Massachusetts Private Grants

The Mass Cultural Council's Festivals & Projects Grants program aims to foster a diverse and valued creative and cultural sector within the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. This grant initiative provides one-year grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, with a fixed amount of $2,500 for eligible activities, to support projects that offer public benefit through the arts, humanities, or sciences. The program's activities are scheduled to take place between July 1, 2024, and June 30, 2025. The Council's broader mission aligns with advancing equity, diversity, and inclusion across the cultural sector, viewing it as essential to the Commonwealth's vitality. The target beneficiaries for this program include a broad spectrum of organizations and the general public of Massachusetts. Eligible applicants encompass Non-Profit Organizations, For-Profit Organizations (specifically Profit Corporations, Multiple-Member LLCs, Limited Partnerships, or Limited Liability Partnerships), Government Entities (federally recognized Tribal, State, or Municipal), and Unincorporated Organizations operating with a fiscal agent. The grants aim to impact communities by supporting festivals, projects, or activities that are free to the public, thus increasing accessibility to cultural experiences. Furthermore, there's a strong focus on empowering organizations led by and serving people of the global majority (BIPOC-centered organizations) and those operating in cities and towns with lower median household incomes and educational attainment, including Gateway Cities. Prioritization for funding is given to festivals, projects, or activities that significantly incorporate or are primarily focused on arts, humanities, or sciences, and those that align with the agency's values of public service and inclusion. Special consideration is given to applicants who have not received Mass Cultural Council funding in the last three fiscal years or are first-time applicants, as well as those participating in the Agency’s Card to Culture program. This approach reflects the Council's strategic priority to broaden its reach and support new and underserved cultural entities. The expected outcomes of the Festivals & Projects Grants program include a more equitable and diverse cultural landscape across Massachusetts, increased public engagement with arts, humanities, and sciences, and enhanced cultural opportunities in economically disadvantaged areas. Measurable results will likely include the number of new organizations funded, the proportion of funding directed to BIPOC-centered organizations and those in priority communities, and the accessibility of cultural events to the public (e.g., free events). The Mass Cultural Council's theory of change posits that by strategically investing in diverse cultural initiatives and organizations that advance equity, they can strengthen the overall creative economy and ensure that cultural experiences are accessible and reflective of all communities in the Commonwealth.

This program provides funding to organizations in New England for projects that preserve and share the diverse histories of their communities through the conservation of buildings, landscapes, and collections.

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 Expand Massachusetts Stories Grant - Open Track offers funding up to $20,000 for projects that amplify under-recognized narratives and voices in Massachusetts. Focused on using humanities tools such as inquiry, contextualization, and reflection, this grant seeks to enhance public understanding of the diverse histories and experiences within the state. Projects eligible for funding include oral histories, community-centered museum exhibitions, and other humanities-focused initiatives. The grant is competitive, with applications reviewed based on their contribution to a more inclusive narrative of Massachusetts.

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) is offering a grant program to academic faculty focused on identifying, evaluating, and developing safer alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This initiative aligns with TURI's mission to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and promote safer practices. The program seeks to foster research that directly addresses the environmental and health concerns associated with PFAS by finding viable replacements in various manufacturing and product applications. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are academic faculty and their graduate students located at institutions within Massachusetts. The program aims to support these researchers in conducting innovative studies that contribute to a cleaner environment and safer products for the general public. The impact goals are to reduce reliance on PFAS, mitigate their toxic effects, and encourage the adoption of less harmful alternatives across industries. The grant prioritizes research that focuses on specific applications where PFAS are commonly used, such as water and stain-resistant coated fabrics, textiles, apparel, footwear, surfactant applications (including fume suppressants), refrigerants and coolants, fire suppressants, fluoropolymers, manufacturing processing aids, coated food packaging, and other non-stick coated materials and products. Proposals should directly address these areas to develop practical and implementable solutions. Expected outcomes include the identification of novel, safer alternatives to PFAS, comprehensive evaluations of existing alternatives, and the development of new processes or materials that eliminate the need for PFAS. Measurable results would involve the number of alternatives identified and evaluated, the success rate of developed alternatives in specific applications, and the potential for widespread adoption by industries. TURI's strategic priority is to drive toxics use reduction through research and education, and this grant program embodies a key part of their theory of change by funding scientific inquiry into tangible solutions for harmful chemicals.

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 fellowship provides $10,000 to support AAPI women and gender-expansive individuals in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or Georgia who are dedicated to creating impactful civic projects in their communities, along with mentorship and skills training.

