Massachusetts Private Grants

This funding opportunity is designed to support Massachusetts residents pursuing training in high-demand clean energy careers by providing zero-interest loans for living expenses and tuition gaps.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF), managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), seeks to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. This grant program, with approximately $12 million available in 2024, aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting efforts to test innovative conservation approaches, deliver transformative projects, and engage communities that value and protect the Sound. Major funding is provided by EPA through the LISS, with additional support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation, demonstrating a collaborative strategic approach to environmental conservation. The LISFF targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local and municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. The impact goals are centered on improving water quality, enhancing and restoring coastal habitats, and fostering sustainable and resilient communities around the Long Island Sound. The program’s strategic priorities are guided by the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP), which emphasizes three core themes: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds, Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife, and Sustainable and Resilient Communities. Cross-cutting principles of resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice are also integral to the program's theory of change. Under the "Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds" theme, the program prioritizes reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading. This includes funding for "shovel-ready" projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly those addressing water quality at a larger scale. Planning activities, such as community engagement, feasibility studies, site assessments, conceptual design, and final design and permitting, are also supported. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) are specifically focused on quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient prevention with a documented benefit to Long Island Sound. The "Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife" theme focuses on enhancing or restoring coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function, supporting fish, bird, and wildlife populations, and sustaining the Sound's ecological balance. This involves implementing "shovel-ready" habitat restoration and nature-based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects, as well as planning activities for such projects. The program also aims to foster diverse, balanced, and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife, encouraging proposals that consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines. The "Sustainable and Resilient Communities" theme supports vibrant, informed, and engaged communities through projects that offer hands-on conservation experiences. Expected outcomes include quantifiable pollutant reductions, enhanced and restored coastal habitats, increased resilience to climate change, and more engaged communities actively participating in the Sound's protection and sustainability. For water quality projects, measurable results will include quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly nitrogen/nutrient reductions. For habitat projects, long-term maintenance plans and ecological improvements are expected. The LISFF's strategic framework, rooted in the CCMP, aims to accelerate local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, environmental justice, and community outreach, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive, and resilient Long Island Sound for both people and wildlife.

This grant provides funding to support the development of prefabricated, all-electric Accessory Dwelling Units in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, helping property owners address housing shortages while promoting clean energy practices.

The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and managed by the LA Small Business Development Center Network, aims to support small businesses in the entertainment industry within Los Angeles County. This program directly addresses the economic hardship faced by these businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. The fund's mission aligns with supporting the economic vitality of a key industry in Los Angeles, ensuring the continuity and recovery of small businesses that form its backbone. The target beneficiaries are for-profit small businesses in Los Angeles County's entertainment industry with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue. These businesses must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 1, 2020, to present) and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes (May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023). A significant impact goal is to mitigate financial losses and facilitate recovery for these businesses, enabling them to sustain operations and contribute to the local economy. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate substantial revenue loss directly attributable to the specified crises. It focuses on providing financial relief for critical operational expenses, including the purchase of new certified equipment, restocking liquidated inventory, lease/rent/mortgage payments, business debt accrued due to the crises, COVID-19 related costs, employee payroll, working capital, and outstanding business expenses. A key focus is ensuring that funds are used to directly address and alleviate the negative economic impacts suffered. Expected outcomes include the stabilization of small businesses in the entertainment sector, preventing further closures, and preserving jobs. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of funds disbursed, and the extent to which these businesses are able to maintain or increase their operations post-grant. The grant amounts, either $10,000 for businesses with revenue less than or equal to $999,999 or $25,000 for those with revenue between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000, are directly tied to revenue size, indicating a structured approach to proportional relief. The foundation's strategic priority, through the LA Small Business Development Center Network, is to foster economic resilience within the entertainment industry. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance to small businesses severely impacted by external economic shocks, the program can prevent widespread business failures, preserve the industry's ecosystem, and contribute to the broader economic recovery of Los Angeles County. This direct intervention aims to bridge financial gaps and allow businesses to regain stability and growth.

