Massachusetts Arts Grants

The Social Justice Fund's 2024 Native Led Organizing Grant aims to support grassroots organizations in Idaho, Montana, Oregon, Washington, and Wyoming. This grant is aligned with the Social Justice Fund's broader mission of community organizing, focusing on Indigenous frontline communities, Nations, organizers, actions, and movements. The program specifically targets Native-led organizing efforts across the northwestern region, providing funding to organizations with 501(c)3 or 501(c)4 status, fiscally sponsored groups, or those willing to confirm a fiscal sponsor upon award. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are Indigenous, Native, American Indian, and First Nation community-led organizations (51% or more), particularly those working with reservation communities or in rural/small towns. The impact goals revolve around strengthening these communities through various initiatives. Priority consideration is given to organizations deeply embedded in and led by these communities, ensuring that the funding directly supports their self-determination and local needs. The grant prioritizes funding for a range of organizing work, including language rejuvenation programs, culture as healing programs, environmental justice, civic engagement (including voter education), food sovereignty, MMIW & MMIP (Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and People), wellness projects, youth-led initiatives, and art as activism installations. These focus areas reflect the critical needs and cultural priorities of Indigenous communities and align with a holistic approach to social justice and community well-being. Expected outcomes include the empowerment of Native-led organizations, the revitalization of Indigenous languages and cultures, increased civic participation, enhanced environmental protection, and improved community health and safety. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantifiable metrics, the focus on community-led initiatives implies success will be measured by the strength and sustainability of these programs and their positive impact on the target communities. The awards range from $10,000 to $30,000, which will enable these organizations to implement their vital work.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to cannabis entrepreneurs in Massachusetts, specifically targeting pre-licensed businesses and licensed establishments owned by individuals from social equity backgrounds, to support their entry, operational needs, and growth in the cannabis industry.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is offering a grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 through its InnovateMass Program, aimed at supporting teams deploying new clean energy technologies or innovative combinations of existing technologies with strong commercialization potential, to address energy challenges, grow the state's clean energy economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The USAID Bureau for Global Health (GH) issued Request for Information (RFI) Number 7200AA24RFI00017, titled "Accelerating HIV Vaccine Research and Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC)," to gather expert inputs for information-gathering and planning purposes. This RFI is a pre-solicitation step intended to inform the design of future activities related to accelerating HIV vaccine research and development in LMICs. The overarching mission alignment is clearly focused on global health security and advancing scientific solutions to one of the world's most persistent public health challenges, consistent with USAID's mandate to support development and global health initiatives. The RFI seeks to identify priorities and strategies to maximize the impact of future programming in this critical area. The intended target beneficiaries are the populations residing in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) who are most affected by the HIV epidemic and who stand to benefit directly from advancements in accessible HIV vaccines. The central impact goal is to significantly accelerate the research and development pipeline for HIV vaccines, specifically tailored to and implemented within these vulnerable regions. By gathering input on potential roadblocks and innovative solutions, USAID aims to design future activities that are locally relevant, scientifically sound, and capable of generating tangible progress toward eradication or control of the disease in high-burden settings. While the RFI does not yet outline definitive grant program priorities, it focuses on obtaining information that will shape future strategic priorities. The key focus area is the acceleration of research and development efforts, implying priorities will likely revolve around overcoming scientific, logistical, regulatory, or ethical challenges unique to conducting vaccine research in LMICs. The theory of change underpinning this RFI process is that soliciting diverse, expert public input will lead to a more robust, effective, and strategically sound design for subsequent funding opportunities. This preparation is critical for ensuring that any future investment effectively addresses complex development challenges and aligns with best practices in vaccine science and global health equity. The RFI is a foundational step toward defining expected outcomes and measurable results for future programs. While specific metrics are not defined in this preliminary stage, the implicit goal is to identify strategies that yield measurable advancements in the HIV vaccine pipeline—such as progress in clinical trials, capacity building within LMIC research institutions, and the establishment of sustainable research collaborations. Ultimately, the successful deployment of a future activity informed by this RFI would lead to demonstrably accelerated progress toward the availability and accessibility of an effective HIV vaccine for populations in Low- and Middle-Income Countries.

This program provides financial assistance to low and moderate-income homeowners in Scituate, Massachusetts, to make essential health and safety repairs and modifications to their primary residences.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community organizations that provide services to improve the quality of life for residents of specific towns, with a focus on low-income and underserved individuals, in areas such as arts, culture, education, environment, health, and social services, while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This grant provides funding for educators in Brookline to collaborate on innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning across disciplines and grade levels.

