Massachusetts for Nonprofits Grants

This grant provides funding for Massachusetts-based artists and community organizations to create public art projects that promote spatial justice and engage the public in meaningful ways.

The Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust provides grants to organizations that create programs relating to arts, music, crafts, conservation, wildlife and history preservation. Donor Name: Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Program Types Arts, Culture, & Humanities  Environment Guidelines  The Trustee will make decisions to award grants consistent with the general objectives of the Helen E. Ellis Charitable Trust, “with primary consideration to those programs which will confer a benefit upon the citizens of the towns of Westport and Dartmouth and the city of New Bedford, MA. With respect to proposals of equal merit, preference shall be accorded to those submitted by organizations located within the Town of Westport, MA.” The following types of requests may be submitted. Programs that provide educational or cultural experiences to children and/or adults in the towns of Westport and Dartmouth and the city of New Bedford The Foundation will consider applications for Programs that provide educational or cultural experiences to children and/or adults in the towns of Westport and Dartmouth and the city of New Bedford. Proposed programs must also relate to conservation, wildlife, history of the area, and/or the promotion of music, the arts, and crafts. For more information, visit Bank of America.

This program provides funding to individuals and organizations in Massachusetts to support cultural and artistic projects that benefit the public and enhance community engagement.

This grant provides funding for innovative projects that improve dental care access for residents in Massachusetts, prioritizing community support and measurable outcomes.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts is seeking applications for its Flexible Funding 2024 which will provide general operating support to nonprofits that benefit the region. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts State: Massachusetts County: Franklin County (MA), Hampden County (MA), Hampshire County (MA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Flexible Funding aims to provide unrestricted financial support to sustain day-to-day operations of organizations, enabling you to focus on your mission. At CFWM, equity is central to all the efforts. They especially welcome applications from smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have not yet received substantial institutional philanthropy. They also prioritize organizations deeply rooted in their communities. Focus Areas The foundation’s strategic vision serves as the cornerstone for establishing the priority support areas for Flexible Funding. The aim is to fund organizations that work to increase equity and opportunity while demonstrating a strong mission in the following areas:  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) Family economic resiliency (Franklin County only). Funding Information Flexible Funding provides grants of up to $30,000. Grant Period January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations must have IRS-designated 501(c)(3) status or an existing fiscal sponsor. Organizations should be located in and serve residents in Franklin, Hampden, and/or Hampshire counties.  For organizations who also have locations or a presence outside of the region, They look for key indicators such as local staff, an office in the region, and/or programs solely dedicated to residents of the region. Organizations with operating budgets larger than $10 million are not eligible. There is a strong preference for organizations with an operating budget of less than $5 million.  Ineligibility Expenses that occur outside the 12-month funding timeframe. Endowments or capital campaigns. Sectarian or religious organizations unless as a fiscal sponsor for a broad community benefit. Institutions of higher education – including scholarships. Academic research. Organizations whose mission is to support municipalities/government agencies such as friends of libraries or school systems. K-12 schools – public, private, or charter. Start-ups or organizations less than one year old. For more information, visit CFWM.

The Newton Community Pride is pleased to support local organizations, artists, service projects and non-profits with a Community Micro Grant. Donor Name: Newton Community Pride State: Massachusetts City: Newton Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Funding Information Maximum grant request is $1,500, past grants have averaged between $300 – $1,100. The event or program funded by Community Micro Grant must occur between November 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Criteria Grant criteria as follows: If the event or project is delayed beyond one year from the receipt of the grant, NCP has the right to request return of funding provided. Micro Grant funding will be dispersed 15-30 days prior to the event or program. Applicant’s event/project needs to be located in Newton. Applications must include event or program budget information and most recent 990 if available. Locations for the event or program must be vetted and approved before submitting your application. Preference will be given to first time grant applications, those that offer free community programming and those that have not been awarded an NCP grant in the previous grant cycle. Grants encourage applicants and programs that embrace the diversity of Newton and represent the voices, experiences and communities of historically marginalized groups in Newton. NCP will consider all projects consistent with mission: To build community through free arts and culture programming, public art,  beautification and service projects. Exclusions: public school programs, request for food/beverages, personal request for scholarship, capital improvement funding and requests for event/program support that would benefit any political or religious cause, individual or group. For more information, visit Newton Community Pride.

The second round of the 2024 Boston Athletic Association Gives Back Grant Program is open for applications. Donor Name: Boston Athletic Association State: Massachusetts County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/19/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The B.A.A. Gives Back Grants launched in 2023, with 32 organizations in Massachusetts having benefited since its inception. To date, the program has awarded $400,000 state-wide to nonprofits that advance the B.A.A.’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities. Funding Information Grants from $5,000-$15,000 are available. Eligibility Criteria The competitive application process is open to all nonprofit organizations that meet the following criteria: Organization is a registered 501(c)(3) or a public agency.  Organization is not political.  The organization’s program advances the B.A.A.’s mission of promoting a healthy lifestyle through sports, especially running, in order to build healthy communities. The organization is located in and serves residents of Massachusetts. Organizations are eligible to receive funding once per calendar year. For more information, visit BAA.

