhance the professional trajectory and sustainability of Arizona's artistic community. The program prioritizes opportunities that expose artists' work to new audiences, raise their artistic profile, or allow them to present their work in a significant way. It also focuses on skill development through activities such as conferences, artist residencies, workshops, fellowships, master classes, or apprenticeships. Furthermore, the grant supports entrepreneurial expansion, covering expenses like marketing material production, website development, professional fees (e.g., lawyers, accountants), and practice-related capital expenses, including equipment purchases, materials, services, and rental fees. Expected outcomes include artists successfully presenting their work to broader audiences, acquiring new artistic skills, and strengthening their entrepreneurial capacity, ultimately leading to greater professional stability and artistic recognition. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact areas, the focus on "significant impact" implies an assessment of the extent to which these opportunities contribute to an artist's professional growth and reach. The funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with artists eligible to receive one AOG every two fiscal years, indicating a strategic approach to broad and recurring support within the artistic community.

This funding opportunity provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofit organizations serving youth and young adults with disabilities and mental health challenges in specific counties of Massachusetts and New York, particularly those supporting historically marginalized communities.

The Asian Community Fund (ACF) at The Boston Foundation is offering grants for its 2024 cycle to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to develop, strengthen, and support AAPI community power, galvanize diverse ethnicities within this community, and build a stronger advocacy voice. The ACF's overarching goal is to advocate for equal access for AAPI individuals in all aspects of society and to collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to overcome injustice and racism. The grantmaking approach is rooted in strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to foster systemic impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts, or those with a qualifying fiscal agent, that primarily serve the AAPI community. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on catalyzing new partnerships, expanding the capacity of local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and responding to emerging community needs. Expected outcomes include increased AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change through convening activities, innovative solutions to systemic gaps facing AAPI residents, and expanded reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Organizations will be evaluated based on their mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. The program prioritizes several key areas of focus. These include supporting general operating costs for eligible organizations and projects. Funding will specifically support three types of work: Convening, which brings communities together to elevate AAPI visibility and foster solidarity; Catalyzing, which fuels new collaborations and innovations to address systemic gaps; and Capacity Building, which expands the reach of programs focused on policy and systems change. Priority will also be given to organizations serving underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, those not previously funded by ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. This targeted approach demonstrates the foundation's strategic commitment to equitable distribution of resources and empowerment of diverse AAPI segments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its emphasis on strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and driving policy and systems change. The ACF believes that by investing in convening, catalyzing, and capacity building initiatives, it can create a ripple effect, leading to increased community power, stronger advocacy, and ultimately, greater equity for AAPI residents in Massachusetts. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, are designed to support organizations in achieving these objectives. While the initial grant size was advertised as $10,000 to $100,000, the funding considerations specify a range of $5,000 to $15,000 for general operating support. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024 and will be expected to share their experiences and impact in summer 2025, providing measurable results and demonstrating the effectiveness of the foundation's theory of change.

The Middlesex Saving Bank's Social Service Grant Program is designed to fund projects and programs that address critical social needs within the communities it serves. The program aligns with the foundation's mission to support vulnerable populations and improve quality of life by focusing on fundamental areas such as shelter, hunger security, and basic needs. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster community well-being and stability through targeted financial support, reflecting a theory of change that by addressing foundational needs, broader societal improvements can be achieved. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those experiencing food insecurity, and veterans and first responders. The impact goals are to provide essential resources and support that lead to improved living conditions, increased access to food, and enhanced physical and mental well-being for these groups. The program aims to create tangible, positive changes in the lives of those facing significant challenges. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Shelter, encompassing affordable housing, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and emergency home repairs; Hunger Security, which supports initiatives providing food to vulnerable populations, with a stipulation that no more than 25% of the grant can be used for direct food purchases; Clothing and Basic Needs, focusing on providing essential items like clothing and personal hygiene products; and Veterans & First Responders, dedicated to projects that benefit their physical and mental health. These focus areas indicate the foundation's commitment to a holistic approach to social welfare. Expected outcomes include a reduction in homelessness, increased food security, improved access to basic necessities, and better support systems for veterans and first responders. Measurable results could involve the number of individuals housed, meals provided, basic needs kits distributed, and participants in well-being programs. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, though grant requests considered are up to $20,000, indicating a focus on funding a greater number of impactful, smaller-scale projects. Eligibility requires applicants to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities within the bank's geographic areas, reinforcing the foundation's strategic priority to invest directly in local community development.

This grant provides funding for projects that collect and share untold stories of Massachusetts residents, particularly from historically excluded communities, in relation to the legacies of the American Revolution.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and community groups in Nantucket that provide essential human services and substance misuse prevention and intervention programs to improve the well-being of local residents.

