Massachusetts Law Justice and Legal Services Grants

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts is seeking applications for its Flexible Funding 2024 which will provide general operating support to nonprofits that benefit the region. Donor Name: Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts State: Massachusetts County: Franklin County (MA), Hampden County (MA), Hampshire County (MA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Flexible Funding aims to provide unrestricted financial support to sustain day-to-day operations of organizations, enabling you to focus on your mission. At CFWM, equity is central to all the efforts. They especially welcome applications from smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have not yet received substantial institutional philanthropy. They also prioritize organizations deeply rooted in their communities. Focus Areas The foundation’s strategic vision serves as the cornerstone for establishing the priority support areas for Flexible Funding. The aim is to fund organizations that work to increase equity and opportunity while demonstrating a strong mission in the following areas:  Racial justice Accessible and more affordable post-secondary education and training  A strong start for all children A vibrant local arts and creativity ecosystem Financial resiliency (Springfield only) Family economic resiliency (Franklin County only). Funding Information Flexible Funding provides grants of up to $30,000. Grant Period January 1, 2025 – December 31, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Eligible organizations must have IRS-designated 501(c)(3) status or an existing fiscal sponsor. Organizations should be located in and serve residents in Franklin, Hampden, and/or Hampshire counties.  For organizations who also have locations or a presence outside of the region, They look for key indicators such as local staff, an office in the region, and/or programs solely dedicated to residents of the region. Organizations with operating budgets larger than $10 million are not eligible. There is a strong preference for organizations with an operating budget of less than $5 million.  Ineligibility Expenses that occur outside the 12-month funding timeframe. Endowments or capital campaigns. Sectarian or religious organizations unless as a fiscal sponsor for a broad community benefit. Institutions of higher education – including scholarships. Academic research. Organizations whose mission is to support municipalities/government agencies such as friends of libraries or school systems. K-12 schools – public, private, or charter. Start-ups or organizations less than one year old. For more information, visit CFWM.

The Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is inviting applications for the Hardman Fund, aimed at enriching the lives of residents in North Adams, Florida, Clarksburg, MA, and Stamford, VT, by supporting nonprofit organizations that focus on arts, culture, historic preservation, health, human and social services, education, and the environment, with a special interest in initiatives that assist people in difficult economic circumstances and enrich the cultural and natural environment.

The Island Foundation is accepting applications for a grant program, with a deadline of 10/23/2024, aimed at supporting 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Maine, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island that focus on environmental conservation, social change in New Bedford, alternative education, and addressing inequality for womxn and girls.

