Massachusetts Business and Commerce Grants

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 program provides financial support to minority- and women-owned construction businesses in Worcester to help them increase their operational capacity and compete for local and state contracts.

This grant provides funding to nonprofits focused on community development initiatives in low- to moderate-income neighborhoods, particularly in the Northeast, Florida, and Texas.

This program provides funding to Massachusetts-based clean technology startups and academic institutions for projects that advance innovations in areas like high performance buildings, clean transportation, offshore wind, and net zero grid technologies.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Taunton with fewer than 10 employees, helping them improve their digital capabilities and customer engagement through upgraded technology and enhanced online presence.

The Food Security Infrastructure Grant (FSIG) Program seeks to ensure that farmers, commercial fishermen, and other local food producers are better engaged with a strong, resilient food system to help mitigate food supply and distribution disruptions, as well as to ensure that individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth have equitable access to food, with a focus on food that is produced locally. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Projects to enhance equitable access to food for individuals and families throughout the Commonwealth, with a focus on food that is produced locally. The FSIG program (“Program”) also seeks to ensure that farmers, fisherman, and other local food producers are better connected to markets in a strong, resilient food system, and that they have the infrastructure needed to produce and distribute healthy food efficiently and safely. Providing greater, more equitable access to local food and strengthening the role of local food in the Commonwealth’s food system is an important goal of the Program. Local food is defined through this Program as food which is grown/produced and distributed within the Commonwealth. The local food system is a network of consumers, workers, businesses, owners, and supporting organizations engaged in an array of activities, including fishing, farming, preparing, marketing, distributing, serving, and eating food. This network works to produce and distribute food that nourishes the communities, sustains businesses and workers, and supports responsible stewardship of the land, water, and other natural resources. Funding Information Part I: Agriculture Maximum funding per applicant $500,000. Part II: Local Food System Maximum funding per applicant $500,000. Grant Period July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025. Eligible Projects  Eligible projects must be capital improvements including the purchase of equipment and contracted labor costs in order to implement projects, or costs associated with planning and design directly related to capital projects that will allow applicants to strengthen and improve the resiliency of the Commonwealth’s food system while allowing greater access to fresh, local food in a way that addresses systemic inequities. Eligibility Criteria  Applicants may be individuals, for-profit, or non-profit entities. Municipalities and other governmental entities may also be eligible to apply, provided all necessary requirements to submit an application can be met, the ability to utilize funding can be demonstrated, and the entity has the ability to enter into a contract with MDAR. For more information, visit MDAR.

This program provides financial support to Worcester-based minority, women, veteran, LGBTQ+, and disability-owned businesses that achieve certification with the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office, prioritizing those from disproportionately impacted communities.

This grant provides financial support to individuals, artists, and community organizations in Worcester County to develop projects in the arts, humanities, and sciences that enhance the cultural landscape and benefit local residents.

GrowBoston is offering a total of $20,000 for community gardens and food forests to purchase tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, and other garden supplies for communal use. Donor Name: GrowBoston State: Massachusetts City: Boston Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These supplies must be stored and maintained by the garden organization and made available to all gardeners.  The purpose of this grant program is to invest in Boston’s community gardens and food forests and assist residents to grow their own food. Eligible Uses of Funding This grant is for the purchase of tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, and other garden supplies for communal use. Up to 10% of the grant budget can be for indirect/administrative costs or a fiscal sponsorship fee. The following expenses are not allowed using City of Boston operating budget grant funds: gift cards, rent, utilities, alcoholic beverages, fundraising or lobbying activities, and/or salaries of staff not involved with directly delivering the program. Eligibility Criteria  Recipients must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit or a community-based organization partnering with a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. No grants can be awarded to individuals or for-profit businesses. For more information, visit GrowBoston.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center seeks qualified consultants or professionals with experience in clean transportation, municipal procurement, on-street electric vehicle charging, and utility coordination to serve as a technical consultant and project manager under MassCEC’s On-Street Charging Program. Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Center State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/04/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: In January 2024, the Healey-Driscoll administration provided American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to MassCEC to develop a program that will improve access to affordable EV infrastructure for residents in multi-unit dwellings. The Program aims to increase the supply of overnight curbside parking with an emphasis on positive impacts for Low Income Disadvantaged Communities (LIDAC). In addition to increasing charging station access, MassCEC, in close collaboration with the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER), plans to pilot innovative On-Street Charging technologies, models, and ownership structures. Through this program, MassCEC intends to demonstrate successful deployments of innovative On-Street Charging options in order to promote wide-scale adoption across the Commonwealth. Through this Program MassCEC aims to:  Increase access to On-Street Charging options and reduce barriers to EV adoption for LIDACs in MA;  Pilot innovative On-Street Charging models that can be replicated and scaled across the Commonwealth;  Develop resources for municipalities in MA to implement On-Street Charging solutions independently; and  Ensure that small and diverse MA-based businesses are included in the Program and meaningfully compensated to foster MA workforce development. Funding Information Total Funding Available: $11,250,000. Eligibility Criteria Eligible Applicants include sole proprietors, professional consultants, nonprofits, institutions or companies with multiple employees. MassCEC encourages Applicants to form a team with sub-vendors (“Applicant Team”) to provide all the requisite experience required for the Scope of Work, including subvendors responsible for procurement, installation, and maintenance of On-Street Charging stations. Proposals must be submitted by a single lead Applicant and must clearly identify relevant Applicant Team sub-vendor(s) with whom to jointly respond to this RFP and their respective roles and experience. MassCEC strongly encourages Applicant Teams to include and meaningfully compensate MA-based vendors and small businesses, as well as Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (Minority, Women, Veteran, LGBTQ, Portuguese, and/or Disability-Owned Business Enterprises) (“Diverse Suppliers”). For more information, visit MassCEC.

