Massachusetts Education Grants

The Middlesex Savings Bank Social Service Grant Program is designed to support projects and programs that address critical social needs within the communities served by the bank. While the provided text details the grant program's specific focus areas and eligibility, it does not explicitly outline the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation's broader mission or strategic priorities. However, by funding initiatives related to shelter, hunger security, clothing and basic needs, and support for veterans and first responders, the program implicitly aligns with a mission to foster community well-being and alleviate hardship for vulnerable populations. This grant program is a key component of the bank's community engagement, demonstrating a commitment to addressing fundamental social challenges at a local level. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income individuals and vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those experiencing food insecurity, and veterans and first responders. The impact goals are to improve access to stable housing, ensure food security, provide essential clothing and hygiene products, and enhance the physical and mental well-being of veterans and first responders. Through these targeted interventions, the program aims to create more resilient and supportive communities where basic needs are met and critical support systems are in place for those who need them most. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Shelter (affordable housing, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, housing for the homeless, emergency home repairs), Hunger Security (food provision for low-income and vulnerable populations, with a note that food pantries must request funding for a program or initiative, not just food purchase), Clothing and Basic Needs (provision of clothing and personal hygiene products), and Veterans & First Responders (projects benefiting their physical and mental well-being). This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards specific, high-impact areas that align with the bank's community support objectives. While the description does not explicitly state "expected outcomes" or "measurable results" with specific metrics, it implies that successful programs will lead to improved living conditions, reduced hunger, increased access to basic necessities, and better support for veterans and first responders within the designated geographic areas. The "Funding Information" indicates that grant requests are considered up to $20,000, suggesting that the foundation seeks to achieve tangible, localized impact through these investments. The emphasis on programs and initiatives, particularly for food pantries, further suggests an interest in sustainable solutions over one-off aid. The foundation's strategic priorities, as inferred from the grant details, revolve around direct community investment in social welfare. Its "theory of change" appears to be that by strategically funding nonprofit organizations working in key social service areas, it can directly contribute to improving the quality of life for vulnerable residents in the communities it serves. The requirement for applicants to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations further reinforces a commitment to working with established, accountable entities capable of delivering effective programs. The explicit exclusions of political or sectarian activities and organizations using fiscal agents highlight a focus on direct, non-partisan, and transparent charitable impact.

This funding opportunity is designed to support Massachusetts residents pursuing training in high-demand clean energy careers by providing zero-interest loans for living expenses and tuition gaps.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to fire departments in Massachusetts to educate school-aged children and senior citizens about fire safety and prevention.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Massachusetts to develop training programs and improve equipment for residents pursuing careers in essential climate-related jobs.

The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and managed by the LA Small Business Development Center Network, aims to support small businesses in the entertainment industry within Los Angeles County. This program directly addresses the economic hardship faced by these businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. The fund's mission aligns with supporting the economic vitality of a key industry in Los Angeles, ensuring the continuity and recovery of small businesses that form its backbone. The target beneficiaries are for-profit small businesses in Los Angeles County's entertainment industry with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue. These businesses must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 1, 2020, to present) and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes (May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023). A significant impact goal is to mitigate financial losses and facilitate recovery for these businesses, enabling them to sustain operations and contribute to the local economy. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate substantial revenue loss directly attributable to the specified crises. It focuses on providing financial relief for critical operational expenses, including the purchase of new certified equipment, restocking liquidated inventory, lease/rent/mortgage payments, business debt accrued due to the crises, COVID-19 related costs, employee payroll, working capital, and outstanding business expenses. A key focus is ensuring that funds are used to directly address and alleviate the negative economic impacts suffered. Expected outcomes include the stabilization of small businesses in the entertainment sector, preventing further closures, and preserving jobs. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of funds disbursed, and the extent to which these businesses are able to maintain or increase their operations post-grant. The grant amounts, either $10,000 for businesses with revenue less than or equal to $999,999 or $25,000 for those with revenue between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000, are directly tied to revenue size, indicating a structured approach to proportional relief. The foundation's strategic priority, through the LA Small Business Development Center Network, is to foster economic resilience within the entertainment industry. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance to small businesses severely impacted by external economic shocks, the program can prevent widespread business failures, preserve the industry's ecosystem, and contribute to the broader economic recovery of Los Angeles County. This direct intervention aims to bridge financial gaps and allow businesses to regain stability and growth.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is inviting applications for its 2024 Community Grant Program, focusing on projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This program is designed to be responsive and flexible, incorporating trust-based philanthropic principles to streamline the application process, encourage more interactive engagement, and offer diverse methods for storytelling. The foundation's mission aligns with this grant by seeking to build a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure access to food and shelter, and promote economic opportunity through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs within Worcester County. The grant program targets residents of Worcester County as its primary beneficiaries, with a strong emphasis on access and barrier reduction. Organizations based in or having a meaningful physical presence in Worcester County, or those providing unduplicated services with authentic local partnerships, are eligible. The impact goals revolve around addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions, fostering equity, amplifying community voice, and disrupting existing systems. The program prioritizes three key focus areas. Arts & Creativity aims to build and support a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all individuals feel they belong. Basic Needs concentrates on ensuring all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity focuses on English Language Learning programs and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs to empower individuals and enhance their financial well-being. Projects will be assessed based on several selection criteria, which inherently define the expected outcomes and measurable results. These include the feasibility of the proposed work and budget within the grant range ($2,500 - $25,000), the level of access and barrier reduction created for Worcester County residents, and the degree of creative or innovative solutions provided for community needs. Furthermore, projects must demonstrate measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with one or more of the specified focus areas, along with an organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, backed by sound financial and governance functions.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region to support capacity-building projects that enhance governance, diversity, and overall effectiveness in serving their communities.

