Massachusetts Arts Grants

The MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant program offers grants of up to $10,000 to various entities, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, regional authorities, municipalities, and schools/colleges in Massachusetts. The program's core mission is to support short-term waste reduction projects across all counties within the state. This initiative directly aligns with a broader strategic goal of environmental protection by fostering sustainable practices and extending the lifespan of products, thereby diverting waste from landfills. The program's focus on reduction, reuse, and repair is a fundamental aspect of circular economy principles, which are critical to the foundation's theory of change in promoting a more sustainable Massachusetts. The program targets a diverse group of beneficiaries, including businesses, non-profits, governmental bodies, and educational institutions within Massachusetts. The primary impact goal is to significantly reduce waste generation and prolong product utility through donation, rescue, reuse, and repair activities. This aims to create a ripple effect, encouraging communities and organizations to adopt more environmentally responsible behaviors. By providing financial support for specific projects, MassDEP seeks to empower these entities to implement innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. The program prioritizes projects that directly contribute to waste reduction and product longevity. This includes initiatives such as purchasing inventory technology for operational efficiencies, developing programs for collecting and redistributing reusable items (clothing, electronics, home goods), implementing reusable transport packaging systems, converting to reusable food service ware, installing bulk dispensing systems, and establishing or expanding repair programs for furniture, appliances, electronics, and textiles. Additionally, the program supports the creation of food donation and distribution programs, community repair training, deconstruction initiatives, and the promotion of tool-lending libraries and community repair events. These diverse focuses ensure a comprehensive approach to waste reduction across various sectors and community needs. Expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in waste sent to landfills and an increase in the lifespan of various products through their reuse and repair. Projects are anticipated to result in enhanced operational efficiencies for participating organizations, greater accessibility to reusable goods for communities, and the establishment of new, or expansion of existing, waste reduction infrastructure. The program also aims to foster a culture of sustainability through education and community engagement, leading to long-term behavioral changes. Measurable results could include metrics on tons of waste diverted, number of items repaired or reused, and the reach of educational and training programs. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to MassDEP's strategic priority of promoting environmental stewardship and resource conservation across Massachusetts.

The Community Enrichment program, offered by the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, is designed to support activities that bolster the vitality of communities within its 33-community region. This program directly aligns with the foundation's mission to address community goals and supports non-profit organizations whose initiatives align with their own mission. The foundation prioritizes programs that enhance local arts, culture, creativity, civic engagement, and community development, contributing to strong, active, and inclusive relationships among residents, the private sector, the public, and civil society organizations. The target beneficiaries for this program are the residents and various organizations within the 33-community region in North Central Massachusetts. The overarching impact goal is to create more vital communities through enhanced civic engagement, cultural enrichment, and sustainable development. The program focuses on fostering community cohesion and participation, celebrating community heritage, and promoting artistic expression in public and institutional settings. This approach is intended to create a thriving environment for all community members. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly delineated across three key areas: Arts and Culture, Community Development, and Civic Engagement. Within Arts and Culture, the program supports initiatives like public art, art programs in community centers and schools, and general artistic endeavors. Community Development focuses on projects that enhance the community and preserve historical elements. Civic Engagement aims to advance community cohesion and participation, fostering a sense of belonging and shared responsibility among residents. Expected outcomes include demonstrating capacity and potential for achieving and sustaining long-term impact, successful implementation of action plans, and measurable progress towards stated objectives. Grant proposals are required to include measurable objectives and outcomes, along with a plan to monitor this progress, ensuring accountability and effectiveness. The foundation seeks evidence that the proposed plan of action is likely to achieve its intended results, reflecting a strategic approach to grantmaking. The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts operates with a strategic priority on programs that demonstrate clear capacity for impact, have well-defined plans of action, and include robust methods for tracking progress. While a formal "theory of change" isn't explicitly detailed, the underlying principle is that by investing in arts, culture, civic engagement, and community development, communities will become more vital, resilient, and inclusive. This is achieved through supporting non-profit organizations that can effectively execute programs aligned with these goals and demonstrate a commitment to measurable results.