This grant provides funding to New England nonprofit organizations for touring projects that feature regional, national, or international artists, with a focus on community engagement and expanding access to the arts, particularly in rural and BIPOC communities.

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) is pleased to announce the availability of funding from the Rural Development Fund (RDF), through the 2025 Community One Stop for Growth. Donor Name: Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The RDF is a competitive grant program created to provide financial support for a variety of activities related to economic and community development in rural communities and small towns throughout the Commonwealth. Eligible municipalities and other public entities are invited to submit project proposals to be considered for funding. The program is designed to support projects that address the unique economic needs and challenges faced by smaller communities, which sometimes includes difficulty competing against larger cities/towns for grant resources. RDF offers grants for a variety of project types, including community planning efforts, predevelopment activities, and/or construction. Funding Information Grants in this category will likely be in the $50,000-$500,000 range. Projects that apply under the “Planning and Zoning” category will be limited to no more than $100,000 per application. Grants in all other categories will be limited to a maximum of $500,000. At its discretion, EOED may make partial awards, for an amount less than requested by an applicant or make grants over $500K, as appropriate. All funding for this program is subject to annual appropriation. Eligible Projects  The program will consider a variety of projects for funding support. Examples of project types that may be submitted for considered include, but may not be limited to the following (projects listed under the corresponding Development Continuum categories): Planning and Zoning Category (generally, grant requests are for consulting services) Create a housing production plan to better understand housing needs of the community and identify strategies to reduce gaps in existing housing relative to identified needs. If applicable, create a multi-family zoning district near a transit station to comply with M.G.L. Chapter 40A, Section 3A. Conduct a zoning review to identify and remove language that hinders economic growth, such as housing and/or commercial development. Create a plan to update zoning rules to unlock potential housing production and economic development growth. Site Preparation Category (generally entails hiring of consultants, engineers, and/or contractors) Create a site master plan, including predevelopment activities, on an underutilized commercial property with the intent to create mixed use that may include affordable housing. Conduct design, engineering, and/or permitting activities to address changes to existing water, sewer and stormwater in a prospective development site. Demolish a blighted building that cannot be recovered to prepare a portion of a parcel or an entire parcel for mixed-use redevelopment that may include affordable housing. Buildings (generally entails hiring of consultants, engineers, and/or contractors) Conduct design, engineering, and/or permitting activities to address ADA accessibility requirements for public buildings and resources. Rehabilitate housing to bring an underutilized property back onto the market. Provide further subsidies to an affordable housing project to directly create affordable housing units or increase the number of affordable units in a new housing project. Infrastructure (generally entails hiring of engineers and contractors) Conduct design, engineering, permitting, and construction for road improvements, including projects that address public safety concerns, such as dangerous road conditions and/or imminent collapse of a bridge or culvert. Conduct design, engineering, and/or permitting activities to address improvements to existing water, sewer and stormwater infrastructure. Conduct design, engineering, and/or permitting activities to address construction of a new water line connection to an adjacent town or making plans to consolidate water districts for an area served only by wells. Conduct design, engineering, permitting, and construction of alternative transportation infrastructure to address ADA accessibility requirements for pedestrians and cyclists between residential and/or commercial areas. Eligibility Criteria  A municipal government, or other public entity, from any Massachusetts town that meets (based on the 2020 Census data) the definition of a Rural Community (having less than 500 persons per square mile) and/or a Small Town (having a total population of 7,000 or less persons). Other public entities may include a Public Housing Authority, Redevelopment Authority, Water/Sewer District, Economic Development Industrial Corporation, a public body created by legislative act, etc. Regional Planning Agencies may also be eligible applicants if applying on behalf of a clearly identified and eligible public entity or entities within their assigned region, with clear and evident support from those communities. Applications must be submitted by a single lead applicant. However, a lead applicant may submit a joint application in partnership with one or more other eligible applicant(s). For more information, visit EOED.

