Massachusetts Recreation Grants

The FY25 Conservation Partnership Grant, overseen by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and conservation districts in acquiring conservation or recreation land within Massachusetts. The grant encourages projects that conserve natural resources, offer recreational opportunities, and address climate resilience aligned with Executive Order 569. Funding is aimed at land purchases or conservation restrictions, with due diligence costs eligible for gifts of land. This reimbursement grant emphasizes protecting strategic open spaces that provide public access and maintain ecological value.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that offer summer programs for youth in the Greater Lawrence area, focusing on enhancing educational and developmental opportunities while addressing achievement gaps.

The Sarah G. McCarthy Memorial Foundation is offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $100,000 for a one-year duration to charitable organizations in Peabody, MA, supporting various sectors including arts, education, health, and housing, with applications open until September 30, 2024.

The 2024 Youth Development Fund (YDF), launched by the City of Boston's Human Services Cabinet, is a $1.5 million grant program aimed at supporting non-profit organizations that offer high-quality, engaging programs for youth and young adults aged 14-24. The fund prioritizes initiatives aligning with Mayor Michelle Wu’s Connect, Learn, Explore commitment, aiming to increase free youth programming and provide positive outlets for youth outside school hours. Applications are open until 5:00 p.m. on August 19, 2024. This year, the fund will offer two tracks of funding: one for small, emerging organizations and another for larger, established organizations. Emerging organizations will also receive technical assistance and capacity-building support through the Emerging Organization Learning Community. Mayor Wu emphasized the importance of investing in youth programming for the community's future, while Human Services Chief José F. Massó highlighted the fund’s role in partnering with diverse youth development organizations. The program aims to foster growth in small organizations with annual budgets under $200,000 through mentorship and support, while larger organizations can receive grants up to $30,000. The 2024 YDF will focus on sports, gardening, urban farming, culinary arts, arts, and other youth development programming, supporting initiatives across all Boston neighborhoods.

This fellowship provides $10,000 to support AAPI women and gender-expansive individuals in Pennsylvania, Massachusetts, or Georgia who are dedicated to creating impactful civic projects in their communities, along with mentorship and skills training.

The City of Boston has launched the Third Annual Community Empowerment Grants, offering a total of $500,000 to strengthen capacity and expand programming for organizations supporting men and boys across Boston’s neighborhoods. Administered by the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA), these grants provide up to $20,000 per organization to enhance programs aimed at empowering Black men and boys. Applications are open now and must be submitted by January 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The grants focus on seven key areas: Mentoring and Out-of-School Time, Youth and Young Adult Pathways, Housing Mobility, Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building, Workforce Training and Development, Fatherhood Engagement, and Mental Health and Wellness. Programs in these areas should foster social, economic, and emotional wellbeing for men and boys, providing pathways to success in education, housing, employment, and mental health. Building on the success of prior grant cycles, this year’s initiative introduces enhanced capacity-building support through the BMA Capacity Building and Impact Institute and mentoring opportunities in collaboration with Mass Mentoring. These programs offer personalized coaching, nonprofit training, and expert resources to help grantees amplify their impact and build long-term sustainability. To further promote collaboration, the BMA will facilitate a community of practice for grantees to share insights and strategies. Eligible applicants must be Boston-based organizations with a demonstrated history of positively impacting Black men and boys. Interested organizations can attend a virtual information session on December 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM via Zoom, with registration available on the BMA website. For further questions, applicants may contact the City of Boston grants team at [email protected]. In previous cycles, $1.5 million in Community Empowerment Grants has been awarded to 115 community-based organizations. This ongoing investment aligns with the BMA's mission to create equitable opportunities and lasting change for Black men and boys across Boston. For more details on this and other grant opportunities, visit www.boston.gov/grants.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations and municipalities for summer programs that enhance academic achievement and mental health services for school-aged youth in Central and North Central Massachusetts.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is seeking applications for its Health & Wellbeing and Youth & Families Grant Program. Donor Name: Greater Worcester Community Foundation State: Massachusetts County: Worcester County (MA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/28/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program is designed to be responsive and flexible and utilizes many trust-based philanthropic principles. They strive for this approach to take less total time for applicants, be more interactive, and provide a different method for storytelling. Focus Areas Requests should be to support a project/program that is both highly aligned in at least one of the strategies listed in our focus areas and the project/program or organization should be able to meaningfully address work being done in the lenses listed. Health & Wellbeing – Strengthening the systems that ensure those from historically excluded populations have equitable access to healthcare. Youth & Families – Ensuring families have what they need to thrive and that young people have access to critical supports and meaningful experiences. Funding Information Grant range is $2,500 – $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Types of Organizations 501c3 nonprofits, or any entity operating under a fiscal sponsorship of a 501c3. Collaboratives and coalitions with a fiscal sponsor and identified project lead. Houses of worship running community-serving programs that are not faith based and do not proselytize. Large multiservice institutions applying for well-aligned discrete projects. Geographic Location & Service Area Based in Worcester County and serve primarily its residents. Not based in Worcester County but have a meaningful physical presence. Providing an unduplicated service in Worcester County and can demonstrate they have authentic partnerships and relationships with local stakeholders. For more information, visit Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