The Newton Community Pride Community Micro Grant program is designed to support local organizations, artists, service projects, and non-profits in Newton, Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the Newton Community Pride's mission: "To build community through free arts and culture programming, public art, beautification and service projects." By offering financial support to diverse community-driven initiatives, the program aims to enhance local engagement and foster a vibrant community spirit. The grant's focus on projects occurring between November 1, 2024, and March 31, 2025, ensures timely impact and responsiveness to immediate community needs. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are community members in Newton, with a particular emphasis on historically marginalized groups and those who benefit from free community programming. The impact goals include fostering community building, promoting arts and culture, and supporting beautification and service projects within Newton. The program's strategic priorities include encouraging diversity, representing varied voices and experiences, and supporting first-time grant applications or organizations that haven't received an NCP grant in the previous cycle. This approach aligns with a theory of change that posits that by investing in accessible and inclusive community projects, Newton Community Pride can strengthen social cohesion and enrich the lives of its residents. The program prioritizes projects located in Newton that offer free community programming. Preference is given to first-time grant applicants and those that haven't been awarded an NCP grant in the previous cycle, encouraging broader participation and supporting emerging initiatives. Applicants are required to include event or program budget information and their most recent 990, if available, demonstrating a commitment to transparency and accountability. Additionally, project locations must be vetted and approved before application submission, ensuring feasibility and appropriate use of public spaces. Expected outcomes include an increase in free arts and culture programming, more public art installations, enhanced beautification efforts, and a greater number of service projects benefiting the Newton community. Measurable results can be tracked through the number of funded projects, the reach and attendance of free community programs, and the demonstrable impact on historically marginalized groups. The maximum grant request is $1,500, with past grants averaging between $300 and $1,100, indicating a focus on numerous smaller-scale, impactful projects rather than a few large ones. Funding dispersal 15-30 days prior to the event or program ensures that resources are available when most needed. Exclusions from the grant include public school programs, requests for food/beverages, personal scholarships, capital improvement funding, and event/program support that would benefit any political or religious cause, individual, or group. These exclusions ensure that the grants remain focused on broader community benefit and align strictly with the non-political and non-religious mission of Newton Community Pride. The clear guidelines help maintain the integrity of the program and ensure that funds are directed towards initiatives that truly serve the entire Newton community in an inclusive manner.

The Social Justice Fund's 2024 Native Led Organizing Grant aims to support grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This grant is aligned with the Social Justice Fund's broader mission of community organizing, focusing on Indigenous frontline communities, Nations, organizers, actions, and movements. The program specifically targets Native-led organizing efforts across the northwestern region, providing funding to organizations with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status, fiscally sponsored groups, or those willing to confirm a fiscal sponsor upon award. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Indigenous, Native, American Indian, and First Nation community-led organizations (51% or more), particularly those working with reservation communities or in rural/small towns. The impact goals revolve around strengthening these communities through various initiatives. Priority consideration is given to organizations deeply embedded in and led by these communities, ensuring that the funding directly supports their self-determination and local needs. The grant prioritizes funding for a range of organizing work, including language rejuvenation programs, culture as healing programs, environmental justice, civic engagement (including voter education), food sovereignty, MMIW & MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People), wellness projects, youth-led initiatives, and art as activism installations. These focus areas reflect the critical needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous communities and align with a holistic approach to social justice and community well-being. Expected outcomes include the empowerment of Native-led organizations, the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, increased civic participation, enhanced environmental protection, and improved community health and safety. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics, the focus on community-led initiatives implies success will be measured by the strength and sustainability of these programs and their positive impact on the target communities. The awards range from $10,000 to $30,000, which will enable these organizations to implement their vital work.

