Massachusetts grants for Nonprofits

The Artist Opportunity Grants (AOGs) program, administered by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, aims to support Arizona artists in pursuing unique professional growth opportunities. The core mission of this grant aligns with fostering artistic development and entrepreneurship within the state. It provides financial assistance to artists across all disciplines and career stages, enabling them to engage in activities that significantly impact their careers. The primary beneficiaries of the AOGs are individual artists aged 18 or older and residing in Arizona. Organizations are not eligible to apply. The program seeks to achieve significant impact in three key areas: introducing artists' work to new audiences, developing new artistic skills, and fostering artistic entrepreneurship. The overarching goal is to enhance the professional trajectory and sustainability of Arizona's artistic community. The program prioritizes opportunities that expose artists' work to new audiences, raise their artistic profile, or allow them to present their work in a significant way. It also focuses on skill development through activities such as conferences, artist residencies, workshops, fellowships, master classes, or apprenticeships. Furthermore, the grant supports entrepreneurial expansion, covering expenses like marketing material production, website development, professional fees (e.g., lawyers, accountants), and practice-related capital expenses, including equipment purchases, materials, services, and rental fees. Expected outcomes include artists successfully presenting their work to broader audiences, acquiring new artistic skills, and strengthening their entrepreneurial capacity, ultimately leading to greater professional stability and artistic recognition. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact areas, the focus on "significant impact" implies an assessment of the extent to which these opportunities contribute to an artist's professional growth and reach. The funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with artists eligible to receive one AOG every two fiscal years, indicating a strategic approach to broad and recurring support within the artistic community.

This funding opportunity provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofit organizations serving youth and young adults with disabilities and mental health challenges in specific counties of Massachusetts and New York, particularly those supporting historically marginalized communities.

The Asian Community Fund (ACF) at The Boston Foundation is offering grants for its 2024 cycle to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to develop, strengthen, and support AAPI community power, galvanize diverse ethnicities within this community, and build a stronger advocacy voice. The ACF's overarching goal is to advocate for equal access for AAPI individuals in all aspects of society and to collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to overcome injustice and racism. The grantmaking approach is rooted in strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to foster systemic impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts, or those with a qualifying fiscal agent, that primarily serve the AAPI community. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on catalyzing new partnerships, expanding the capacity of local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and responding to emerging community needs. Expected outcomes include increased AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change through convening activities, innovative solutions to systemic gaps facing AAPI residents, and expanded reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Organizations will be evaluated based on their mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. The program prioritizes several key areas of focus. These include supporting general operating costs for eligible organizations and projects. Funding will specifically support three types of work: Convening, which brings communities together to elevate AAPI visibility and foster solidarity; Catalyzing, which fuels new collaborations and innovations to address systemic gaps; and Capacity Building, which expands the reach of programs focused on policy and systems change. Priority will also be given to organizations serving underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, those not previously funded by ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. This targeted approach demonstrates the foundation's strategic commitment to equitable distribution of resources and empowerment of diverse AAPI segments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its emphasis on strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and driving policy and systems change. The ACF believes that by investing in convening, catalyzing, and capacity building initiatives, it can create a ripple effect, leading to increased community power, stronger advocacy, and ultimately, greater equity for AAPI residents in Massachusetts. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, are designed to support organizations in achieving these objectives. While the initial grant size was advertised as $10,000 to $100,000, the funding considerations specify a range of $5,000 to $15,000 for general operating support. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024 and will be expected to share their experiences and impact in summer 2025, providing measurable results and demonstrating the effectiveness of the foundation's theory of change.

The Middlesex Saving Bank's Social Service Grant Program is designed to fund projects and programs that address critical social needs within the communities it serves. The program aligns with the foundation's mission to support vulnerable populations and improve quality of life by focusing on fundamental areas such as shelter, hunger security, and basic needs. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster community well-being and stability through targeted financial support, reflecting a theory of change that by addressing foundational needs, broader societal improvements can be achieved. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those experiencing food insecurity, and veterans and first responders. The impact goals are to provide essential resources and support that lead to improved living conditions, increased access to food, and enhanced physical and mental well-being for these groups. The program aims to create tangible, positive changes in the lives of those facing significant challenges. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Shelter, encompassing affordable housing, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and emergency home repairs; Hunger Security, which supports initiatives providing food to vulnerable populations, with a stipulation that no more than 25% of the grant can be used for direct food purchases; Clothing and Basic Needs, focusing on providing essential items like clothing and personal hygiene products; and Veterans & First Responders, dedicated to projects that benefit their physical and mental health. These focus areas indicate the foundation's commitment to a holistic approach to social welfare. Expected outcomes include a reduction in homelessness, increased food security, improved access to basic necessities, and better support systems for veterans and first responders. Measurable results could involve the number of individuals housed, meals provided, basic needs kits distributed, and participants in well-being programs. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, though grant requests considered are up to $20,000, indicating a focus on funding a greater number of impactful, smaller-scale projects. Eligibility requires applicants to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities within the bank's geographic areas, reinforcing the foundation's strategic priority to invest directly in local community development.