This program provides a no-cost, 20-week development opportunity for small business owners in Massachusetts, Maine, or Rhode Island to receive mentorship and resources to grow their businesses and positively impact their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts to deliver essential pre- and post-release services for young adults reentering society, with a focus on reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

Grant Opportunity: 2024 Equity Workforce Planning and Capacity Grants – Massachusetts Donor: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/20/2024 Grant Size: $894,422 - Planning Grants: $20,000-$50,000 - Capacity Grants: $30,000-$150,000 Duration: 2 years Details: The grants aim to provide funding and technical assistance to organizations focused on supporting minority and women-owned businesses, individuals from environmental justice neighborhoods or low-income communities, members of tribes, underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce, and current or former workers from the fossil fuel industry. The program seeks to expand access to career and business opportunities in climate-critical fields and prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts. Goals: The program aims to grow Massachusetts’ clean energy workforce by prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts across economic opportunity categories. It seeks to produce a diverse bench of highly trained new workers and thriving minority and women-owned businesses. Funding Information: Total funding available is $894,422 for Planning and Capacity Grants. Eligibility Criteria: Community-based entities, post-secondary educational institutions, K-12 school districts, vocational schools offering a Career Technical Initiative evening program, for-profit entities such as training companies or trade associations, federally recognized and state-acknowledged tribes, workforce development organizations (nonprofit and for-profit), Massachusetts Workforce Investment Boards are eligible to apply as lead applicants. For more information visit MassCEC website.

This grant provides funding for marketing initiatives that promote events in Provincetown, particularly those that attract visitors during off-peak seasons and enhance community collaboration and diversity.

Farm Credit East recognizes the significance of farmers’ markets for both producers and consumers. In support of this vital marketing channel, we are offering Farmers' Market Grants of up to $500 to eligible applicants. These grants can be utilized to support participating farmers, enhance markets, improve marketing efforts, and implement programs aimed at aiding disadvantaged communities or enhancing access to fresh, local food. Please note that these grants are intended for public markets where multiple farms sell products, not for individual farm markets. Eligibility: Farmers' markets must be located within Farm Credit East’s eight-state territory: Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Preference will be given to first-time applicants and markets serving underserved communities with limited access to fresh, local food. Awards will be granted at the sole discretion of Farm Credit East. How to Apply/Application Requirements: The 2024 application cycle is currently open. Please submit the Farmers' Market Grant Application by 4:00 PM on May 31. Recipients will be notified by late June.

Boston XChange and Jrue and Lauren Holiday’s foundation, the JLH Social Impact Fund, have joined forces to launch the Boston Creator Incubator + Accelerator, an initiative dedicated to equipping visionary creators from underinvested communities with the resources and support they need to thrive. Donor Name: Boston XChange State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Program Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Boston Creator Program equips visionary creators with the business resources and support to turn their ideas into reality. They work to bridge the funding gap and invest in your success, fostering innovation all while stimulating the local economy. By supporting creators from underinvested communities, they’re working to close the $5 billion racial wealth gap in Massachusetts. Funding Information Get up to $100k in grants. Based on meeting milestones over a 3 year period, the JLH Social Impact Fund will help propel your business forward with up to $35k/year. Eligibility Criteria The Boston Creator Incubator seeks passionate entrepreneurs leading for-profit companies in Greater Boston. Your business should have a positive impact on underinvested communities. Founders must be 18+ and hold a majority stake (51%) in the company. For more information, visit Boston XChange.

This program provides $5,000 to eligible Worcester-based businesses seeking certifications as Minority-Owned, Women-Owned, or Veteran-Owned through the Massachusetts Supplier Diversity Office.

The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation is seeking organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts to apply for the 2024 grantmaking cycle. Donor Name: The Boston Foundation State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation is a permanent resource designed to develop, strengthen and support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community power in Massachusetts, to galvanize and unite the diverse ethnicities within this community, and to build a stronger advocacy voice. The Fund seeks to advocate for equal access to all aspects of their society and collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to build collective strengths to overcome injustice and racism. ACF’s grantmaking approach focuses on strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change. Through its grantmaking, ACF strives to catalyze new partnerships, expand the capacity of the local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and respond to emerging community needs. To this end, ACF encourages applicants to form cross-agency partnerships, collaborate with other communities, and mobilize multiple groups around a shared opportunity.  Funding Considerations Grants will be made for general operating support to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the AAPI community in Massachusetts. Grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024. Funding will support the following types of work: Convening- Bringing communities together to elevate AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change, with a focus on advancing solidarity and partnerships. Catalyzing- Fueling new collaborations or innovations to tackle systemic gaps and opportunities facing AAPI residents in Massachusetts. Capacity Building– Expanding the reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts or have a qualifying fiscal agent with 501(c)3 status. Applicants will be evaluated based on the organization’s mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. Priority will be given to organizations that serve underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, organizations that have not previously received funding from ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. Organizations receiving funding will share their experience and impact of the grant in summer 2025 via a phone call with ACF staff or a brief survey. For more information, visit The Boston Foundation.