The Susan Bradbury Animal Welfare Fund supports nonprofit organizations that run programs and services that provide safe havens and care for domestic and/or wild animals in Essex County. Donor Name: Essex County Community Foundation (ECCF) State: Massachusetts County: Essex County (MA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/03/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Applicants are invited to apply for grants up to $5,000. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must represent qualified 501(c)3 nonprofits serving Essex County. ECCF is committed to non-discrimination. They support organizations that use all reasonable efforts to recruit, hire, train, promote and serve persons without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, except where such status is a bona fide qualification for the service being provided and is related to the organization’s mission. Grants will not be awarded: To individuals. For sectarian or religious purposes. For political purposes. For debt or deficit reduction. For capital campaigns for buildings, land acquisition or endowment. For more information, visit ECCF.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is seeking proposals to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound (Sound) with approximately $12 million for grants in 2024. Donor Name: National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) State: Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/13/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The program is managed by National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS). Major funding is from EPA through the LISS with additional funding from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation. Program Priorities  The LISFF supports efforts to test innovative approaches to conservation, deliver transformative projects and support people and communities who value the Sound and take a role in its future. A road map guiding investments under the LISFF is the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP). The Long Island Sound Futures Fund invests in projects under three CCMP themes shown below, in CCMP Implementation Actions (IAs) associated with each theme, and in three CCMP cross-cutting principles: resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice all defined in the CCMP. The most competitive proposals will be those that incorporate theme(s), IA(s) and one or more cross-cutting principle(s) of the CCMP. CCMP THEME: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds – Improve water quality by reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading into Long Island Sound through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention. The most competitive projects will be those that address water quality at a larger or more comprehensive scale such as a neighborhood, waterfront or downtown. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning activities that set-the-stage for implementation of water quality projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permitting. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) of the Long Island Sound Watershed must have a specific outcome related to nitrogen/nutrient prevention as a result of project activities through: Implementation of “shovel-ready” projects that result in quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance of the site.  Projects must quantify nitrogen/nutrient reductions in metrics. Planning for activities that set-the-stage for implementation of quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient pollutant prevention with a benefit to Long Island Sound including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Projects must document the benefit to downstream Long Island Sound such as by indicating how the project addresses a source of nitrogen/nutrient pollution, project location and how the design of the project and its implementation will effectively reduce downstream pollution loading. CCMP THEME: Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife – 1) enhance or restore coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function and to support populations of fish, birds and wildlife; and 2) sustain the ecological balance of the Sound in a healthy, productive and resilient state for the benefit of people, wildlife and the natural environment. Implementing “shovel-ready” projects habitat restoration and/or nature based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects. Proposals will be asked to describe plans for long-term maintenance. Planning that sets-the-stage for implementation of projects including: 1) community engagement, planning and prioritization; 2) feasibility, suitability or alternatives analyses; 3) site assessment and conceptual design; and 4) final design and permits. Fostering diverse, balanced and abundant populations of fish, birds and wildlife. Consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines to inform development of a proposal. CCMP THEME: Sustainable and Resilient Communities – Support vibrant, informed, and engaged communities that use, appreciate, and help protect and sustain the Sound. Projects providing hands-on conservation experiences will be more competitive. Funding Information With funding of approximately $12 million for projects in 2024, there are multiple funding categories under the LISFF each with a different range of grant funding. Implementation Projects: $50,000 to $1.5 million for projects with particularly high environmental community benefit relative to cost, including: Water quality, habitat restoration, and resilience projects. Projects with the greatest promise to demonstrate, influence, pilot, innovate, and/or provide a proof of concept with the aim of accelerating local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, Environmental Justice and/or community and public outreach and engagement. Design/Planning Projects: $50,000 to $500,000 for: Water quality or habitat restoration projects. Watershed plans. Community resilience/sustainability/natural hazard mitigation plans. Project Period Projects must start within six months and be completed within 24 months after notification of grant award. Eligibility Criteria  Eligible applicants include non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local government, municipal government, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. For more information, visit NFWF.

The Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) announces the availability of funds through the New Dairy Processor Start-up Grant program to support new dairy processing projects throughout the Northeast. Donor Name: Northeast Dairy Business Innovation Center (NE-DBIC) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant | Matching Grants Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/05/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The goal of this program is to help develop competitive dairy processing businesses with long-term viability, supporting operations of all sizes in successfully launching and sustaining their products in the marketplace.  This program is for:  Dairy farmers ready to begin processing,  Value-added entrepreneurs with proven experience in dairy processing and/or value-added business startups, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market, or  Dairy processors established after January 1, 2023, who are in the start-up phase of business development. Funds are intended to support start-up operations, focusing on tangible implementation rather than research and development, concept development, or initial planning. Funding Information Total available funds: $500,000 Minimum: $15,000  Maximum: $75,000 Project Period Grant periods will range from 12 – 18 months, depending on the project.  Eligibility Criteria This grant is open to applicants from all Northeast states: Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Vermont. Applicants must fall into one of the following categories:  Dairy farmer that:  Produces milk within the Northeast  Is a licensed dairy operation in compliance with all required state and federal standards  Value-added business entrepreneur that meets the following requirements:  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components  Has a business entity prior to applying  Can demonstrate experience in dairy processing and/or related value-added business startup, including any relevant work experience, business ventures, products developed, and products brought to market  Dairy processor established after January 1, 2023 that:  Has a business entity and milk processing license prior to applying  Sources milk or dairy components from within the Northeast and has evidence of a committed partnership with a farm or processor for sourcing these components.  Is in the start-up phase of business operations All applicants must also:  Be headquartered or based in the Northeast  Provide Proof of Concept demonstrating the viability of the business idea and product  Have a plan for new value-added dairy processing that includes market research, financial projections, a branding and marketing strategy, and a facility location  Obtain licenses to sell dairy products across state lines by the end of the grant period Launch their products in the marketplace or have a Letter of Commitment from a buyer, distributor, or retailer indicating plans to sell the product by the end of the grant period For more information, visit NE-DBIC.