This grant provides funding for projects that collect and share untold stories of Massachusetts residents, particularly from historically excluded communities, in relation to the legacies of the American Revolution.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and community groups in Nantucket that provide essential human services and substance misuse prevention and intervention programs to improve the well-being of local residents.

The Museum on Main Street grant program is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian and Mass Humanities, designed to bring world-class exhibits to six rural communities across Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with Mass Humanities' mission to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry by making humanities accessible to a broad audience, particularly those in underserved areas. By partnering with the Smithsonian, Mass Humanities leverages a national resource to enrich local communities, demonstrating a strategic priority of community engagement and cultural enrichment through accessible programming. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are rural communities in Massachusetts, specifically those with a population of 12,000 or less, as defined by the 2020 US Census. The program aims to empower these communities to host the "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" tour, thereby promoting civic discourse and understanding of American democracy. The impact goals include increased community engagement with humanities topics, enhanced local cultural programming, and a deeper connection to historical and civic themes within participating towns. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around community-rooted programming. Grantees are expected to not only host the "Voices and Votes" exhibit but also to create supplementary programming that resonates with their local context and addresses relevant community issues. This emphasis on tailored, local initiatives reflects a theory of change where broad national themes are made meaningful and impactful through local interpretation and application, fostering a sense of ownership and relevance among residents. Expected outcomes include robust participation from diverse community members in the exhibit and related events. Measurable results could include the number of attendees at the exhibit and associated programs, feedback from participants on their learning and engagement, and the development of new community partnerships. The grant's structure, offering $10,000 to host sites, enables these communities to invest in the necessary resources for successful program implementation, reinforcing Mass Humanities' commitment to supporting sustainable cultural initiatives at the local level.

The 2024 Community Experts Fund, spearheaded by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, is a grant initiative designed to amplify youth voice within organizations. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission by directly engaging young adults with lived expertise in the grantmaking process, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by the concerns and priorities of the young people it aims to serve. This strategic approach underscores a theory of change that values authentic youth engagement as a catalyst for effective and impactful program development. The target beneficiaries of this grant are youth-serving nonprofit organizations working with young people who have an intellectual disability, learning disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. The program specifically prioritizes services delivered in Massachusetts (Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, or Nantucket County) and New York (Erie or Niagara County). The impact goals include fostering youth leadership and ensuring that community voice directly shapes grant allocation and program design. The fund focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives that empower young people. Eligible expenses include stipends for youth participation, staff time dedicated to youth engagement, transportation and accommodation for youth programming, program supplies and food, community and recreational programming, outreach and promotion of youth leadership opportunities, technology and equipment, and training. This broad scope allows organizations to tailor their proposals to specific needs while adhering to the core objective of youth empowerment. Applicants can request up to $25,000 to support their programs. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on youth-led design and ongoing engagement suggests an expected outcome of sustainable youth leadership within recipient organizations. The measurable results would likely include increased youth participation in organizational decision-making, development of youth-led projects, and the overall strengthening of youth voice in the designated service regions. This grant opportunity exemplifies the Foundation's strategic commitment to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into community-based solutions.

