Massachusetts Workforce Development Grants

The Educational Opportunities Program is designed to encourage organizations to provide unique and meaningful educational opportunities to youths and adults. Donor Name: Middlesex Savings Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Programs include, but are not limited to: Job training and job readiness programs Adult education and English as a Second Language Credit education and home-buying seminars Youth enrichment programs Funding Information Grant requests considered up to $20,000. Geographic Areas Acton, Ashland, Ayer, Bedford, Bellingham, Berlin, Bolton, Boxborough, Carlisle, Chelmsford, Concord, Dover, Dunstable, Foxborough, Framingham, Franklin, Grafton, Groton, Harvard, Holliston, Hopedale, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Littleton, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Mendon, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Newton, Norfolk, Northborough, Norwood, Pepperell, Sharon, Sherborn, Shirley, Shrewsbury, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Townsend, Tyngsborough, Upton, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Westford, Weston, Westwood, Worcester, and Wrentham. Eligibility Criteria To apply for the A. James Lavoie Scholarship or a grant from the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation or a contribution from Middlesex Savings Bank, applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank. Ineligibility Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation will not fund political or sectarian activities. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

This grant provides funding to organizations and businesses in the Northeast to develop and expand dairy workforce training programs, enhancing opportunities for current and potential employees in the dairy industry.

This program provides financial support to Massachusetts community colleges for establishing or upgrading HVAC training centers to expand the workforce in heat pump and HVAC technologies, aligning with the state's clean energy goals.

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.

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.

This program provides a no-cost, 20-week development opportunity for small business owners in Massachusetts, Maine, or Rhode Island to receive mentorship and resources to grow their businesses and positively impact their communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in New York and Massachusetts that enhance their capacity to serve young people with intellectual and learning disabilities, mental health challenges, and substance use disorders, particularly those from historically marginalized communities.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts to deliver essential pre- and post-release services for young adults reentering society, with a focus on reducing recidivism and enhancing public safety.

The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT), is seeking applications for its 2025 Massachusetts 250 Grant Program. Donor Name: Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 08/26/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The FY25 Massachusetts 250 Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will award funds to support programming and interpretation that tell the stories of the American Revolution in Massachusetts and will increase tourism and travel to and within Massachusetts. Funding Information The Massachusetts 250 (MA250) Grant Program anticipates awarding up to $1,500,000 in FY25, subject to funding availability.  $5,000 – $100,000. Eligible Projects Eligible projects will have a direct connection to the American Revolution in Massachusetts, connect to historic themes of revolution and independence, celebrate the significant firsts in Massachusetts history that make the state special, and/or take a creative or innovative approach to commemorating or celebrating the nation’s semiquin centennial. Grant funds can be used for programming and marketing. Eligibility Criteria Any municipality, public agency, tribal entity, or nonprofit organization (501(c)3, 501(c)5, or 501(c)6) which is operating in Massachusetts  Municipal applicants must be in compliance with MBTA Communities Act (Section 3A of MGL c. 40A), if applicable/required, to be eligible for funding  Must be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts  Must be current on all taxes due through December 31, 2022  Have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable  Applications must be complete and include all required documentation and be submitted through the online portal, by the deadline, in order to be considered For more information, visit MOTT

Dedicated to advancing the training and certification needs of maritime workers to ensure the Massachusetts labor pool is prepared for operations at offshore wind terminals.

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 funding opportunity supports conservation projects that provide employment and training for young adults and veterans, helping them gain experience in environmental stewardship and resource management on public lands.

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 FY25 Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program is a competitive grant program that will award funds to improve facilities and destinations visited by in state and out-of-state travelers, with the goals of increasing visitation, enticing repeat visitation, and increasing the direct and indirect economic impacts of the tourism industry in all regions of the commonwealth. Donor Name: Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/31/2024 Size of the Grant: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: The Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED) through the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism (MOTT) is committed to helping communities contribute to the long-term strength and sustainability of the Commonwealth. Eligible projects will enhance tourism resources and infrastructure and will aid in destination resiliency. Applications will be accepted for projects that include plans to expand, construct, restore or renovate Massachusetts tourism destinations and attractions. Applicants must demonstrate how the tourism capital project will work to promote the tourism goals of the Massachusetts Office of Travel and Tourism and the corresponding Regional Tourism Council. The DDC grant is focused on capital improvements with a direct relationship to tourism, and other physical/structural items with a greater than five-year lifespan. In accordance with the ResilientMass Plan, projects that include elements intended to increase the climate resilience of a tourism destination or attraction will receive consideration in the review process. Projects with a presence in a Designated Cultural District, locations within rural communities, and nexus with commemorations of the 250th anniversary of American Independence may receive priority consideration. Funding Information The Destination Development Capital (DDC) Grant Program anticipates awarding up to $6,000,000 in FY25, subject to funding availability. Grant Period Grant awards are anticipated to be announced in June 2024, subject to appropriation. Projects must be completed by June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria  A public agency, municipality, or nonprofit organization incorporated in Massachusetts with 501(c)3, 501(c)5, 501(c)6, status from the Internal Revenue Service (IRS) that does one of the following: Produces, promotes, or presents tourism attractions and activities for the public. Provides public access to physical collections and exhibits. In operation for at least two consecutive years since January 2020. Agency must be in good standing with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts and city/town: Must be current on all taxes due through December 31, 2022; and have active and valid state licenses/registrations, if applicable. Applicants must have spent at least $15,000 in a fiscal year on tourism related items. Applicant must indicate how they are addressing diversity, equity, and inclusion within their organization. Applications must be complete, must include all required documentation and be submitted through the online portal, by the deadline, in order to be considered. Ineligible Organizations: For-profit organizations Any organization whose sole or primary purpose is to fundraise Public colleges and universities, and entities that receive state-level operating support or non-project support directly from the Massachusetts General Fund Organizations not located in Massachusetts. For more information, visit EOED.