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.

The Cambridge Small Business E-Commerce Grant is a special grant program providing relief to local businesses heavily impacted by the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Donor Name: City of Cambridge State: Massachusetts City: Cambridge Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/31/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The goal of this grant is to help local Cambridge businesses remain competitive as there was an increase in customer online ordering and shopping due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions. Funding Information Cambridge businesses may be eligible to receive up to $4,000 for e-commerce, software, and/or point of sale systems. Eligibility Criteria If your answer to most of these questions is  “yes,”  you could be eligible for this grant: Is your current non-franchise business located and operating in Cambridge, MA? Do you have 25 or fewer full-time employees including yourself? Did you open your business on or before March 3, 2021? Is your business still in operation? Can you provide business tax returns or profit and loss statements that your business loss sales/revenue between 2019 (pre-COVID-19 pandemic) or 2020 and 2021? Does your business need a website? Did your business not have a website prior to March 2021? Do you need an e-commerce or online ordering or booking system for your business or your current website? Do you need a new point-of-sale, scheduling, or register system that can connect to your website? Did you upgrade your business point-of sale system (including software), develop a website, or did you add e-commerce to your website after March 3, 2021? Do you have the paperwork to prove you made these upgrades? Do you need training to make sure you can update your e-commerce website on your own? Can you complete your website, e-commerce, and/or point of sale system improvements by December 31, 2024? Businesses NOT eligible for this grant:  Businesses not located in Cambridge, MA Cambridge businesses that recently closed Cambridge businesses that have signed a lease, opened, or started on or before April 2021. Businesses must be in operation prior to April 2021. Cambridge businesses that cannot provide taxes or sales documents that show a loss of sales/revenues from 2019 and 2021 Businesses not currently compliant with all federal, state and local laws and regulations pertaining to zoning, licensing, and permits Although cannabis businesses are permitted in the City of Cambridge, the use and possession of cannabis is illegal under federal law for any purpose. Since this is a federally-funded program, cannabis businesses are not eligible for the program Businesses that received a City-ARPA Grant (such as the Restaurant-Nightlife Relief Grant or Small Business Relief Grant) and have not provided proof of use for those grants to City staff. For more information, visit City of Cambridge.

The Research and Education Grant program funds projects that result in gains in farmer knowledge, awareness, skills, and attitudes that are then applied to make measurable on-farm changes leading to greater sustainability. Donor Name: Northeast Sustainable Agriculture Research & Education State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/06/2024 Size of the Grant: $100,000 to $500,000 Grant Duration: 4 Years Details: The focus on farmer behavior change is a key requirement of this grant program. A wide variety of topics can be funded by Northeast SARE, including marketing and business, crop production, raising livestock, aquaculture, social sustainability, urban and Indigenous agriculture and much more. Other aspects of projects funded through the Northeast SARE program include those that address climate-smart agriculture practices intended to improve ecological, social, and economic resilience to climate change; increase carbon sequestration; and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. Climate-smart practices include reduced and no-till, cover crops, prescribed grazing, ruminant feed management, manure management, fertilizer management, and on-farm energy efficiency. In addition, projects may address traditional ecological knowledge. Funding Information Awards typically range from $30,000 to $250,000. Grant Period Typical project length is 2 to 3 years. The maximum project length allowed is 3.5 years. Geographical Focus  The Northeast region includes Connecticut, Delaware, Maine, Massachusetts, Maryland, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, West Virginia, Vermont, and Washington, D.C. Eligible Applicants Research and Education Grants are open to anyone who works with farmers, including personnel at nonprofit organizations, colleges and universities, Cooperative Extension, municipalities, tribal governments, state departments of agriculture, federal agencies, research farms and experiment stations, for-profit business entities (such as private consultants, farmers and veterinary practices), etc. Northeast SARE encourages projects submitted from or in collaboration with women, the LGBTQIA+ community, and Black, Indigenous and People of Color (BIPOC). Additionally, they encourage projects submitted from or in collaboration with Minority Serving Institutions (including 1890s and other historically Black colleges and universities, Hispanic-Serving Institutions, and tribal colleges and universities) and other organizations in the Northeast that work with historically underserved communities. Your organization must have the legal structure and financial capacity to receive and implement a Northeast SARE contract, including expending funds needed for the project prior to receiving reimbursements from Northeast SARE; advance payments are not possible. Projects must take place within the Northeast region. Applicants and host organizations may be located outside of the Northeast region if the project activities and the farmers served are located within the Northeast region. For more information, visit Northeast SARE.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and collaborations that address community needs in Andover, Lawrence, and North Andover, focusing on areas such as basic needs, economic development, education, and environmental stewardship.

