Massachusetts Community Development Grants

The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) is offering a Community Grant Program, providing funding between $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to programs that promote equity and address community needs such as health, wellness, climate sustainability, arts, culture, and more, with a preference for BIPOC-led organizations and those focusing on vulnerable populations.

This program provides funding to support the development of ocean technology testing facilities and to enhance the ecosystem for ocean innovation in Massachusetts, targeting nonprofits, universities, and research institutions with at least three years of operational experience.

The Chelsea Neighborhood Market & Food Business Grant Program aims to bolster the local food economy in Chelsea, MA, in response to increased food insecurity and economic turbulence exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the program provides $100,000 over three years to support Chelsea residents who are first-time entrepreneurs and food business owners interested in becoming vendors at Chelsea Neighborhood Market. The market, intended to create entrepreneurial opportunities and expand food retail options, will be located near residential areas and accessible by public transport. Eligibility is determined based on residency in Chelsea, operation or intention to operate a Chelsea-based food business, and a commitment to being a market vendor for at least three months. APPLY BY APRIL 9, 2024 FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ON A ROLLING BASIS UNTIL FUNDING IS EXPENDED.

The City of Boston’s Air Pollution Control Commission (APCC), operating under the Environment Department, administers the Community Clean Air Grant to support nonprofit-led projects aimed at reducing air pollution and carbon emissions. This initiative, piloted in 2021 and now in its 2025 cycle, funds community-based strategies that align with the city’s goals of carbon neutrality by 2050 and improving public health in Boston’s most affected neighborhoods. Applications for the 2025 cycle opened on March 17, 2025, at 9:00 AM and will close on May 15, 2025, at 4:00 PM Eastern Daylight Time. The grant supports projects that eliminate local sources of pollution, promote the transition to clean energy, enhance indoor air quality, and raise awareness about the impacts of pollution and climate change. The program prioritizes projects that benefit communities located near highways or transportation infrastructure and populations considered socially vulnerable, such as people of color, older adults, children, and individuals with chronic illnesses. Eligibility is limited to nonprofit organizations operating within Boston. Although a nonprofit may submit multiple proposals, the APCC will fund only one project per organization per fiscal year. Interested applicants are encouraged to attend one of two scheduled information sessions on March 25 at 5:30 PM and April 4 at 10:00 AM. Weekly office hours are also held on Wednesdays from 3:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Translation services for the information sessions are available upon request with at least one week’s notice via email. Applicants must submit a completed application, and they may also choose to submit an optional preliminary proposal and a partnership form. Once submitted, applicants will receive an email confirmation and subsequent updates on their proposal status. Awards are determined by a multi-departmental evaluation committee to ensure an equitable and comprehensive selection process. For more information or to ask questions, applicants can contact the APCC at apcc@boston.gov using the subject line “Community Clean Air Grant Question.” Additional details, including resources and application links, are available on the City of Boston’s website.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide career development programs for Black youth aged 14-24 in designated NBA markets.

This funding opportunity supports organizations that partner with startups to advance and scale innovative clean energy technologies in Massachusetts, helping them navigate challenges to achieve commercial success.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for Massachusetts-based organizations to improve food production, processing, and access, particularly in underserved communities, through infrastructure and equipment investments.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Lawrence area of Massachusetts that focus on essential needs like food security, clothing, shelter, and adult education, particularly benefiting the city of Lawrence.

This funding opportunity provides general operating support to local nonprofit organizations in Western Massachusetts that focus on racial justice, education, arts, and community resilience, particularly those led by BIPOC individuals and serving underrepresented communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Cambridge that are working to address community challenges and improve local opportunities across various focus areas, including education, health, and economic security.

This funding opportunity supports Cambridge-based organizations in implementing projects that promote healthy eating and physical activity for residents, students, and workers.

This program provides funding to Massachusetts municipal police departments to implement data-driven traffic safety initiatives aimed at reducing roadway crashes and improving safety for all road users.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, focusing on initiatives that promote collaboration, advocacy, and sustainable impact.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that provide family-centered services to communities affected by the opioid crisis, focusing on prevention, recovery, and support for families impacted by addiction.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Boston for community-focused projects that enhance recreation, beautify public spaces, and offer educational experiences for children.

This grant provides financial assistance to new, small, for-profit businesses in Cambridge that have recently signed a commercial lease, helping them cover their initial rent costs to support local economic recovery.

This award recognizes individuals in Adams, Cheshire, and Savoy, Massachusetts, for their outstanding contributions to community service, allowing the recipient to direct a $1,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and legal service providers in Boston to help immigrants navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system through various legal assistance services.

This program provides funding to support projects that improve the lives of low- to moderate-income residents in Brookline through affordable housing, public services, and community development initiatives.

This program provides unrestricted funding to community-focused nonprofit organizations in select U.S. markets, supporting initiatives in youth education, storytelling, and community engagement.