Massachusetts grants for Nonprofits

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 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 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 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.

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 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 grant provides funding for arts, music, crafts, conservation, wildlife, and historical preservation programs that enrich the cultural experiences of residents in Westport, Dartmouth, and New Bedford, MA, with a focus on projects benefiting the community.

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.

This fund provides financial assistance to local charities in Newton, Waltham, and Watertown, MA, that help individuals and families facing financial difficulties.

This fund provides financial support for educational, food, health, housing, and shelter programs in communities north of Boston, with a focus on organizations in cities like Lynn, Salem, and Gloucester.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and religious groups providing essential services to residents of Nantucket, focusing on areas like mental health, housing, and transportation.

Applicants are invited to apply for the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation Grant Program. Donor Name: The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation State: Massachusetts County: Hampden County (MA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation primarily considers funding requests from nonprofit organizations based in or working in Hampden County, Massachusetts that address needs in the following areas: Early Education (Birth – 5) Early Literacy Innovation and Excellence in Education Economic Mobility Arts & Culture Health Safety Net (Support for social service organizations responding to the essential needs for marginalized communities and vulnerable residents in Hampden County) Youth Development Leadership Development & Training Sustainable Agriculture Community Support Guidelines established by the Foundation usually preclude support for: Organizations located outside of Hampden County Individuals Scholarships/Internships Continuing support for current programs Debt reduction Multiple proposals per year from the same organization Endowments Program-related loans Types of Funding Funding requests are considered for: General Operating Funding General Operating funding is awarded to help support an organization’s general operating costs and overhead rather than a particular project or initiative. Capital Funding Capital funding is awarded to support the purchase, construction, or renovation of a property, land and/or capital assets associated with the organization and the communities it supports. Program Funding Program funding is awarded to support a specific program, project, or initiative to be implemented by the organization with the goal of achieving measurable and meaningful projected outcomes. Capacity Building Funding Capacity Building funding is awarded to support and/or improve an organization’s work and operations. These awards typically focus on the areas of strategic planning, fiscal systems review, board development, staff development, diversifying revenue streams, etc. Emergency Funding Emergency funding is awarded to assist an organization in a time of unexpected and sudden need. These requests are reviewed as quickly as possible, typically within two weeks, of receipt. Requirements The Foundation seeks to support organizations and initiatives that: Are focused on serving the needs of the citizens of Hampden County Offer creative responses to the community’s most pressing needs and concerns Are preventative and far-sighted in their design and can articulate clear, measurable, and sustainable outcomes Empower individuals to acquire the skills needed to enjoy sustained improvement in their quality of life Increase access and opportunities for people from low-income and under-served populations of the community Are committed to long-term change Assist local organizations to strengthen their capacity to fulfill their missions and sustain their work Foster collaboration among nonprofit organizations Have the potential to multiply dollars with support from other sources For more information, visit The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation.

The RIZE Massachusetts Foundation is providing grant for people suffering from substance use disorder have access to care and experience better quality of life and overall health. Donor Name: RIZE Massachusetts Foundation State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The primary goal of this first round of grantmaking is to help organizations deepen their impact, scale their work, and build a strong and sustainable infrastructure. Grants will provide general operating support with a focus on capacity building. Nonprofits can use this unrestricted funding to address urgent and emerging issues, sustain operations, strengthen organizational infrastructure, or meet different operational needs.   Focus Areas The RIZE Massachusetts Foundation should be focused on prevention, harm reduction, treatment, recovery, trauma, and family support. Funding Information Depending on the organization’s size and budget. Organizations with budgets of $250,000 or less may request up to $50,000 per year or 30% of their annual operating budget, whichever is less, for three years. Organizations with budgets between $250,000 and $1 million may request up to $100,000 per year or 30% of their annual operating budget, whichever is less, for three years. Organizations with budgets ranging from $1 to $5 million may request up to $150,000 for three years. Eligibility Criteria RIZE seeks to fund nonprofit organizations that work on any aspect of the care continuum from prevention to recovery and that work with diverse communities and populations that are historically underserved and have experienced a higher rate of opioid-related overdose deaths. This includes nonprofit organizations that: Have a total annual operating budget of under $5 million. Deliver prevention, treatment, harm reduction, and recovery programs and services in Massachusetts. Are in good standing and current on state and federal reporting requirements.  Ineligibility Fundraising pursuits Capital campaigns, endowments, or annual appeals Clinical or drug trials Support for individuals or the promulgation of religious beliefs Lobbying or legislative activity. For more information, visit RIZE.

The Greylock ABC Fund, managed by the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, invites applications for grants ranging from $1000 to $10,000 to support educational development projects for students of color and/or low socioeconomic status in pre-K through 12 in Northern Berkshire County and Pittsfield, with a focus on multicultural education, academic preparation, child development, tutoring, mentoring, and college preparation.

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.

The Fund for Williamstown seeks nominations for the DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award. Donor Name: Fund for Williamstown State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 10/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The award recognizes organizations, institutions, businesses or individuals who create new approaches to solving community challenges and/or who enhance life in Williamstown through innovative programs that do not currently exist in the community. This award is presented to those demonstrating an exceptional degree of innovation and creativity, resulting in significant community impact. It recognizes non-traditional approaches to solving community challenges and/or to enhancing life in community. Funding Information The award recipient will receive $1,000 to further the innovative work of the recipient to benefit community. Who can Apply This award is by nomination only. Organizations, institutions, businesses or individuals may be nominated if they are passionate about solving community challenges with innovative practices in Williamstown, Mass. Self-nominations and posthumous nominations will not be accepted. No current Fund for Williamstown committee member may be nominated. Past award recipients are not eligible for re-nomination within a three-year period. For more information, visit BTCF.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit arts and cultural organizations in Berkshire County, Massachusetts, to develop innovative projects that enhance community engagement in the arts, particularly for underserved populations.