This funding opportunity supports Harvard faculty in launching new research initiatives aimed at solving urgent social issues through collaboration with non-academic partners.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in the Berkshire Taconic region for innovative projects that improve environmental quality and promote community health, with a focus on engaging at-risk and low-income youth.

The George B. Henderson Foundation offers grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for projects enhancing and preserving the outdoor elements of Boston, including parks, city streets, buildings, monuments, and architectural works, with a special interest in permanent public art projects and outdoor spaces, available to 501(c)(3) organizations and not individuals.

The Zollner Foundation offers grants to support educational organizations, hospitals, YMCA and Boy Scout organizations, and other charitable organizations primarily in the Fort Wayne, IN and Golden Beach, FL areas. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting community well-being through strategic investments in key sectors. This grant program is designed to foster positive community development and address critical needs in health, education, and human services within its specified geographic focus. The target beneficiaries include a diverse range of non-profit entities such as educational organizations, hospitals, and youth-focused groups like the YMCA and Boy Scouts. The impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance educational opportunities, improve health outcomes, and strengthen human services for residents in Fort Wayne, IN, and Golden Beach, FL. The foundation seeks to empower these organizations to provide vital services and programs that contribute to the overall betterment of the community. The foundation's grantmaking priorities show a clear focus on specific areas. Preference is given to requests for scholarship, research, and educational purposes at educational organizations across the United States, as well as general charitable organizations in Fort Wayne, IN, and Golden Beach, FL. Hospitals and youth organizations in these regions are also high-priority recipients. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on these core areas, suggesting a theory of change that centers on supporting established community pillars to achieve widespread positive effects. Expected outcomes include improved access to education, enhanced healthcare services, and robust support systems for youth development. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the average grant size of $5,000 to $15,000 and average total giving per year of $350,000 indicate a commitment to providing substantial support to a considerable number of organizations. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding these critical community services, it will contribute to a healthier, more educated, and more civically engaged populace in its target areas.

The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) invites proposals for projects and activities in Massachusetts that align with its mission to promote and support accessible primary care and preventive health services for Somerville residents. This also includes supporting educational, research, and outreach programs to enhance the delivery and accessibility of these services. The foundation's overarching goal is to provide financial resources that enable it to fulfill these core purposes, ultimately improving the health and well-being of the community. The target beneficiaries are primarily residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts, with a particular focus on addressing the disproportionate health impacts on low-income communities and communities of color. The impact goals revolve around creating a healthier, more equitable Somerville by addressing social determinants of health. The foundation’s strategic priorities are rooted in principles of language justice, inclusion of underrepresented voices in leadership and decision-making, and system improvements that foster collective care. SHF prioritizes proposals that also address specific preventative health areas. These include Housing (affordability, stability, anti-displacement, safety, accessibility, homelessness), Equitable Economies (sustainable food systems, living wages, healthy working conditions, caregiving systems), Equity in Access to Healthcare, Services and Information (costs, cultural/linguistic barriers, navigation, referrals, staffing, transportation, digital access, quality, disability accessibility), and Climate Health and Justice (air/water quality, climate change preparedness). The expected outcomes are projects or activities that directly contribute to the SHF's mission and priority areas. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in the general grant overview, the emphasis on addressing specific concerns within each priority area suggests that successful proposals would demonstrate measurable progress in these areas. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by strategically funding initiatives that address these core principles and preventative health priorities, it can improve access to care, reduce health disparities, and ultimately enhance the overall health of the Somerville community. The SHF plans to distribute approximately $30,000 this year, funding two projects at $15,000 each.

First Literacy awards grants to stimulate and support the development, trial, and implementation of innovative Adult Basic Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages resources and practices in Massachusetts. The program invests in ideas that improve educational and professional outcomes for adult learners and that may not be eligible for state or other major funding. Grant types include Program Grants for project based innovations, Organization Wide Grants for larger scale curricula, systems, training, or teacher improvement, and Incentive Grants for second year replication or for assisting another organization to replicate a program. Program grant caps are generally 5,000 dollars for returning organizations and 7,500 dollars for organizations that have not received funding in the past ten years. Organization Wide Grants are up to 15,000 dollars and include robust data reporting plans. The grant period is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Projects should demonstrate lasting impact in ABE schools and organizations and include clear evaluation and data collection plans. Eligibility is open to not for profit ABE and ESOL organizations in Massachusetts. Applications are due May 2, 2024. Additional information is available from First Literacy.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in the Greater Lowell area that provide essential services to improve the quality of life for the LGBTQ community.

This funding opportunity supports organizations in Massachusetts that provide education, health care, and human services specifically for underserved populations, with a focus on improving the lives of elderly women.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in the Greater Lawrence area of Massachusetts that focus on essential needs like food security, clothing, shelter, and adult education, particularly benefiting the city of Lawrence.

This grant provides financial support to charitable organizations in Massachusetts that deliver educational, human services, and healthcare programs for underserved youth and children.

This funding opportunity provides unrestricted financial support to nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations in Western Massachusetts, focusing on enhancing social justice, community well-being, and local resilience.