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 DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award, presented by The Fund for Williamstown, seeks to identify and honor innovative approaches that address community challenges and enhance life within Williamstown. This award is specifically designed to recognize organizations, institutions, businesses, or individuals who introduce new programs or methods that are not currently present in the community. The core mission of the Fund for Williamstown, as evidenced by this award, is to foster creativity and new solutions for local issues, aligning with a strategic priority to support community-driven progress and enhance local well-being through inventive means. The primary beneficiaries of this award are those who are actively passionate about solving community challenges in Williamstown, Massachusetts, through innovative practices. This includes a broad spectrum of entities such as organizations, institutions, businesses, and individuals. The overarching impact goal is to stimulate the creation and implementation of programs that demonstrate an exceptional degree of innovation and creativity, ultimately resulting in significant positive community impact. The award implicitly supports the development of non-traditional solutions that bring about tangible improvements in the quality of life within Williamstown. The award prioritizes and focuses on innovation and creativity in addressing community needs. It seeks out initiatives that represent new approaches to existing problems or introduce entirely new ways of enriching community life. The emphasis is on programs that currently do not exist in Williamstown, promoting the introduction of novel concepts rather than the continuation of established ones. The Fund for Williamstown's theory of change appears to be rooted in the belief that by recognizing and financially supporting innovative endeavors, they can catalyze positive change, empower local innovators, and foster a more vibrant and responsive community. The expected outcomes of the DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award include the identification and recognition of groundbreaking work within Williamstown, the provision of financial support ($1,000) to further these innovative initiatives, and ultimately, a measurable enhancement in community life and problem-solving capabilities. While specific metrics for "significant community impact" are not detailed, the award's focus on programs that address challenges and enhance life implies outcomes such as improved social cohesion, increased access to services, or the development of more sustainable community practices, all driven by the innovative work of the recipients.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is a grant program designed to enhance access to healthy, affordable food options and generate economic opportunities within low to moderate income communities. It aligns with a broader mission to implement the goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financial needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises. The program’s strategic approach emphasizes expanding investment to improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested, or caught food products through the development of collaborations between local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. The primary target beneficiaries of the MFVP are low to moderate income communities, including Gateway Cities and rural communities within Massachusetts. The program aims to improve commercial food access and distribution in these areas. The expected outcomes include increased availability of Massachusetts-produced foods, creation of new permanent jobs, greater access to affordable fresh food, and year-round access to diverse food production and distribution. The overall impact goal is to strengthen the local food system and foster equitable access to healthy food options. Key areas of investment for the MFVP include food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system, improved distribution systems to support equitable access to fresh local food, and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food. Specific project types considered eligible reflect these priorities, such as the creation of commercial food processing infrastructure benefiting low and moderate income households, innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms, proposals for construction or renovation of food co-ops, development of greenhouses and farmers’ markets, and capital for food hubs. Additionally, the program focuses on innovative projects for commercial markets that connect local food producers and partners to develop or renovate large-scale retail markets for healthy, locally produced food. Mobile markets and other innovative market initiatives are also supported to purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles that provide healthy Massachusetts food. Each of these focus areas is intended to directly contribute to the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic investments in food infrastructure, distribution, and retail will lead to improved food access and economic opportunities for underserved communities. Applicants eligible for the MFVP include Massachusetts Municipalities, Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit Organizations, and Individual Residents of Massachusetts. The program specifically excludes funding for audits, feasibility studies, design work, operation or maintenance costs, and reimbursement for already completed projects or staff/consultant time on proposals for completed projects. This ensures that the grants are directed towards new investments and initiatives that directly support the program’s objectives.

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 and municipalities for summer programs that enhance academic achievement and mental health services for school-aged youth in Central and North Central Massachusetts.

The Connection, Health, & Equity through Food (CHEF) Grant Program is a collaborative initiative across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Eastern Massachusetts, and Upstate New York, administered by the Maine Council on Aging. The program's core mission is to increase older adults’ equitable access to healthy food and social connection, aligning with a broader goal of addressing systemic issues like food insecurity and social isolation. This grant program seeks to support older adults by fostering programmatic infrastructure, expanding existing programs, and launching innovative new initiatives that cater to their food and social connection needs. The target beneficiaries of the CHEF Grant Program are primarily older adults, with a specific focus on underserved and marginalized populations. These include BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), LGBTQ+, women, veterans, people living with disabilities, and individuals residing in rural communities. The program's impact goals are centered on enhancing the quality of life for these older adults by improving their access to nutritious food and opportunities for social engagement. Projects that serve diverse older people, veterans, and older people living with disabilities are given priority. The CHEF program prioritizes finding solutions to the root causes of food insecurity and social isolation. These root causes include poverty, transportation barriers, rurality, and language barriers. While the grant does not explicitly detail the foundation's strategic priorities or a formal theory of change, the emphasis on equitable access, addressing systemic issues, and supporting vulnerable populations suggests a strategy focused on community-based interventions and empowerment. The program's design indicates a theory that by investing in local organizations and initiatives, significant improvements can be made in the well-being of older adults. Expected outcomes include increased access to healthy food for older adults, enhanced social connections within communities, and a reduction in the prevalence of food insecurity and social isolation among the target populations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the program's focus on data for older people served (50.1% of the overall population served) suggests an intent to track the reach and impact on the primary beneficiary group. The grant duration is not mentioned, but the anticipated grant size of $2,000 – $10,000 for most grants indicates support for projects with tangible, localized impacts.

This grant provides funding for public readings and discussions of Frederick Douglass's iconic speech in Massachusetts, aimed at nonprofit educational institutions, government organizations, and federally recognized tribes serving local residents.

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.