This grant provides funding for collaborative projects that improve digital access, devices, and literacy in Essex County, Massachusetts, prioritizing partnerships between organizations to address community needs.

The Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) invites proposals to provide financial resources for projects or activities in Massachusetts. Donor Name: Somerville Health Foundation (SHF) State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/16/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Somerville Health Foundation Grants (SHF) has two main purposes. First, it is to promote and support the provision of primary care and preventive health services accessible to the residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts. Second, it is to promote and support educational, research and outreach programs that will improve the delivery and accessibility of primary care and preventive health services to the residents of the City of Somerville, Massachusetts. It is the Foundation’s goal to provide financial resources for projects or activities which will enable it to fulfill these purposes. SHF Priority Areas These principles are language justice, inclusion of underrepresented voices in leadership and decision making, and system improvements that encourage spaces for collective care. Proposals that also address the following preventative health priorities will receive extra consideration. Housing: This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing concerns such as housing affordability, stability and anti-displacement, safety, accessibility (e.g. for older adults and persons with disabilities), as well as homelessness and transitions to stable housing. Equitable economies: This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing concerns related to sustainable food systems, local jobs with living wages and benefits, healthy working conditions, and caregiving systems. Equity in access to healthcare, services and information: This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing elements such as costs, cultural and linguistic barriers, navigation of systems, referral systems, adequate staffing, transportation, digital access, quality, disability, and other aspects of accessibility of systems. Systems of note include healthcare (including mental healthcare) and other essential services and information, such as education, economic development opportunities, financial support, legal services and advocacy. Climate health and justice: air, water, preparedness: This priority area can include, but is not limited to, addressing concerns related to air quality, water quality, and climate change preparedness in recognition that the health impacts of climate change and exposure to environmental hazards are disproportionately shouldered by low-income communities and communities of color. Funding Information This year the Somerville Health Foundation plans to distribute approximately $30,000, funding 2 projects being $15,000 each. Eligibility Criteria Any organization that has been determined to be nonprofit under section 501c (3) of the Internal Revenue Service Code may apply for a grant. Partnerships with a fiscal agent will be considered. Ideal applicants for SHF funding will have a history of collaborating with other community coalitions and/or organizations addressing the specified interests in the proposal. SHF will consider repeat funding for up to three years for any given project, with few exceptions. Funds may be used to support capital expenses and/or staffing to support the goals of the project. Funds may not be used as operating reserves. New applicants, new collaborative efforts and innovative new programs are strongly encouraged to apply. For more information, visit Somerville Health Foundation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that help underrepresented communities in Massachusetts access training and career pathways in the clean energy sector, addressing systemic barriers and workforce gaps.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and legal service providers in Boston to help immigrants navigate the complexities of the U.S. immigration system through various legal assistance services.

This grant provides financial support to job training programs in Greater Boston, helping participants in healthcare, clean energy, and childcare sectors access essential wraparound services to ensure their success.

This grant provides financial support to dairy farmers and related organizations in the Northeast to improve farm operations, enhance milk quality, and address climate challenges.

This grant provides financial support to Black entrepreneurs who are positively impacting their communities, helping them grow and sustain their businesses.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations, local government entities, and colleges in Massachusetts to deliver consumer assistance services that help residents resolve various consumer-related issues.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to municipal police departments in Massachusetts to address critical public safety needs through various law enforcement initiatives.