Massachusetts Capacity Building Grants

This funding opportunity supports grassroots organizations in New England that are dedicated to anti-racist initiatives and social justice, helping them build movements and drive systemic change in their communities.

This grant provides funding to Massachusetts-based community organizations that improve health access for low-income and marginalized populations by enhancing their capacity and infrastructure.

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 grant provides financial support to business associations and groups of businesses to improve their commercial districts and foster local economic growth through various enhancement projects.

This grant provides funding to non-profit organizations and schools in New York City, Boston, and Newark, New Jersey, that focus on youth development and education, helping young people achieve academic and career success.

The Bliss, Gross, Horowitz Fund, established at the Rhode Island Foundation, is dedicated to supporting charitable Jewish community organizations that serve the greater Providence area. This fund aligns with the foundation's broader mission to enhance community well-being by specifically addressing the needs and fostering the culture of the Jewish community within the region. The grant program's overview emphasizes a commitment to strengthening Jewish life while also promoting connections and understanding with the wider Rhode Island population. The target beneficiaries for this grant are primarily Jewish community organizations located in and serving the greater Providence area, with an overarching goal to impact both the Jewish community and all Rhode Islanders. Impact goals include fostering connections between the Jewish community and other Rhode Islanders, deepening understanding of Jewish life and culture, providing essential human needs, and supporting the organizational development of Jewish institutions. Projects must be non-sectarian and reach beyond an institution's core constituency, highlighting a focus on broad community benefit. The program prioritizes projects that develop connections between the Jewish community and all Rhode Islanders through community service, those that deepen understanding of Jewish life and culture through scholarship and historic preservation, initiatives that provide basic human needs (food, clothing, housing, prescription assistance), and efforts supporting organizational development such as strategic planning, board development, and program evaluation. Capacity building requests require a scope of work. Capital requests are explicitly not considered, focusing resources on programmatic and organizational development. Expected outcomes include clearly stated goals, objectives, and measurable results from funded proposals. The foundation anticipates that successful organizations will demonstrate the capacity to implement their proposals effectively and outline clear sustainability plans. Ultimately, the grants aim to result in stronger Jewish institutions, increased community understanding, improved provision of basic human needs, and more vibrant connections between the Jewish community and the broader Rhode Island population. The foundation's strategic priorities for this fund revolve around fostering community connections, preserving cultural heritage, addressing fundamental human needs, and enhancing the operational capabilities of Jewish organizations. Its theory of change appears to be that by investing in these key areas, it can strengthen the Jewish community in Providence, facilitate greater integration and understanding with the wider population, and ensure the long-term vitality and impact of Jewish institutions in the region. The emphasis on non-sectarian projects that reach beyond a core constituency further underscores a commitment to inclusive community building.

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.

The 2024-25 Physical and Digital Infrastructure Security Grant Program for Health Care Practitioners, offered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), aims to enhance physical facility and digital security for healthcare practitioners. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to safeguard healthcare services, particularly those related to abortion and reproductive health, which may be vulnerable to violence and vandalism. The program's core purpose is to mitigate security risks, ensuring uninterrupted and safe access to essential healthcare services for communities across California. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are currently licensed healthcare practitioners located in California who provide abortion-related services (or referrals) and reproductive health care services. This includes medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, licensed midwives, certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and physician assistants. A key impact goal is to create a more secure environment for these practitioners and their patients, thereby preserving access to critical reproductive health services. The program prioritizes security enhancements to protect against physical and digital threats. Eligible applicants must demonstrate that they provide abortion-related and reproductive health care services and are located in California. Health Care Practitioners who received an award from the FY 2022-23 DP Program are also eligible to reapply. The focus is on proactive measures to prevent violence and vandalism, fostering a safe operational space for healthcare providers. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the security infrastructure of participating healthcare facilities, both physically and digitally. The program anticipates that enhanced security will reduce incidents of violence and vandalism, leading to improved access to and continuity of abortion-related and reproductive health care services. With a total of $3 million available and individual grants up to $150,000, the program intends to achieve a widespread impact across California. The grant performance period runs from September 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, allowing for significant improvements in the security landscape for these vital healthcare providers.

