Massachusetts Social Advocacy 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.

Grants are aimed at supporting and promoting quality educational, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations, with a special focus on organizations that serve city of Lynn and the North Shore of Massachusetts. Requests for general operating support, program support, and small, program-related capital expenses are encouraged.

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.

The Asian Community Fund (ACF) at The Boston Foundation is offering grants for its 2024 cycle to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with the foundation's mission to develop, strengthen, and support AAPI community power, galvanize diverse ethnicities within this community, and build a stronger advocacy voice. The ACF's overarching goal is to advocate for equal access for AAPI individuals in all aspects of society and to collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to overcome injustice and racism. The grantmaking approach is rooted in strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change, reflecting the foundation's strategic priority to foster systemic impact. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts, or those with a qualifying fiscal agent, that primarily serve the AAPI community. The impact goals are multi-faceted, focusing on catalyzing new partnerships, expanding the capacity of local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and responding to emerging community needs. Expected outcomes include increased AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change through convening activities, innovative solutions to systemic gaps facing AAPI residents, and expanded reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Organizations will be evaluated based on their mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. The program prioritizes several key areas of focus. These include supporting general operating costs for eligible organizations and projects. Funding will specifically support three types of work: Convening, which brings communities together to elevate AAPI visibility and foster solidarity; Catalyzing, which fuels new collaborations and innovations to address systemic gaps; and Capacity Building, which expands the reach of programs focused on policy and systems change. Priority will also be given to organizations serving underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, those not previously funded by ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. This targeted approach demonstrates the foundation's strategic commitment to equitable distribution of resources and empowerment of diverse AAPI segments. The foundation's strategic priorities and theory of change are evident in its emphasis on strengthening the AAPI community ecosystem and driving policy and systems change. The ACF believes that by investing in convening, catalyzing, and capacity building initiatives, it can create a ripple effect, leading to increased community power, stronger advocacy, and ultimately, greater equity for AAPI residents in Massachusetts. The grants, ranging from $5,000 to $15,000, are designed to support organizations in achieving these objectives. While the initial grant size was advertised as $10,000 to $100,000, the funding considerations specify a range of $5,000 to $15,000 for general operating support. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024 and will be expected to share their experiences and impact in summer 2025, providing measurable results and demonstrating the effectiveness of the foundation's theory of change.

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.

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

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

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 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 supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander community, focusing on initiatives that promote collaboration, advocacy, and sustainable impact.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that provide family-centered services to communities affected by the opioid crisis, focusing on prevention, recovery, and support for families impacted by addiction.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations that empower youth through physical fitness, literacy, and community engagement initiatives, particularly in New England.

This award recognizes individuals in Adams, Cheshire, and Savoy, Massachusetts, for their outstanding contributions to community service, allowing the recipient to direct a $1,000 grant to a nonprofit of their choice.

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 funding to community-based organizations in Boston that support immigrant populations by fostering resilience and collaboration through various community-centered programs.

This funding opportunity supports liberal, reformed Protestant churches in Hampshire and Franklin counties, Massachusetts, to implement innovative projects that address community needs through religious engagement and service.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in New England that focus on research, awareness, advocacy, and services related to Type 1 Diabetes.

This funding opportunity supports local organizations in Watertown, Massachusetts, to create inclusive programs that enhance community access, promote intercultural understanding, and strengthen connections among residents.

This grant provides $5,000 to support creative learning projects in Massachusetts schools that engage K-12 students in the arts, humanities, and sciences, particularly benefiting historically underfunded organizations and diverse communities.