The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant is designed to provide crucial rental support for physical storefronts, offering up to 12 months of assistance ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a maximum of $50,000 in direct rental support covering both past and future rent expenses. This grant program, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, aims to bolster the economic stability and growth of small businesses within Somerville, Massachusetts. The overall mission alignment of this grant is to foster a vibrant local economy, support business longevity, and promote equitable development within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are small, physical storefront businesses located in Somerville, Massachusetts, that have opened a new storefront on or after January 2023, or are intending to open in 2024. The program specifically targets businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees and those operating in 5 or fewer locations, excluding franchises. The impact goals are to prevent business displacement, encourage new business growth, and support diverse ownership groups, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and inclusive local economy. During the review process, priority points are given to businesses that have not previously received City or State funding, those displaced due to "act of God" events or extreme rental increases since April 2020, and businesses that are immigrant-owned, women-owned, BIPOC-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQIA-owned, or disability-owned. Additional priority is given to businesses within a Qualified Census Tract, those with fewer than 5 full-time employees, and Somerville resident-owned businesses. These priorities reflect a strategic focus on equity, supporting underserved communities, and addressing the challenges faced by truly small, local enterprises. Expected outcomes include a reduction in storefront vacancies, increased stability for new and vulnerable small businesses, and a more diverse landscape of business ownership in Somerville. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses receiving support, their retention rates, and the demographic data of successful applicants. The City of Somerville's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, include fostering local economic development, promoting social equity, and building community resilience. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted rental assistance and prioritizing specific business types, the city can create a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive, generating local jobs and services, and contributing to the overall well-being of Somerville residents. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes local hiring, with awarded businesses agreeing to prioritize Somerville residents, especially low to moderate-income individuals, when suitable, reinforcing the community-centric approach.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program aims to advance sustainable agriculture practices by enhancing the knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers. This directly aligns with the foundation's mission to support sustainable agriculture through education and professional development. The grant focuses on empowering professionals who work with farmers, enabling them to teach, advise, or assist in the adoption of sustainable methods. The program seeks to create a ripple effect, where trained service providers then apply their learned expertise to help farmers improve their agricultural practices, fostering a more sustainable food system within the Northeast region. The primary beneficiaries of this program are agricultural service providers, including those in non-profit organizations, colleges, universities, Cooperative Extension, and other entities that serve the farming community. Additionally, the program extends its reach to other service providers such as real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys, who can indirectly influence farmers. The overarching impact goal is to cultivate a more resilient and sustainable agricultural landscape in the Northeast by equipping these professionals with the necessary tools and knowledge. Expected outcomes include increased adoption of sustainable and climate-smart agricultural practices by farmers, improved ecological and economic resilience to climate change, and a reduction in greenhouse gas emissions. The program prioritizes a wide array of topics, encompassing marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture, and traditional ecological knowledge. A significant focus is placed on climate-smart agriculture practices, which are intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change. This includes practices such as reduced and no-till farming, cover cropping, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. The program's strategic priorities are clearly aligned with addressing contemporary agricultural challenges through education and practical application. Northeast SARE actively encourages projects from, or in collaboration with, women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC). Furthermore, it encourages proposals from Minority Serving Institutions and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities, demonstrating a commitment to equity and inclusivity in agricultural development. The theory of change behind these priorities is that by supporting a diverse range of voices and institutions, the program can foster more innovative and equitable solutions for sustainable agriculture, leading to broader and more effective adoption of sustainable practices across the region. The expected measurable results include an increase in the number of service providers trained in sustainable agriculture, a documented increase in farmers adopting climate-smart practices, and the successful implementation of projects that demonstrate improved ecological, social, and economic resilience. Awards typically range from $30,000 to $150,000, with project lengths usually spanning 2 to 3 years, and a maximum allowed duration of 3.5 years. The program's geographical focus is exclusively on the Northeast region, which includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C., ensuring targeted and localized impact within this specific area.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston that serve marginalized communities by addressing essential needs such as food, shelter, legal aid, and support for vulnerable populations.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts's Flexible Funding 2024 program offers general operating support to nonprofits benefiting the region. This initiative aligns directly with the foundation's mission to foster equity and opportunity in Western Massachusetts by providing unrestricted financial support. The program's core aim is to sustain the day-to-day operations of organizations, allowing them to focus directly on their missions without the burden of highly restricted funding. This approach reflects the foundation's strategic priority to strengthen the nonprofit sector by providing flexible, trust-based philanthropy. The program primarily targets smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have historically lacked substantial institutional philanthropy. It also prioritizes organizations deeply rooted in their communities, recognizing their essential role in local impact. While not explicitly stating "expected outcomes" or "measurable results" in a quantitative sense, the program's design implies an outcome of increased organizational stability, capacity, and effectiveness for these beneficiaries. The theory of change suggests that by providing flexible funding to these specific organizations, the foundation can catalyze greater community well-being and progress towards its equity goals. The foundation's strategic vision forms the cornerstone for establishing the priority support areas for Flexible Funding. These areas are designed to increase equity and opportunity and include: racial justice; accessible and more affordable post-secondary education and training; a strong start for all children; a vibrant local arts and creativity ecosystem; financial resiliency (Springfield only); and family economic resiliency (Franklin County only). These focus areas clearly articulate the foundation's strategic priorities and direct funding towards issues that are central to its broader theory of change for regional development and social justice. Flexible Funding provides grants of up to $30,000 for a grant period of January 1, 2025, to December 31, 2025. Eligibility requires IRS-designated 501(c)(3) status or a fiscal sponsor, and organizations must be located in and serve residents of Franklin, Hampden, and/or Hampshire counties. There is a strong preference for organizations with operating budgets less than $5 million, and organizations with budgets over $10 million are ineligible, reinforcing the focus on smaller, community-based entities. This emphasis on local and less-resourced organizations highlights the foundation's commitment to equitable resource distribution and supporting the foundational elements of a thriving community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts for reentry programs aimed at helping young adults transition successfully from incarceration to the community, thereby reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is inviting applications for the Hardman Fund, aimed at enriching the lives of residents in North Adams, Florida, Clarksburg, MA, and Stamford, VT, by supporting nonprofit organizations that focus on arts, culture, historic preservation, health, human and social services, education, and the environment, with a special interest in initiatives that assist people in difficult economic circumstances and enrich the cultural and natural environment.

