Massachusetts Science and Technology Grants

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) is offering the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects across the Northeast. The core mission of this program is to foster competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability. This aligns with a broader strategic objective of strengthening the regional dairy industry by enabling operations of all sizes to successfully launch and sustain their products in the marketplace. By focusing on start-up operations and tangible implementation, the NE-DBIC aims to facilitate direct economic impact and product innovation within the dairy sector. The program targets several key beneficiaries, including dairy farmers ready to begin processing, value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing or business startups, and dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in their start-up phase. The impact goals are centered on developing these businesses, supporting their entry into the market, and ultimately contributing to the economic vitality of the Northeast dairy industry. By providing financial assistance for start-up operations, the program seeks to create new opportunities for dairy-related businesses and products. The program's priorities and focuses are clearly on tangible implementation rather than earlier stages like research and development, concept development, or initial planning. This indicates a strategic emphasis on getting products to market and establishing sustainable business models. Eligibility criteria further refine this focus, requiring applicants to be headquartered or based in the Northeast, demonstrate proof of concept, have a robust business plan, obtain necessary licenses, and show commitment from buyers or distributors by the end of the grant period. Expected outcomes include the successful launch of new value-added dairy products, the establishment of competitive and viable dairy processing businesses, and increased market access for Northeast dairy products. Measurable results would likely include the number of new businesses launched, the volume of new products brought to market, and the economic growth generated within the participating dairy sectors. The NE-DBIC's strategic priorities, as evidenced by this grant, involve direct investment in the operational start-up phase, aiming for a theory of change where targeted financial support leads to the successful commercialization and long-term sustainability of dairy processing ventures in the region.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

This funding opportunity supports Harvard faculty in launching new research initiatives aimed at solving urgent social issues through collaboration with non-academic partners.

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.

This funding opportunity is designed for nonprofit organizations in Worcester to develop projects that address the opioid overdose crisis through prevention, harm reduction, treatment access, and recovery support, with a focus on underserved populations.

This grant provides funding for collaborative projects that improve digital access, devices, and literacy in Essex County, Massachusetts, prioritizing partnerships between organizations to address community needs.

The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) invites proposals for projects and activities in Massachusetts that align with its mission to promote and support accessible primary care and preventive health services for Somerville residents. This also includes supporting educational, research, and outreach programs to enhance the delivery and accessibility of these services. The foundation's overarching goal is to provide financial resources that enable it to fulfill these core purposes, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community. The target beneficiaries are primarily residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts, with a particular focus on addressing the disproportionate health impacts on low-income communities and communities of color. The impact goals revolve around creating a healthier, more equitable Somerville by addressing social determinants of health. The foundation’s strategic priorities are rooted in principles of language justice, inclusion of underrepresented voices in leadership and decision-making, and system improvements that foster collective care. SHF prioritizes proposals that also address specific preventative health areas. These include Housing (affordability, stability, anti-displacement, safety, accessibility, homelessness), Equitable Economies (sustainable food systems, living wages, healthy working conditions, caregiving systems), Equity in Access to Healthcare, Services and Information (costs, cultural/linguistic barriers, navigation, referrals, staffing, transportation, digital access, quality, disability accessibility), and Climate Health and Justice (air/water quality, climate change preparedness). The expected outcomes are projects or activities that directly contribute to the SHF's mission and priority areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the general grant overview, the emphasis on addressing specific concerns within each priority area suggests that successful proposals would demonstrate measurable progress in these areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding initiatives that address these core principles and preventative health priorities, it can improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and ultimately enhance the overall health of the Somerville community. The SHF plans to distribute approximately $30,000 this year, funding two projects at $15,000 each.

First Literacy awards grants to stimulate and support the development, trial, and implementation of innovative Adult Basic Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages resources and practices in Massachusetts. The program invests in ideas that improve educational and professional outcomes for adult learners and that may not be eligible for state or other major funding. Grant types include Program Grants for project based innovations, Organization Wide Grants for larger scale curricula, systems, training, or teacher improvement, and Incentive Grants for second year replication or for assisting another organization to replicate a program. Program grant caps are generally 5,000 dollars for returning organizations and 7,500 dollars for organizations that have not received funding in the past ten years. Organization Wide Grants are up to 15,000 dollars and include robust data reporting plans. The grant period is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Projects should demonstrate lasting impact in ABE schools and organizations and include clear evaluation and data collection plans. Eligibility is open to not for profit ABE and ESOL organizations in Massachusetts. Applications are due May 2, 2024. Additional information is available from First Literacy.

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 supports community organizations in implementing one-year projects that improve their capacity and effectiveness, focusing on initiatives that can be sustained without ongoing fundraising.

This program provides funding to early-career researchers in New England to support innovative studies that improve child health outcomes.

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 provides financial support to organizations that help underrepresented communities in Massachusetts access training and career pathways in the clean energy sector, addressing systemic barriers and workforce gaps.

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 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 funding to nonprofit organizations and schools in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods for improving local football fields, ensuring safe and accessible play spaces for community youth.

This grant provides financial support to wildlife rehabilitation organizations in the U.S. to enhance care for injured animals, improve facilities, and promote community education about wildlife and energy.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Boston for designing urban farms, community gardens, and other public food production spaces.

This fund provides financial support to small nonprofits focused on education, human services, and healthcare initiatives that benefit underserved communities.