This program provides funding and support to entrepreneurs nationwide, particularly from Massachusetts, to help them develop and commercialize innovative climate technology solutions.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to Massachusetts public school systems with at least six schools to enhance principal leadership and drive instructional improvement through collaborative planning and pilot initiatives.

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is offering Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Climate Training Grants”). Donor Name: Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline:  05/15/2024 Size of the Grant: $500,000 to $1 million Grant Duration: 2 Years Details: The Climate Training Grants will increase access to modern, relevant training equipment and infrastructure and provide direct funding and technical assistance support to organizations that can build and scale career pathways and upskilling programs that help Massachusetts residents access and advance in climate-critical priority occupations. The Climate Training grants are designed to help Massachusetts meet clean energy and climate tech employer needs while providing high-quality training and support opportunities for residents across the Commonwealth. Applicants may apply for Climate Training Grants for programming that falls within one (1) or more of the following categories: Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations; Strand B: Climate-Critical Upskilling for Incumbent Workers; or Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training. Goals Climate-Critical Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure FY24 Grants Goals  This solicitation is intended to help build job training and support capacity to fill gaps in the workforce for climate-critical sectors through a range of project and program models, all of which should center employer and participant needs in the design and program implementation. These funds will enable applicants to: Expand recruitment pipelines to broaden access to climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand technical and job readiness training opportunities to provide the skills necessary to attain placement in climate-critical priority occupations. Create new and/or expand career advancement programming and upskilling training opportunities to help workers gain valuable skills while businesses expand capacity to support the state’s climate goals. Leverage effective workforce development models like registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships by providing the resources to launch and/or expand programs. Develop and nurture new relationships with employers in climate-critical sectors to develop job placements and identify avenues for career growth. Establish and grow wraparound and retention support services to address potential barriers to entry and advancement in climate-critical occupations. Expand the availability and/or effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources for their programming. Funding Information Anticipated Available Funding: $6,450,000. Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations:  $100,000- $800,000 Project Period: One (1) to Two (2) year award. Strand B: ClimateCritical Upskilling for Incumbent:  $100,000- $600,000 Project Period: One (1) to Two (2) year award. Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support ClimateCritical Training: $50,000- $750,000 Project Period: One (1) year to Eighteen (18) month award. Eligibility Criteria The following entities are eligible to serve as a Lead Applicant with the following conditions: Community-Based Entities (often referred to as CBOs) such as community action partnerships, environmental justice organizations, neighborhood revitalization organizations, advocacy groups, affordable housing providers, affordable housing developers, and non-profits. Community Colleges, Colleges, or Universities, Comprehensive and Vocational High Schools, and Vocational Schools offering an after-hours or Career Technical Initiative evening training program. For-Profit entities such as for-profit training companies, trade associations, unions or other coalitions of businesses, clean energy installers, energy efficiency or home performance contractors, financial institutions, or other clean energy practitioners. Workforce Development Organizations, both non-profit and for-profit. MassHire Workforce Investment Boards and Career Centers. For more information, visit MassCEC.

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.

This program provides financial assistance to cannabis entrepreneurs in Massachusetts, specifically targeting pre-licensed businesses and licensed establishments owned by individuals from social equity backgrounds, to support their entry, operational needs, and growth in the cannabis industry.

The Northeast SARE Professional Development Grant program funds projects that develop the knowledge, awareness, skills and attitudes of agricultural and other service providers about sustainable agriculture practices to teach, advise or assist farmers. 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: An agricultural service provider is a professional who assists farmers. Projects that develop the ability of other service providers (for example, real estate agents, bankers, and attorneys) to work with farmers are also eligible. These service providers then use what they’ve learned through participation in project activities in their work with farmers. 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 $150,000. Project Duration 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. Eligibility Criteria  Professional Development Grants are open to anyone who works with service providers and 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, and for-profit business entities (such as farms, private consultants, veterinary practices and other businesses that serve the farming community). 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.