The 2024 Youth Development Fund (YDF), launched by the City of Boston's Human Services Cabinet, is a $1.5 million grant program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that offer high-quality, engaging programs for youth and young adults aged 14-24. The fund prioritizes initiatives aligning with Mayor Michelle Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore commitment, aiming to increase free youth programming and provide positive outlets for youth outside school hours. Applications are open until 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024. This year, the fund will offer two tracks of funding: one for small, emerging organizations and another for larger, established organizations. Emerging organizations will also receive technical assistance and capacity-building support through the Emerging Organization Learning Community. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of investing in youth programming for the community's future, while Human Services Chief José F. Massó highlighted the fund’s role in partnering with diverse youth development organizations. The program aims to foster growth in small organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 through mentorship and support, while larger organizations can receive grants up to $30,000. The 2024 YDF will focus on sports, gardening, urban farming, culinary arts, arts, and other youth development programming, supporting initiatives across all Boston neighborhoods.

Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families are pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the Swim Safe Access Grant. Donor Name: City of Boston State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/12/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Swim Safe Boston seeks to improve water safety in Boston, address the public health threat posed by drowning, and increase access to swimming for Boston families. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Swim lessons are one effective strategy to reduce drowning risk; some studies estimate that swim lessons can cut a child’s risk of drowning by up to 90 percent. Providing lessons that are free and easily accessible to families lowers barriers to access, especially for low-income residents.  Funding Information Total Amount Available for Grant Program: $250,000 Award Amount per Grant per Organization: Up to $49,999 Eligibility Criteria  Applicants must meet all of the following eligibility criteria:  Applicants must be a non-profit 501(c)3 tax-exempt organization. Boston Public Schools-affiliated entities are encouraged to apply.  Applicants may apply for programs that run on an ongoing basis. Funding will NOT be available for one-time events.  Programming sites must be located in the city of Boston. Only beginner level swim programs will be eligible for funding under this grant. The goal of this program is to get as many residents as possible to have basic water safety skills, so this funding is not available for intermediate or advanced-level swim classes.  Programs funded by this grant must be free for participants.  Programs must be able to demonstrate that they either operate the aquatics facility where the programming will take place or that they have a partnership with an aquatics facility that can accommodate the proposed program.  Preference will be given to programs that serve Boston residents that are predominantly made up of socially and economically disadvantaged and historically underrepresented groups or underserved markets. Swim Safe Award Recipient Requirements  If selected, the following will be required to remain in compliance:  Applicants or programs must be currently in operation or starting no later than October 1, 2024.  Award recipients will be required to attend a virtual Mandatory Award Orientation.  Award recipients must submit regular reports on program outcomes. The report format will be provided by the Mayor’s Office of Human Services. For more information, visit City of Boston.

The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) invites proposals to provide financial resources for projects or activities in Massachusetts. Donor Name: Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Somerville Health Foundation Grants (SHF) has two main purposes. First, it is to promote and support the provision of primary care and preventive health services accessible to the residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts. Second, it is to promote and support educational, research and outreach programs that will improve the delivery and accessibility of primary care and preventive health services to the residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts. It is the Foundation’s goal to provide financial resources for projects or activities which will enable it to fulfill these purposes. SHF Priority Areas These principles are language justice, inclusion of underrepresented voices in leadership and decision making, and system improvements that encourage spaces for collective care. Proposals that also address the following preventative health priorities will receive extra consideration. Housing: This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing concerns such as housing affordability, stability and anti-displacement, safety, accessibility (e.g. for older adults and persons with disabilities), as well as homelessness and transitions to stable housing. Equitable economies: This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing concerns related to sustainable food systems, local jobs with living wages and benefits, healthy working conditions, and caregiving systems. Equity in access to healthcare, services and information: This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing elements such as costs, cultural and linguistic barriers, navigation of systems, referral systems, adequate staffing, transportation, digital access, quality, disability, and other aspects of accessibility of systems. Systems of note include healthcare (including mental healthcare) and other essential services and information, such as education, economic development opportunities, financial support, legal services and advocacy. Climate health and justice: air, water, preparedness: This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing concerns related to air quality, water quality, and climate change preparedness in recognition that the health impacts of climate change and exposure to environmental hazards are disproportionately shouldered by low-income communities and communities of color. Funding Information This year the Somerville Health Foundation plans to distribute approximately $30,000, funding 2 projects being $15,000 each. Eligibility Criteria Any organization that has been determined to be nonprofit under section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code may apply for a grant. Partnerships with a fiscal agent will be considered. Ideal applicants for SHF funding will have a history of collaborating with other community coalitions and/or organizations addressing the specified interests in the proposal. SHF will consider repeat funding for up to three years for any given project, with few exceptions. Funds may be used to support capital expenses and/or staffing to support the goals of the project. Funds may not be used as operating reserves. New applicants, new collaborative efforts and innovative new programs are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information, visit Somerville Health Foundation.