This grant provides funding to Massachusetts-based non-profits and organizations to expand and enhance previously funded projects that collect and share underrepresented narratives and experiences from the Commonwealth.

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.

This fellowship provides resources and training for local newsrooms in Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts to enhance their climate and environmental reporting, particularly benefiting those serving marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local nonprofits and community organizations working to improve health outcomes and address disparities in mental health, financial stability, and access to healthcare for residents in the Emerson Health service area.

This grant provides funding to Boston residents and community groups to host neighborhood block parties that foster community engagement and connection during the summer.

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is seeking applications for the 2024 Community Grant Program for Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity projects. Donor Name: Greater Worcester Community Foundation State: Massachusetts County: Worcester County (MA) Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 6/14/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The program is designed to be responsive and flexible and utilizes many trust-based philanthropic principles. They strive for this approach to take less total time for applicants, be more interactive, and provide a different method for storytelling. Focus Areas Arts & Creativity – Building and supporting a diverse and strong arts & culture ecosystem where all belong. Basic Needs – Working to ensure all residents of community have food and shelter. Economic Opportunity – English Language Learning programs and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs. Funding Information Grant range is $2,500 – $25,000. Eligibility Criteria Types of Organizations  501c3 nonprofits, or any entity operating under a fiscal sponsorship of a 501c3. Collaboratives and coalitions with a fiscal sponsor and identified project lead. Houses of worship running community-serving programs that are not faith based and do not proselytize. Large multiservice institutions applying for well-aligned discrete projects. Geographic Location & Service Area  Based in Worcester County and serve primarily its residents. Not based in Worcester County but have a meaningful physical presence. Providing an unduplicated service in Worcester County and can demonstrate they have authentic partnerships and relationships with local stakeholders. Selection Criteria Projects will be assessed in the following areas: Feasibility- the budget and proposed work match and are doable within grant range. The level of access and barrier reduction for residents of Worcester County that is created. How much of a creative or innovative solution to a pressing community need(s) the project or program is. Measurable and manageable goals and outcomes that are aligned with one or more of expressed focus areas. Organizational commitment in the areas of equity, community voice and systems disruption. Are sound organizations with strong financial and governance functions. For more information, visit Greater Worcester Community Foundation.

The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) is offering a Community Grant Program, providing funding between $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to programs that promote equity and address community needs such as health, wellness, climate sustainability, arts, culture, and more, with a preference for BIPOC-led organizations and those focusing on vulnerable populations.

The FY25 LAND Grant Program, managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), offers financial assistance to Massachusetts municipal conservation and agriculture commissions. The program supports the acquisition of conservation land to enhance outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, and address climate change impacts. Eligible projects include purchases of land or conservation restrictions, and all properties acquired under this program are required to be open to the public for passive recreation. Grant renwed every year

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to local organizations, artists, and community projects in Newton that promote free arts and cultural programming, community enrichment, and beautification efforts.

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