Massachusetts Food and Nutrition Grants

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations focused on improving nutrition and wellness in low-income communities within the Greater Boston area and Gateway Cities, particularly those with annual budgets of $5 million or less.

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 funding to local organizations that support women, children, and seniors by addressing critical issues such as mental health, hunger, education access, poverty, and domestic violence in the Wellesley area.

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.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources administers the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program to strengthen the local food system, enhance equitable access to locally produced food, and improve resilience to supply and distribution disruptions. The program connects farmers, fishermen, and local producers to markets and builds the infrastructure required to produce and distribute healthy food efficiently and safely. Eligible projects are capital in nature and may include equipment purchases, contracted labor for implementation, and planning and design costs directly tied to capital improvements. Projects must address systemic inequities and expand access to fresh local food while improving the resiliency of the Commonwealths food system. Maximum funding per applicant is 500,000 dollars in both agriculture and local food system tracks. Applicants may be individuals, for profit entities, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, or other governmental entities that can meet application requirements and enter into contracts with the department. The grant period runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, and projects must be located within Massachusetts with benefits to residents statewide. Applications are due May 2, 2024. Additional information is available from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

The Boston Cultural Council offers grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to small and mid-sized organizations, including nonprofits, unincorporated entities, and artist collectives, that provide arts, cultural, and creative programming in Boston, with the aim of fostering a vibrant, creative, and just city.

This program provides matching funds to municipalities and nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts for projects that preserve and enhance the history and experiences of veterans.

The GrowBoston grant program offers a total of $15,000 to nonprofit organizations to support outreach and community-building events related to urban agriculture. The primary goal of this grant is to engage Boston residents more deeply in existing urban agricultural resources and broader urban agriculture activities. These events must be open to the public and focus on activities such as gardening, farming, food forest stewardship, beekeeping, henkeeping, and the consumption of locally-produced food. This initiative aligns with a mission to foster community engagement and education around sustainable food practices within urban environments, directly contributing to local food production and awareness. The target beneficiaries are Boston residents, with a particular focus on engaging them in various aspects of urban food production. The impact goals include increasing public participation in urban agriculture, enhancing community connection to local food systems, and promoting a greater understanding of sustainable living practices. The program prioritizes events that are planned for spring or summer 2024 and are specifically focused on Boston-based food production or urban agriculture. Examples of eligible events include garden-opening events, farm or food forest "open houses," and farmers market opening days, as long as they highlight urban agriculture. The expected outcomes of this grant program are a more engaged and informed Boston populace regarding urban agriculture. Measurable results could include the number of events hosted, the total attendance at these events, and the diversity of urban agriculture topics covered. While educational components are not mandatory, their inclusion would further support the program's objectives. The overarching strategic priority is to strengthen Boston's urban food ecosystem by encouraging community participation and utilizing existing resources effectively. The theory of change behind this grant program is that by funding accessible, public events focused on urban agriculture, GrowBoston can increase residents' engagement and knowledge, leading to a more robust and sustainable local food system. By supporting community-building initiatives, the program aims to cultivate a sense of collective responsibility and participation in urban food production. Allowable uses of funding include event supplies, food, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, and outreach materials, with up to 10% for indirect/administrative costs. This ensures that the grants directly facilitate event execution and community outreach, reinforcing the program's core objectives.

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.

The Boston Athletic Association (B.A.A.) Gives Back Grant Program, now in its second round for 2024, is an initiative by the Boston Athletic Association to support nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts. Launched in 2023, the program has already benefited 32 organizations, distributing $400,000 to date. This grant program is a direct reflection of the B.A.A.'s core mission, which is to promote a healthy lifestyle through sports, particularly running, with the overarching goal of building healthy communities. The program aligns with the B.A.A.'s strategic priorities by investing in local nonprofits that share this commitment to community well-being through athletic engagement. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are nonprofit organizations that are registered 501(c)(3)s or public agencies, are non-political, and are located in and serve residents of Massachusetts. These organizations must demonstrate a program that directly advances the B.A.A.'s mission of fostering healthy lifestyles through sports, especially running. The impact goal is to strengthen communities statewide by supporting initiatives that encourage physical activity and promote overall health. The program's priorities and focuses are centered on supporting organizations that use sports, particularly running, as a vehicle for community health and development. The grants range from $5,000 to $15,000 in this funding round, indicating a focus on providing accessible funding to a broad range of qualifying organizations. The B.A.A. emphasizes that organizations are eligible to receive funding once per calendar year, suggesting a commitment to sustained support for its partners. The expected outcomes of the B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program include an increase in community engagement in healthy lifestyle activities, improved access to sports and running programs for Massachusetts residents, and the empowerment of local nonprofits to expand their reach and impact. While specific measurable results are not detailed in this description, the historical data of 32 organizations benefiting and $400,000 awarded statewide since inception serve as initial indicators of the program's reach and the B.A.A.'s theory of change—that by investing in local sports and running initiatives, they can foster healthier, more vibrant communities across the state.