The O'Dell Women's Center Foundation aims to support programs and services that positively impact women's lives, specifically focusing on low-income women in Springfield. The foundation is dedicated to creating a supportive community by providing access to higher education, career opportunities, and pathways to financial stability. The foundation honors Connie O'Dell's legacy, a maternity nurse who served the community with respect and compassion for 40 years. Eligible applicants include nonprofits that provide direct services to low-income women in Springfield, MA. Grants will range from $5,000 to $50,000, with a total of $250,000 available. The foundation prioritizes programs that expand access to higher education, career opportunities, and initiatives promoting financial stability, as well as addressing barriers such as food insecurity and mental health. Applications are due by September 13, 2024, and winners will be announced on November 15, 2024.

The Martha G. Coggeshall Fund is inviting applicants to support the preservation and maintenance of buildings and artifacts with historical value in the town of Fairhaven. Donor Name: SouthCoast Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Requests in the amount of $1,000 to $12,500 will be considered.  Criteria Note, only requests from 501(c)3 organizations or those who are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 will be considered. Eligible requests may vary ( i.e. program support, project support, operating support) depending on funding criteria. For more information, visit SouthCoast Community Foundation.

The Middlesex Saving Bank is accepting applications for its Social Service Grant Program. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Focus Areas The Social Services Program funds projects and programs whose primary focus is on: Shelter – including affordable housing, homebuyer education programs, foreclosure prevention and homeowner counseling programs, housing for the homeless, and emergency home repairs. Hunger Security – including projects and programs to provide food for low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations. Food pantries may apply, but the request must be for a program or other initiative, with no more than 25% of grant proceeds used towards the purchase of food related to the broader initiative. Clothing and Basic Needs – includes projects and programs that work to provide clothing and personal hygiene products to low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations.  Veterans & First Responders – including projects and programs that benefit the physical and mental well-being of veterans and first responders. Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria  To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

The Educational Opportunities Program is designed to encourage organizations to provide unique and meaningful educational opportunities to youths and adults. Donor Name: Middlesex Savings Bank State: County: All Counties Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Programs include, but are not limited to: Job training and job readiness programs Adult education and English as a Second Language Credit education and home-buying seminars Youth enrichment programs Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

Applications are now being accepted for the John R. Heerwagen Award for Nonprofit Leadership. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: Massachusetts County: Middlesex County (MA) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Middlesex Savings Bank, John was supportive of the Foundation and its efforts to help strengthen local non-profits. John also believed in the importance of leadership and the need to develop and recognize strong leaders. Funding Information The award provides a one-time grant of $20,000. Selection Criteria The Selection Committee seeks to recognize experienced, nonprofit leaders who demonstrate the ability to develop and implement effective organizational strategies. The ideal nominee will demonstrate the following capabilities and characteristics: Creates and stewards collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of their organization in a manner that produces tangible benefits to the community. Brings innovative ideas forward and to fruition. Builds organizational and individual capacity and expertise. Instills passion in themselves and the people with whom they work. Demonstrates the highest levels of integrity and ethical behavior. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

The Middlesex Saving Bank is accepting applications for its Social Service Grant Program. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Focus Areas The Social Services Program funds projects and programs whose primary focus is on: Shelter – including affordable housing, homebuyer education programs, foreclosure prevention and homeowner counseling programs, housing for the homeless, and emergency home repairs. Hunger Security – including projects and programs to provide food for low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations. Food pantries may apply, but the request must be for a program or other initiative, with no more than 25% of grant proceeds used towards the purchase of food related to the broader initiative. Clothing and Basic Needs – includes projects and programs that work to provide clothing and personal hygiene products to low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations.  Veterans & First Responders – including projects and programs that benefit the physical and mental well-being of veterans and first responders. Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria  To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

The Educational Opportunities Program is designed to encourage organizations to provide unique and meaningful educational opportunities to youths and adults. Donor Name: Middlesex Savings Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Programs include, but are not limited to: Job training and job readiness programs Adult education and English as a Second Language Credit education and home-buying seminars Youth enrichment programs Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

The Capacity Building Program funds initiatives designed to strengthen and increase the impact of local non-profits by improving their organizational capacity. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Desired outcomes for non-profits selected to receive grants through this program include one or more of the following: Improved governance and leadership Improved staff skills Improved management systems and practices Completed strategic plans Improved, expanded, or additional services Expanded strategic assets, including financial and human resources Successful applicants will be able to describe how their enhanced capacity will ultimately benefit the communities that they serve. Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

This grant provides over $1 million to local nonprofit organizations in specific Massachusetts counties to support a wide range of community-focused initiatives, including human services, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental efforts.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations that deliver essential health care and human services to underserved elderly populations in Bristol County, MA, with a focus on programs benefiting older women.