The 2024 Youth Development Fund (YDF), launched by the City of Boston's Human Services Cabinet, is a $1.5 million grant program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that offer high-quality, engaging programs for youth and young adults aged 14-24. The fund prioritizes initiatives aligning with Mayor Michelle Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore commitment, aiming to increase free youth programming and provide positive outlets for youth outside school hours. Applications are open until 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024. This year, the fund will offer two tracks of funding: one for small, emerging organizations and another for larger, established organizations. Emerging organizations will also receive technical assistance and capacity-building support through the Emerging Organization Learning Community. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of investing in youth programming for the community's future, while Human Services Chief José F. Massó highlighted the fund’s role in partnering with diverse youth development organizations. The program aims to foster growth in small organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 through mentorship and support, while larger organizations can receive grants up to $30,000. The 2024 YDF will focus on sports, gardening, urban farming, culinary arts, arts, and other youth development programming, supporting initiatives across all Boston neighborhoods.

This program provides financial assistance to cannabis entrepreneurs in Massachusetts, specifically targeting pre-licensed businesses and licensed establishments owned by individuals from social equity backgrounds, to support their entry, operational needs, and growth in the cannabis industry.

The document is a Request for Information (RFI Number: 7200AA24RFI00017) published by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Global Health (GH). This RFI is explicitly for information-gathering and planning purposes and does not constitute a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or a Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFI’s issuance aligns with USAID's overarching mission to address critical global health challenges by seeking expert input that will inform the design of future activities related to its development goals. The central subject and focus of the RFI is "Accelerating HIV Vaccine Research and Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC)." While this specific RFI targets expert respondents who can provide strategic and technical inputs, the ultimate target beneficiaries are the populations within Low- and Middle-Income Countries affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The primary impact goal for the eventual program is to expedite the research, development, and eventual availability of an effective HIV vaccine for use in these regions. The key priorities or focuses are implicitly tied to identifying the most effective pathways to accelerate HIV vaccine R&D within LMICs. USAID is requesting short submissions outlining recommendations or other information pertinent to questions not listed in this excerpt. Respondents must provide sufficient detail and justification for their offered recommendations, indicating a priority on collecting actionable and evidence-based strategies that address specific challenges and opportunities within the field. As an RFI, this document itself does not outline expected outcomes or measurable results; its function is to gather the inputs necessary to formulate those later. It represents the initial stage in USAID's strategic planning and theory of change—that informed program design, based on expert consultation, is required to achieve successful acceleration of R&D efforts. It is a non-binding notice, and USAID reserves the right to incorporate any or none of the comments into subsequent solicitations, reinforcing its role as a purely informational and preparatory step.

This program provides financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners in Scituate, Massachusetts, to make essential health and safety repairs and modifications to their primary residences.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community organizations that provide services to improve the quality of life for residents of specific towns, with a focus on low-income and underserved individuals, in areas such as arts, culture, education, environment, health, and social services, while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This grant provides funding for educators in Brookline to collaborate on innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning across disciplines and grade levels.