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.

This funding initiative provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Worcester County for projects that enhance arts, basic needs, economic opportunities, health, and youth development.

The Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) is a reimbursement grant program aimed at supporting produce and aquaculture operations to enhance their food safety practices. The program's primary goal is to minimize microbial contamination and food-borne illnesses risks, thereby expanding market access for the operations. To be eligible, applicants must be produce or aquaculture operations as defined, own or lease the property for the project, be legally recognized within the Commonwealth, and have been managed as a commercial enterprise for at least three years prior to application. Applications are due by May 24, 2024, at 4:00 PM. The grant encompasses a comprehensive review process, including a Request for Response (RFR) outlining grant criteria, timelines, and expectations. Award decisions will be based on these criteria, and successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), with reimbursements made upon project completion and submission of required documentation.

This grant provides funding for organizations in Massachusetts and New York that support young individuals facing intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental health challenges, or substance use disorders, with a focus on historically marginalized communities.

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This grant provides over $1 million to local nonprofit organizations in specific Massachusetts counties to support a wide range of community-focused initiatives, including human services, social justice, education, healthcare, and environmental efforts.

This grant provides multi-year funding to nonprofit organizations that deliver gender-specific programs and services aimed at improving the lives of at-risk women and girls in Essex County, Massachusetts.

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.

The Middlesex Saving Bank's Social Service Grant Program is designed to fund projects and programs that address critical social needs within the communities it serves. The program aligns with the foundation's mission to support vulnerable populations and improve quality of life by focusing on fundamental areas such as shelter, hunger security, and basic needs. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster community well-being and stability through targeted financial support, reflecting a theory of change that by addressing foundational needs, broader societal improvements can be achieved. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those experiencing food insecurity, and veterans and first responders. The impact goals are to provide essential resources and support that lead to improved living conditions, increased access to food, and enhanced physical and mental well-being for these groups. The program aims to create tangible, positive changes in the lives of those facing significant challenges. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Shelter, encompassing affordable housing, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and emergency home repairs; Hunger Security, which supports initiatives providing food to vulnerable populations, with a stipulation that no more than 25% of the grant can be used for direct food purchases; Clothing and Basic Needs, focusing on providing essential items like clothing and personal hygiene products; and Veterans & First Responders, dedicated to projects that benefit their physical and mental health. These focus areas indicate the foundation's commitment to a holistic approach to social welfare. Expected outcomes include a reduction in homelessness, increased food security, improved access to basic necessities, and better support systems for veterans and first responders. Measurable results could involve the number of individuals housed, meals provided, basic needs kits distributed, and participants in well-being programs. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, though grant requests considered are up to $20,000, indicating a focus on funding a greater number of impactful, smaller-scale projects. Eligibility requires applicants to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities within the bank's geographic areas, reinforcing the foundation's strategic priority to invest directly in local community development.

The 2024 Community Experts Fund, spearheaded by the Peter and Elizabeth Tower Foundation, is a grant initiative designed to amplify youth voice within organizations. This program aligns with the Foundation's mission by directly engaging young adults with lived expertise in the grantmaking process, ensuring that funding decisions are informed by the concerns and priorities of the young people it aims to serve. This strategic approach underscores a theory of change that values authentic youth engagement as a catalyst for effective and impactful program development. The target beneficiaries of this grant are youth-serving nonprofit organizations working with young people who have an intellectual disability, learning disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. The program specifically prioritizes services delivered in Massachusetts (Barnstable, Dukes, Essex, or Nantucket County) and New York (Erie or Niagara County). The impact goals include fostering youth leadership and ensuring that community voice directly shapes grant allocation and program design. The fund focuses on supporting a variety of initiatives that empower young people. Eligible expenses include stipends for youth participation, staff time dedicated to youth engagement, transportation and accommodation for youth programming, program supplies and food, community and recreational programming, outreach and promotion of youth leadership opportunities, technology and equipment, and training. This broad scope allows organizations to tailor their proposals to specific needs while adhering to the core objective of youth empowerment. Applicants can request up to $25,000 to support their programs. While the grant duration is not explicitly mentioned, the emphasis on youth-led design and ongoing engagement suggests an expected outcome of sustainable youth leadership within recipient organizations. The measurable results would likely include increased youth participation in organizational decision-making, development of youth-led projects, and the overall strengthening of youth voice in the designated service regions. This grant opportunity exemplifies the Foundation's strategic commitment to empowering young people and integrating their perspectives into community-based solutions.