Massachusetts Arts Grants

This grant provides funding for artists and organizations in Cambridge to create projects that promote social justice and engage the local community through various forms of artistic expression.

This funding opportunity provides $5,000 to Massachusetts K-12 schools and organizations for creative projects in the arts, sciences, and humanities that engage students and promote equity and accessibility.

This grant provides $5,000 to support creative learning projects in Massachusetts schools that engage K-12 students in the arts, humanities, and sciences, particularly benefiting historically underfunded organizations and diverse communities.

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 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.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Massachusetts focused on education, food, health, and housing programs, particularly benefiting communities north of Boston.

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.

The Sarah G. McCarthy Memorial Foundation is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for a one-year duration to charitable organizations in Peabody, MA, supporting various sectors including arts, education, health, and housing, with applications open until September 30, 2024.

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.

The Community Enrichment program supports activities that enhance the vitality of the communities. Donor Name: Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Enrichment program includes activities that promote local arts, culture, creativity, civic engagement, and community development. Strong, active, and inclusive relationships between residents, the private sector, the public, and civil society organizations characterize vital communities. Examples include: Arts and Culture: including but not limited to art in public places, programs that encourage art in community institutions (community centers and schools), and “art for art’s sake.” Community Development: including but not limited to community-enhancing projects and the preservation of community heritage and history. Civic engagement: Advancing community cohesion and participation. Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts supports programs, projects, and initiatives within the 33-community region that address the Community Foundation’s goals, that are executed by a non-profit organization and align with the applicant’s mission. Proposals for competitive grants should address each of the following principles:  Capacity for impact: Demonstrate capacity and potential for achieving and sustaining long-term impact. Plan of action: Include a plan of action with evidence that the plan is likely to achieve its intended outcomes. Tracking progress: Include measurable objectives and outcomes with a plan to monitor progress. For more information, visit CFNCM.

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

The Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) Transit Connectivity Grant Program for Regional Transit Authorities. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Transportation (MassDOT) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/20/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Under Section 1596-2406 of the Fiscal Year 2025 Budget Act, MassDOT has up to $10 million to award grants to Regional Transit Authorities RTAs) for the creation or altering of routes that advance connectivity between existing public transportation routes including, but not limited to RTA routes and MBTA routes. Awards will be made on a competitive basis with funding provided contractually. Eligible Projects Funding will be provided for operating projects that address the criteria outlined below. opportunities for increased ridership opportunities for increased total mileage covered in a single trip (i.e., coverage) opportunities to reach low-income individuals. Eligibility Criteria Regional Transit Authorities can apply for grants for the creation or altering of routes that advance connectivity between existing public transportation routes. For more information, visit MassDOT.

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 Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), is seeking applications for its 2025 Massachusetts 250 Grant Program. Donor Name: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The FY25 Massachusetts 250 Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will award funds to support programming and interpretation that tell the stories of the American Revolution in Massachusetts and will increase tourism and travel to and within Massachusetts. Funding Information The Massachusetts 250 (MA250) Grant Program anticipates awarding up to $1,500,000 in FY25, subject to funding availability.  $5,000 – $100,000. Eligible Projects Eligible projects will have a direct connection to the American Revolution in Massachusetts, connect to historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate the significant firsts in Massachusetts history that make the state special, and/or take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating or celebrating the nation’s semiquin centennial. Grant funds can be used for programming and marketing. Eligibility Criteria Any municipality, public agency, tribal entity, or nonprofit organization (501(c)3, 501(c)5, or 501(c)6) which is operating in Massachusetts  Municipal applicants must be in compliance with MBTA Communities Act (Section 3A of MGL c. 40A), if applicable/required, to be eligible for funding  Must be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts  Must be current on all taxes due through December 31, 2022  Have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable  Applications must be complete and include all required documentation and be submitted through the online portal, by the deadline, in order to be considered For more information, visit MOTT

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 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.