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.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is inviting applications for its 2024 Community Grant Program, focusing on projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This program is designed to be responsive and flexible, incorporating trust-based philanthropic principles to streamline the application process, encourage more interactive engagement, and offer diverse methods for storytelling. The foundation's mission aligns with this grant by seeking to build a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure access to food and shelter, and promote economic opportunity through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs within Worcester County. The grant program targets residents of Worcester County as its primary beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on access and barrier reduction. Organizations based in or having a meaningful physical presence in Worcester County, or those providing unduplicated services with authentic local partnerships, are eligible. The impact goals revolve around addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions, fostering equity, amplifying community voice, and disrupting existing systems. The program prioritizes three key focus areas. Arts & Creativity aims to build and support a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all individuals feel they belong. Basic Needs concentrates on ensuring all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity focuses on English Language Learning programs and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs to empower individuals and enhance their financial well-being. Projects will be assessed based on several selection criteria, which inherently define the expected outcomes and measurable results. These include the feasibility of the proposed work and budget within the grant range ($2,500 - $25,000), the level of access and barrier reduction created for Worcester County residents, and the degree of creative or innovative solutions provided for community needs. Furthermore, projects must demonstrate measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with one or more of the specified focus areas, along with an organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, backed by sound financial and governance functions.

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 non-profit organizations and public agencies in developing and sustaining small, community-focused agricultural projects, such as farmer's markets and urban gardens.

The John R. Heerwagen Award for Nonprofit Leadership, presented by Middlesex Savings Bank, is designed to recognize and support experienced nonprofit leaders who demonstrate exceptional capabilities in developing and implementing effective organizational strategies. This award aligns with the Foundation's mission to strengthen local non-profits and its belief in the importance of leadership development and recognition within the sector. The grant provides a one-time award of $20,000 to a deserving individual. The primary target beneficiaries of this award are seasoned nonprofit leaders in Massachusetts, specifically Middlesex County, who are committed to advancing their organizations' work and producing tangible community benefits. The impact goal is to foster stronger, more effective nonprofit organizations through the recognition and empowerment of their leaders. By highlighting exemplary leadership, the program aims to inspire continued excellence and innovation within the nonprofit community. The program prioritizes leaders who demonstrate a clear focus on creating and stewarding collaborations and partnerships that yield tangible benefits to the community. Additionally, nominees should bring innovative ideas to fruition, build organizational and individual capacity and expertise, instill passion in their teams, and consistently exhibit the highest levels of integrity and ethical behavior. These priorities underscore the Foundation's strategic objective to support leadership that drives meaningful change and sustainable growth. Expected outcomes include the continued development of robust nonprofit organizations led by highly capable and ethical individuals. Measurable results would ideally involve observing the sustained success and growth of the awardees' organizations, the expansion of their community impact through effective collaborations, and the implementation of innovative programs that address critical community needs. While not explicitly stated as a formal theory of change, the program operates on the premise that investing in strong leadership directly translates to more effective and impactful nonprofit work, ultimately benefiting the broader community.

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

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.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), for the purpose of establishing partnership agreements. The overarching goal, which aligns with the NRCS's mission to conserve natural resources on private lands, is to leverage agency resources to address local resource issues, encourage collaboration, and cultivate state-and-community-level conservation leadership. The funding is intended to facilitate projects that advance these conservation efforts, particularly those focused on priority topics within a specific geographic area. The availability and level of funding are noted as potential, pending full appropriation for fiscal year 2024. The program's target beneficiaries encompass a broad range of public and private entities capable of performing conservation work. Eligible applicants include various levels of government, such as city, county, special district, state, and Native American tribal governments and organizations. Nonprofits, both with and without 501(c)(3) IRS status, are eligible, as are private and public institutions of higher education. The impact goals are centered on effectively addressing critical local natural resource challenges and substantially strengthening conservation efforts through on-the-ground project implementation. A key strategic priority of this NFO is a singular focus on projects based within Texas. Proposals must specifically address "conservation priority topics as noted in Section A of this notice." The agency places high value on collaborative projects that are designed to provide direct, on-the-ground support for Texas NRCS Field Offices, indicating a strategic effort to integrate partner work with established agency operations. Conversely, the NFO explicitly excludes and will not consider research proposals, thereby directing resources toward implementation and practical application. The NRCS's strategic approach operates under a theory of change that posits that local, collaborative leadership is the most effective driver for sustained conservation results. By funding a diverse range of partners (the listed eligible applicants) to work on local priorities and support agency field offices, the NRCS intends to multiply its conservation impact beyond its direct capacity. Expected measurable results for successful applicants include securing an agreement with a federal share funding floor of $25,000 and a ceiling of $300,000. The agency anticipates making selections by June 15, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024, ensuring a swift turnaround from selection to project initiation.

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.

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

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 provides financial support to Boy Scout Councils in Massachusetts for major capital projects that improve or maintain summer and training camp facilities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Greater Lowell area that provide essential services to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ community.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Massachusetts that provide education, health care, and human services specifically for underserved populations, with a focus on improving the lives of elderly women.