The Hispanic Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, is dedicated to improving and promoting socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. This grant program is a direct reflection of the Community Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being and addresses specific needs within the Hispanic population of Lorain County, Ohio. By focusing on areas such as citizen empowerment, neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and educational achievement, the program aligns with a comprehensive approach to community development and equity. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations and community members whose projects directly impact the Hispanic community. The program aims to achieve significant positive impacts, including enhanced citizen empowerment, improved living environments through neighborhood revitalization, increased public safety and reduced crime, and a greater understanding and implementation of collaborative solutions to community problems. Ultimately, the goal is to address the root causes of social ills and elevate educational attainment within the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Fund's grant program prioritizes projects that provide or work to improve several key areas. These include initiatives that empower Hispanic citizens, address neighborhood revitalization or environmental issues, and promote public safety, education, and crime/violence prevention. Furthermore, the fund seeks projects that offer collaborative solutions or new approaches to existing problems, and those that directly tackle the root causes of social challenges within the Hispanic community. A significant focus is also placed on programs that positively influence Hispanic educational achievement in both public and higher education settings. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus areas inherently suggest expected outcomes. For instance, projects addressing citizen empowerment could lead to increased civic participation, while educational initiatives would aim for improved academic performance and higher rates of public or higher education enrollment. Neighborhood revitalization projects would likely target improvements in local infrastructure and living conditions, and public safety initiatives would work towards a reduction in crime rates. The fund's strategic priority is to support initiatives that create lasting, positive change, operating under the theory that empowering and educating the Hispanic community will lead to broader societal benefits and improved quality of life.

This mini-grant program provides funding to Boston residents and nonprofits for neighborhood block parties during the Halloween and fall season, promoting safe and festive community celebrations.

The Artist Opportunity Grants (AOGs) program, administered by the Arizona Commission on the Arts, aims to support Arizona artists in pursuing unique professional growth opportunities. The core mission of this grant aligns with fostering artistic development and entrepreneurship within the state. It provides financial assistance to artists across all disciplines and career stages, enabling them to engage in activities that significantly impact their careers. The primary beneficiaries of the AOGs are individual artists aged 18 or older and residing in Arizona. Organizations are not eligible to apply. The program seeks to achieve significant impact in three key areas: introducing artists' work to new audiences, developing new artistic skills, and fostering artistic entrepreneurship. The overarching goal is to enhance the professional trajectory and sustainability of Arizona's artistic community. The program prioritizes opportunities that expose artists' work to new audiences, raise their artistic profile, or allow them to present their work in a significant way. It also focuses on skill development through activities such as conferences, artist residencies, workshops, fellowships, master classes, or apprenticeships. Furthermore, the grant supports entrepreneurial expansion, covering expenses like marketing material production, website development, professional fees (e.g., lawyers, accountants), and practice-related capital expenses, including equipment purchases, materials, services, and rental fees. Expected outcomes include artists successfully presenting their work to broader audiences, acquiring new artistic skills, and strengthening their entrepreneurial capacity, ultimately leading to greater professional stability and artistic recognition. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond the qualitative impact areas, the focus on "significant impact" implies an assessment of the extent to which these opportunities contribute to an artist's professional growth and reach. The funding period runs from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2025, with artists eligible to receive one AOG every two fiscal years, indicating a strategic approach to broad and recurring support within the artistic community.

This funding opportunity provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofit organizations serving youth and young adults with disabilities and mental health challenges in specific counties of Massachusetts and New York, particularly those supporting historically marginalized communities.