The Swim Safe Access Grant, spearheaded by Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families, is a critical initiative aimed at enhancing water safety and increasing access to swimming lessons for Boston families. The program's core mission aligns with public health goals to address the threat of drowning, which is a leading cause of death among children in the U.S. The grant seeks to mitigate this risk by providing free and easily accessible swim lessons, directly supporting a strategy proven to reduce drowning risk by up to 90 percent. This directly reflects a strategic priority of improving community health and safety through preventative measures, particularly for vulnerable populations. The primary beneficiaries of the Swim Safe Access Grant are Boston residents, with a specific focus on low-income families and socially and economically disadvantaged, historically underrepresented, or underserved groups. The program's impact goals center on improving water safety knowledge and skills among these residents, ultimately reducing the incidence of drowning. By making beginner-level swim programs free and accessible, the grant aims to lower existing barriers to access, ensuring that a broader segment of the community can acquire essential water safety skills. The grant prioritizes beginner-level swim programs operating within the city of Boston, emphasizing foundational water safety skills over intermediate or advanced instruction. Funding is specifically available for ongoing programs, explicitly excluding one-time events, to ensure sustained impact and skill development. Eligibility criteria further specify that applicants must be non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organizations, with Boston Public Schools-affiliated entities encouraged to apply. Programs must also demonstrate either direct operation of an aquatics facility or a partnership with one that can accommodate the proposed activities. This focused approach reflects a theory of change that by investing in foundational, accessible, and sustained beginner swim instruction, a significant and measurable improvement in public water safety can be achieved across the city. Expected outcomes include a substantial increase in the number of Boston residents, particularly children from underserved backgrounds, who possess basic water safety skills. Measurable results will be tracked through regular reports on program outcomes, which award recipients are required to submit. These reports will provide data on participation rates, skill acquisition, and potentially anecdotal evidence of increased water confidence and safety awareness among participants. The total available funding of $250,000, with individual awards up to $49,999 per organization, underscores the program's commitment to supporting multiple community-based initiatives to achieve its broad safety and access goals.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit cultural organizations, municipalities, and higher education institutions for projects that improve or expand cultural facilities, enhancing community access and tourism.

This track supports projects that examine the impact of climate change on communities within Massachusetts, highlighting local knowledge, experiences, and strategies for resilience. Offering up to $20,000, the grant focuses on narrative projects that use humanities methodologies to discuss climate-related changes and challenges. Projects should not include capital projects, feasibility studies, or collections preservation. Applicants must demonstrate how their work contributes to a broader understanding of climate impacts on local communities.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations that provide stable housing and empower low- and moderate-income communities, focusing on vulnerable populations such as working families, youth, seniors, and veterans.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and public entities in the Berkshire Taconic region to promote and sustain small, community-based agricultural initiatives.

The FY25 Conservation Partnership Grant, overseen by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and conservation districts in acquiring conservation or recreation land within Massachusetts. The grant encourages projects that conserve natural resources, offer recreational opportunities, and address climate resilience aligned with Executive Order 569. Funding is aimed at land purchases or conservation restrictions, with due diligence costs eligible for gifts of land. This reimbursement grant emphasizes protecting strategic open spaces that provide public access and maintain ecological value.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations, individuals, and groups focused on developing innovative clean energy projects or enhancing their capacity to serve priority populations in Massachusetts.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is offering Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Climate Training Grants”) to increase access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure. These grants provide direct funding and technical assistance to organizations that can build and scale career pathways and upskilling programs. The core mission alignment is to help Massachusetts residents access and advance in climate-critical priority occupations, thereby addressing clean energy and climate tech employer needs and providing high-quality training and support opportunities across the Commonwealth. The target beneficiaries for these grants are Massachusetts residents who can benefit from career pathways and upskilling programs in climate-critical priority occupations. The impact goals are to fill workforce gaps in climate-critical sectors, expand recruitment pipelines, and create new or expand existing technical and job readiness training opportunities. This initiative also aims to create and expand career advancement programming and upskilling training for incumbent workers, ensuring businesses can grow to support the state’s climate goals. The program prioritizes several key areas, including expanding recruitment pipelines to broaden access to climate-critical priority occupations, creating and expanding technical and job readiness training, and fostering career advancement and upskilling opportunities. It also focuses on leveraging effective workforce development models like registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships, developing new relationships with employers for job placements, and establishing wraparound and retention support services to address barriers to entry and advancement. Furthermore, a significant focus is on expanding the availability and effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources. Expected outcomes include a more robust workforce for climate-critical sectors, increased access for residents to high-quality training and job opportunities, and businesses expanding their capacity to meet climate goals. Measurable results will likely involve the number of residents trained, placed in climate-critical occupations, and upskilled, as well as the expansion of training programs, equipment, and infrastructure. The overall theory of change is that by investing in workforce development, equipment, and infrastructure, MassCEC can directly support the state's clean energy and climate tech employer needs while creating equitable access to career advancement for Massachusetts residents.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that offer summer programs for youth in the Greater Lawrence area, focusing on enhancing educational and developmental opportunities while addressing achievement gaps.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Boston that help 7th and 8th grade students, particularly those who are first-generation college aspirants, prepare for post-secondary education through mentorship, tutoring, and career exploration programs.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit legal service organizations in Massachusetts to help tenants understand and navigate the new eviction sealing process, promoting housing access and economic mobility for marginalized communities.