This grant provides funding for public art projects and performances by individual artists and groups based in Salem, Massachusetts, to enhance community engagement and creativity.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is offering its Health & Wellbeing and Youth & Families Grant Program, which is designed to be responsive and flexible, incorporating trust-based philanthropic principles. This approach aims to reduce applicant time, increase interaction, and provide alternative storytelling methods. The foundation's mission, as reflected in this program, is to strengthen systems that ensure equitable healthcare access for historically excluded populations and to support families and young people with critical resources and meaningful experiences. The target beneficiaries of this program are individuals from historically excluded populations needing equitable healthcare access, and families and young people who require support to thrive. The impact goals are to improve healthcare access and outcomes for underserved communities and to ensure that families have the necessary resources and young people have access to essential support and enriching experiences. The program seeks to achieve these goals through projects and programs that align with its focus areas and meaningfully address the identified lenses. The program's priorities and focuses are primarily within two key areas: Health & Wellbeing and Youth & Families. For Health & Wellbeing, the focus is on strengthening systems to ensure equitable healthcare access for historically excluded populations. For Youth & Families, the focus is on ensuring families have what they need to thrive and that young people have access to critical supports and meaningful experiences. Requests should support projects or programs that are highly aligned with at least one of these strategic focus areas and demonstrate an ability to meaningfully address the work through the specified lenses. The expected outcomes and measurable results, while not explicitly detailed with specific metrics in the provided information, are implicitly tied to the program's focus areas. For Health & Wellbeing, outcomes would include improved access to healthcare services and better health outcomes for historically excluded populations. For Youth & Families, outcomes would involve increased family stability and well-being, and enhanced opportunities and experiences for young people. The foundation's strategic priorities are centered on this responsive and flexible approach, utilizing trust-based philanthropy to create a more efficient and impactful grant-making process. The theory of change suggests that by investing in highly aligned projects and programs that address the identified lenses within Health & Wellbeing and Youth & Families, they can effectively strengthen community systems and improve the lives of Worcester County residents, particularly those from historically excluded groups. The grant range for this program is $2,500 – $25,000.

This grant provides financial support and coworking resources to small businesses in Massachusetts with limited revenue and staff, aiming to boost local entrepreneurship and community growth.

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 Assets for Artists' 2025 Capacity-Building Cohort is a 6-month program offering a $2,000 unrestricted grant and professional development resources to emerging or mid-career artists from under-resourced communities in Northern Berkshire County, Massachusetts, aiming to strengthen their creative practice and achieve long-term sustainability.

The Mass Cultural Council is offering grants of less than $1000 under its Local Cultural Council Program to support public programs that enhance the creative and cultural sector in Massachusetts, with applications open to individuals, non-profit organizations, unincorporated associations, for-profit organizations, and government entities, provided they demonstrate a public benefit from their project.