The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant is designed to provide crucial rental support for physical storefronts, offering up to 12 months of assistance ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a maximum of $50,000 in direct rental support covering both past and future rent expenses. This grant program, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, aims to bolster the economic stability and growth of small businesses within Somerville, Massachusetts. The overall mission alignment of this grant is to foster a vibrant local economy, support business longevity, and promote equitable development within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are small, physical storefront businesses located in Somerville, Massachusetts, that have opened a new storefront on or after January 2023, or are intending to open in 2024. The program specifically targets businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees and those operating in 5 or fewer locations, excluding franchises. The impact goals are to prevent business displacement, encourage new business growth, and support diverse ownership groups, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and inclusive local economy. During the review process, priority points are given to businesses that have not previously received City or State funding, those displaced due to "act of God" events or extreme rental increases since April 2020, and businesses that are immigrant-owned, women-owned, BIPOC-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQIA-owned, or disability-owned. Additional priority is given to businesses within a Qualified Census Tract, those with fewer than 5 full-time employees, and Somerville resident-owned businesses. These priorities reflect a strategic focus on equity, supporting underserved communities, and addressing the challenges faced by truly small, local enterprises. Expected outcomes include a reduction in storefront vacancies, increased stability for new and vulnerable small businesses, and a more diverse landscape of business ownership in Somerville. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses receiving support, their retention rates, and the demographic data of successful applicants. The City of Somerville's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, include fostering local economic development, promoting social equity, and building community resilience. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted rental assistance and prioritizing specific business types, the city can create a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive, generating local jobs and services, and contributing to the overall well-being of Somerville residents. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes local hiring, with awarded businesses agreeing to prioritize Somerville residents, especially low to moderate-income individuals, when suitable, reinforcing the community-centric approach.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston that serve marginalized communities by addressing essential needs such as food, shelter, legal aid, and support for vulnerable populations.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts's Flexible Funding 2024 program offers general operating support to nonprofits benefiting the region. This initiative aligns directly with the foundation's mission to foster equity and opportunity in Western Massachusetts by providing unrestricted financial support. The program's core aim is to sustain the day-to-day operations of organizations, allowing them to focus directly on their missions without the burden of highly restricted funding. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priority to strengthen the nonprofit sector by providing flexible, trust-based philanthropy. The program primarily targets smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have historically lacked substantial institutional philanthropy. It also prioritizes organizations deeply rooted in their communities, recognizing their essential role in local impact. While not explicitly stating "expected outcomes" or "measurable results" in a quantitative sense, the program's design implies an outcome of increased organizational stability, capacity, and effectiveness for these beneficiaries. The theory of change suggests that by providing flexible funding to these specific organizations, the foundation can catalyze greater community well-being and progress towards its equity goals. The foundation's strategic vision forms the cornerstone for establishing the priority support areas for Flexible Funding. These areas are designed to increase equity and opportunity and include: racial justice; accessible and more affordable post-secondary education and training; a strong start for all children; a vibrant local arts and creativity ecosystem; financial resiliency (Springfield only); and family economic resiliency (Franklin County only). These focus areas clearly articulate the foundation's strategic priorities and direct funding towards issues that are central to its broader theory of change for regional development and social justice. Flexible Funding provides grants of up to $30,000 for a grant period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Eligibility requires IRS-designated 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor, and organizations must be located in and serve residents of Franklin, Hampden, and/or Hampshire counties. There is a strong preference for organizations with operating budgets less than $5 million, and organizations with budgets over $10 million are ineligible, reinforcing the focus on smaller, community-based entities. This emphasis on local and less-resourced organizations highlights the foundation's commitment to equitable resource distribution and supporting the foundational elements of a thriving community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts for reentry programs aimed at helping young adults transition successfully from incarceration to the community, thereby reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is inviting applications for the Hardman Fund, aimed at enriching the lives of residents in North Adams, Florida, Clarksburg, MA, and Stamford, VT, by supporting nonprofit organizations that focus on arts, culture, historic preservation, health, human and social services, education, and the environment, with a special interest in initiatives that assist people in difficult economic circumstances and enrich the cultural and natural environment.

This grant provides funding for public art projects and performances by individual artists and groups based in Salem, Massachusetts, to enhance community engagement and creativity.

This grant provides financial support and coworking resources to small businesses in Massachusetts with limited revenue and staff, aiming to boost local entrepreneurship and community growth.

This grant provides funding for Massachusetts-based artists and community organizations to create public art projects that promote spatial justice and engage the public in meaningful ways.

The Assets for Artists' 2025 Capacity-Building Cohort is a 6-month program offering a $2,000 unrestricted grant and professional development resources to emerging or mid-career artists from under-resourced communities in Northern Berkshire County, Massachusetts, aiming to strengthen their creative practice and achieve long-term sustainability.