The Asian Community Fund (ACF) at The Boston Foundation is offering grants for its 2024 cycle to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to develop, strengthen, and support AAPI community power, galvanize diverse ethnicities within this community, and build a stronger advocacy voice. The ACF's overarching goal is to advocate for equal access for AAPI individuals in all aspects of society and to collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to overcome injustice and racism. The grantmaking approach is rooted in strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to foster systemic impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts, or those with a qualifying fiscal agent, that primarily serve the AAPI community. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on catalyzing new partnerships, expanding the capacity of local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and responding to emerging community needs. Expected outcomes include increased AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change through convening activities, innovative solutions to systemic gaps facing AAPI residents, and expanded reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Organizations will be evaluated based on their mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. The program prioritizes several key areas of focus. These include supporting general operating costs for eligible organizations and projects. Funding will specifically support three types of work: Convening, which brings communities together to elevate AAPI visibility and foster solidarity; Catalyzing, which fuels new collaborations and innovations to address systemic gaps; and Capacity Building, which expands the reach of programs focused on policy and systems change. Priority will also be given to organizations serving underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, those not previously funded by ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. This targeted approach demonstrates the foundation's strategic commitment to equitable distribution of resources and empowerment of diverse AAPI segments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its emphasis on strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and driving policy and systems change. The ACF believes that by investing in convening, catalyzing, and capacity building initiatives, it can create a ripple effect, leading to increased community power, stronger advocacy, and ultimately, greater equity for AAPI residents in Massachusetts. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, are designed to support organizations in achieving these objectives. While the initial grant size was advertised as $10,000 to $100,000, the funding considerations specify a range of $5,000 to $15,000 for general operating support. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024 and will be expected to share their experiences and impact in summer 2025, providing measurable results and demonstrating the effectiveness of the foundation's theory of change.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to community organizations, individuals, and groups focused on developing innovative clean energy projects or enhancing their capacity to serve priority populations in Massachusetts.

This program provides funding to organizations in New England for projects that preserve and share the diverse histories of their communities through the conservation of buildings, landscapes, and collections.

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 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.

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 National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) is soliciting proposals for the Northeast Forests and Rivers Fund (NEFRF), a program dedicated to restoring and sustaining healthy rivers, forests, and grasslands to provide habitat for diverse fish and wildlife populations. This initiative aligns with NFWF's broader mission to protect and restore native wildlife species and their habitats, leveraging public and private funding to achieve significant conservation outcomes. The NEFRF, formerly known as the New England Forests and Rivers Fund, represents a strategic investment in the ecological health of the Northeast region, fostering biodiversity and ecosystem resilience. The program's target beneficiaries include various fish and wildlife populations such as river herring, Atlantic salmon, brook trout, wood turtles, golden-winged warblers, New England cottontails, and bobolinks. Beyond wildlife, the program also aims to benefit agricultural producers, particularly those in Historically Underserved and Special Emphasis categories, by helping them design and implement conservation practices. The impact goals are centered on improving habitat quality and connectivity, enhancing forest conditions, and promoting hayfield management conducive to successful grassland bird breeding. NEFRF's priorities and focuses are outlined in NFWF’s Northeast Watersheds Business Plan (March 2023), specifically targeting strategies for Stream and Riparian Habitat, and Upland Forests and Grasslands. Key implementation strategies for 2024 include restoring stream and riparian habitats, improving forest management for age and structural diversity, and promoting hayfield management. A significant portion of funding, approximately $625,000, is set aside for projects that assist agricultural producers in adopting conservation practices beneficial to target species like northeast turtles and golden-winged warblers, while also increasing Farm Bill program participation. Additionally, the program encourages projects that involve community outreach, engagement, collaborative management, and the incorporation of traditional knowledge and community input. Expected outcomes and measurable results include improved habitat for specific fish and wildlife species, enhanced age and structural diversity in forest blocks, successful grassland bird breeding, and increased participation of agricultural producers in conservation programs. Projects are expected to contribute to measurable conservation benefits through community input, co-design processes, and engagement with community-level partners (e.g., municipalities, NGOs, community organizations, community leaders) to ensure project design, implementation, maintenance, and long-term sustainability post-grant award. The grant duration is three years, with projects expected to start no later than six months after the award date. The NFWF's strategic priorities for the NEFRF reflect a theory of change that posits by investing in targeted habitat restoration, improved land management, and community engagement, ecological health will be restored and sustained, benefiting both wildlife and human communities. Funding is provided by a consortium of partners including the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Forest Service and Natural Resources Conservation Service, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Zoetis Foundation, and Sylvamo, underscoring a collaborative approach to conservation. The program encourages a holistic view of conservation, integrating scientific best practices with local community needs and traditional knowledge to achieve robust and lasting environmental improvements across Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, Vermont, and parts of New York.

Focuses on funding new initiatives or expanding existing workforce training programs and studies in the offshore wind sector, with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEIJ) principles.