Massachusetts Diversity Equity and Inclusion 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 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 funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit legal service organizations in Massachusetts to help tenants understand and navigate the new eviction sealing process, promoting housing access and economic mobility for marginalized communities.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Brookline, Massachusetts, to enhance access to essential services and emergency assistance for individuals and families, particularly those from marginalized communities.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Rhode Island that empower low- to moderate-income individuals and families through education, affordable housing, and essential human services.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Southeastern Massachusetts and Rhode Island that support programs and initiatives benefiting children and families in the community.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to small community organizations and Tribal entities in New England to tackle environmental and public health issues in disadvantaged communities.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in New England to support public performances and community engagement activities featuring regional artists.

This funding initiative provides financial support for projects that enhance the agricultural, forestry, and commercial fishing industries in the Northeast, focusing on education, marketing, and leadership development.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in Essex County for collaborative projects that improve access to digital tools, internet connectivity, and digital literacy training for local residents.

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 $200,000 over two years to early-career researchers in New England focused on innovative projects that improve child health.

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.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and community groups in Central Berkshire to improve the quality of life for residents through projects in arts, education, environment, and health services, with a focus on underserved populations.

The Public Art Learning Fund, administered by the New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA), is designed to fortify the public art landscape across New England by offering professional development opportunities directly to artists. NEFA's overarching mission, as reflected in this grant, is to cultivate more equitable, inclusive, and vibrant public spaces and public life throughout the region. This initiative aligns with NEFA's strategic goal of fostering a sustainable and equitable public art ecosystem by investing in the skills, resources, and connections of artists working in the public realm. The primary beneficiaries of this fund are artists residing full-time in one of the six New England states (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont) who are actively engaged in public artmaking or are in the process of expanding their practice into this domain. The fund aims to empower these artists, contributing to more just and inclusive public art. Expected outcomes include artists developing enhanced skills and resources, leading to the creation of more vibrant public spaces and a stronger regional community of practice. The Public Art Learning Fund prioritizes opportunities that specifically expand an artist's public art practice and contribute equitably to more just and inclusive public artmaking. NEFA seeks clarity on desired learnings and their application to the artist's practice. The fund welcomes artists at various stages of their public artmaking careers from urban, suburban, and rural communities, recognizing that diverse cultural and artistic expressions are crucial for equitable and vibrant public spaces. A key focus of this grant is equity. NEFA acknowledges that various barriers, including race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, age, and geography, can limit access to professional development. Therefore, the Public Art Learning Fund actively prioritizes equity in its funding decisions. This may include, but is not limited to, prioritizing artists who self-identify as Black Indigenous People of Color (BIPOC) and/or those who are rooted in rural communities, aligning with NEFA's theory of change that targeted support can address systemic inequities and build a more inclusive artistic landscape. Grants range from $500 to $3,000 and support opportunities taking place between January 1, 2025, and December 31, 2025. Eligible applicants must also have a Creative Ground profile, and the proposed professional development must directly relate to strengthening their public art practice and occur within the grant period. These measurable results, such as the number of artists served and the nature of their professional development, contribute to NEFA's broader strategic aim of fostering a more equitable and sustainable public art ecosystem in New England.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) is seeking a technical consultant and project manager for its On-Street Charging Program. This program, funded by American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds provided by the Healey-Driscoll administration in January 2024, aims to improve access to affordable electric vehicle (EV) infrastructure for residents in multi-unit dwellings. The core mission of the program aligns with increasing the supply of overnight curbside parking, with a strong emphasis on generating positive impacts for Low Income Disadvantaged Communities (LIDAC) within Massachusetts. MassCEC's overarching mission to promote wide-scale adoption of innovative On-Street Charging options across the Commonwealth is evident through this initiative. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are residents in multi-unit dwellings, particularly those residing in LIDACs, who currently face barriers to EV adoption due to limited charging infrastructure. The program is designed to address these inequalities by increasing access to on-street charging options. MassCEC also encourages the involvement of small and diverse MA-based businesses, including Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (Minority, Women, Veteran, LGBTQ, Portuguese, and/or Disability-Owned Business Enterprises), thereby fostering Massachusetts workforce development and ensuring meaningful compensation for these entities. The program's priorities and focuses include piloting innovative On-Street Charging technologies, models, and ownership structures in close collaboration with the MA Department of Energy Resources (DOER). A significant focus is on demonstrating successful deployments of these innovative solutions to encourage replication and scalability across Massachusetts. Additionally, the program prioritizes the development of resources for municipalities, empowering them to independently implement On-Street Charging solutions. Expected outcomes and measurable results include a demonstrable increase in access to On-Street Charging options, leading to a reduction in barriers to EV adoption for LIDACs. The program also aims to successfully pilot innovative On-Street Charging models that can be effectively replicated and scaled throughout the Commonwealth. Success will also be measured by the development of comprehensive resources for municipalities and the meaningful inclusion and compensation of small and diverse MA-based businesses, contributing to local workforce development. With a total funding of $11,250,000 available, MassCEC's strategic approach involves not only expanding EV infrastructure but also fostering economic growth and equitable access to clean energy solutions. The program's theory of change posits that by investing in accessible and innovative on-street charging, particularly in underserved communities, and by supporting local diverse businesses, Massachusetts can accelerate EV adoption, reduce carbon emissions, and build a more inclusive clean energy economy.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit programs that help young people in economically challenged neighborhoods of Greater Boston prepare for successful careers, particularly those facing barriers such as homelessness, disabilities, or low income.

This grant provides funding to Massachusetts schools and early education programs to promote food literacy and local food sourcing through initiatives like school gardens, cooking classes, and educational field trips.