The Museum on Main Street grant program is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian and Mass Humanities, designed to bring world-class exhibits to six rural communities across Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with Mass Humanities' mission to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry by making humanities accessible to a broad audience, particularly those in underserved areas. By partnering with the Smithsonian, Mass Humanities leverages a national resource to enrich local communities, demonstrating a strategic priority of community engagement and cultural enrichment through accessible programming. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are rural communities in Massachusetts, specifically those with a population of 12,000 or less, as defined by the 2020 US Census. The program aims to empower these communities to host the "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" tour, thereby promoting civic discourse and understanding of American democracy. The impact goals include increased community engagement with humanities topics, enhanced local cultural programming, and a deeper connection to historical and civic themes within participating towns. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around community-rooted programming. Grantees are expected to not only host the "Voices and Votes" exhibit but also to create supplementary programming that resonates with their local context and addresses relevant community issues. This emphasis on tailored, local initiatives reflects a theory of change where broad national themes are made meaningful and impactful through local interpretation and application, fostering a sense of ownership and relevance among residents. Expected outcomes include robust participation from diverse community members in the exhibit and related events. Measurable results could include the number of attendees at the exhibit and associated programs, feedback from participants on their learning and engagement, and the development of new community partnerships. The grant's structure, offering $10,000 to host sites, enables these communities to invest in the necessary resources for successful program implementation, reinforcing Mass Humanities' commitment to supporting sustainable cultural initiatives at the local level.

The 2024 Community Experts Fund, spearheaded by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, is a grant initiative designed to amplify youth voice within organizations. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission by directly engaging young adults with lived expertise in the grantmaking process, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by the concerns and priorities of the young people it aims to serve. This strategic approach underscores a theory of change that values authentic youth engagement as a catalyst for effective and impactful program development. The target beneficiaries of this grant are youth-serving nonprofit organizations working with young people who have an intellectual disability, learning disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. The program specifically prioritizes services delivered in Massachusetts (Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, or Nantucket County) and New York (Erie or Niagara County). The impact goals include fostering youth leadership and ensuring that community voice directly shapes grant allocation and program design. The fund focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives that empower young people. Eligible expenses include stipends for youth participation, staff time dedicated to youth engagement, transportation and accommodation for youth programming, program supplies and food, community and recreational programming, outreach and promotion of youth leadership opportunities, technology and equipment, and training. This broad scope allows organizations to tailor their proposals to specific needs while adhering to the core objective of youth empowerment. Applicants can request up to $25,000 to support their programs. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on youth-led design and ongoing engagement suggests an expected outcome of sustainable youth leadership within recipient organizations. The measurable results would likely include increased youth participation in organizational decision-making, development of youth-led projects, and the overall strengthening of youth voice in the designated service regions. This grant opportunity exemplifies the Foundation's strategic commitment to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into community-based solutions.

The Swim Safe Access Grant, spearheaded by Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing water safety and increasing access to swimming lessons for Boston families. The program's core mission aligns with public health goals to address the threat of drowning, which is a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. The grant seeks to mitigate this risk by providing free and easily accessible swim lessons, directly supporting a strategy proven to reduce drowning risk by up to 90 percent. This directly reflects a strategic priority of improving community health and safety through preventative measures, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary beneficiaries of the Swim Safe Access Grant are Boston residents, with a specific focus on low-income families and socially and economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented, or underserved groups. The program's impact goals center on improving water safety knowledge and skills among these residents, ultimately reducing the incidence of drowning. By making beginner-level swim programs free and accessible, the grant aims to lower existing barriers to access, ensuring that a broader segment of the community can acquire essential water safety skills. The grant prioritizes beginner-level swim programs operating within the city of Boston, emphasizing foundational water safety skills over intermediate or advanced instruction. Funding is specifically available for ongoing programs, explicitly excluding one-time events, to ensure sustained impact and skill development. Eligibility criteria further specify that applicants must be non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with Boston Public Schools-affiliated entities encouraged to apply. Programs must also demonstrate either direct operation of an aquatics facility or a partnership with one that can accommodate the proposed activities. This focused approach reflects a theory of change that by investing in foundational, accessible, and sustained beginner swim instruction, a significant and measurable improvement in public water safety can be achieved across the city. Expected outcomes include a substantial increase in the number of Boston residents, particularly children from underserved backgrounds, who possess basic water safety skills. Measurable results will be tracked through regular reports on program outcomes, which award recipients are required to submit. These reports will provide data on participation rates, skill acquisition, and potentially anecdotal evidence of increased water confidence and safety awareness among participants. The total available funding of $250,000, with individual awards up to $49,999 per organization, underscores the program's commitment to supporting multiple community-based initiatives to achieve its broad safety and access goals.