Massachusetts Private Grants

Through this Request for Proposals (“RFP”), the Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (“MassCEC”) is offering Equity Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Grants (“Equity 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: More than $1 million Grant Duration: 3 Years Details: The Equity 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 leading to climate-critical priority occupations for: individuals from Environmental Justice (“EJ”) Neighborhoods or low-income communities; members of federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes; members of underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce; and current or former workers from the fossil fuel industry (“Fossil Fuel Workers”). Applicants may apply for Equity 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: Clean Energy Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Career Navigation, and Preparedness; or Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical Training. Equity Workforce Training, Equipment, and Infrastructure Goals: This solicitation is intended to help build job training and support capacity to fill gaps in the workforce for climate-critical sectors while creating opportunities for underserved individuals most impacted by climate change who are typically excluded from opportunities in these sectors. These funds will enable applicants to: Recruit individuals from EJ Neighborhoods or low-income communities, individuals from federally recognized or state-acknowledged tribes within the Commonwealth, members of underrepresented communities in the clean energy workforce, and Fossil Fuel Workers to explore and enter 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. 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 social and economic barriers and increase the likelihood of long-term career success. Address common barriers to equitable access to climate-critical careers through more intentional career awareness and navigation support. Expand the availability and/or effectiveness of climate-critical training by securing modern equipment and infrastructure resources for their programming. Funding Information MassCEC anticipates awarding a total of $10,750,000. Strand A: Career Pathway Training Leading to Employment in Climate-Critical Priority Occupations: $200,000-$1,200,000 Project Period:  One (1) to Three (3) year award. Strand B: Clean Energy Career Awareness, Career Exploration, Career Navigation, and Preparedness: $50,000-$600,000 Project Period:  One (1) to Three (3) year award. Strand C: Equipment and Infrastructure to Support Climate-Critical 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. Note: If Applicant is not an entity with the ability to hire staff or receive funds, consider forming a partnership with another group that can act as a fiscal agent. 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.

The Mass Cultural Council is accepting applications for its Festivals & Projects Grants. Donor Name: Mass Cultural Council State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/23/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Funding Prioritization Mass Cultural Council envisions a diverse creative and cultural sector that is valued as essential in the Commonwealth. To that end, priorities have been established to support programmatic practices that advance equity, diversity, and inclusion through the services to the sector. Prioritization will include the following: Festivals, projects, or activities that significantly incorporate, and/or are primarily focused on arts, humanities, or sciences. Festivals, projects, or activities that align with the agency values of public service and inclusion. Applicants that have not received funding from Mass Cultural Council in the last three fiscal years (FY24, FY23, FY22: July 1, 2021 – June 30, 2024), or that are applying to Mass Cultural Council for the first time. Applicants participating in the Agency’s Card to Culture. Festivals, projects, or activities that are free to the public. Applicants that self-identify as led by and serving people of the global majority — Black, Indigenous, People of Color, Latinx, Asian, Native American, Pacific Islander, and all other ethnicities of color. Applicants wishing to make this BIPOC Centered Organization identification will need to fill out a form in the Agency’s grants management system. Festivals, projects, or activities in cities and towns that are below the state’s median household income and below statewide educational attainment. This includes but is not limited to places designated as Gateway Cities. Applicants operating under parent entities are advised that, if demand exceeds available funding, Mass Cultural Council may limit the number of grants awarded to any one parent organization. Funding Information Festivals & Projects provides one-year grants of $2,500 to fund activities that provide public benefit using the arts, humanities, or sciences, taking place between July 1, 2024 and June 30, 2025. Who can apply? The following organizations are eligible to apply: Non-Profit Organization: registered to do business in the Commonwealth, in good standing with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth at time of application (not dissolved or revoked) and listed in the Corporate Division’s Business Entity database, OR is a Massachusetts organization registered with the Office of the Massachusetts Attorney General’s Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division. For-Profit Organization: organized or registered to do business in the Commonwealth, in good standing with the Massachusetts Secretary of the Commonwealth at time of application (not dissolved or revoked) and listed in the Corporate Division’s Business Entity database, AND is one of the following: A Profit Corporation, Multiple-Member Limited Liability Company (including C Corporation, S Corporation, and Partnership LLCs), Limited Partnership or Limited Liability Partnership. Single Member Limited Liability Companies and Sole Proprietorships are not eligible for this program. Government Entity: a federally recognized Tribal, State, or Municipal government entity in Massachusetts. Unincorporated Organization: with a Massachusetts address, conducting 50% or more of its programming in Massachusetts, operating with an eligible fiscal agent. For more information, visit MCC.

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.

This program provides funding to organizations in New England for projects that preserve and share the diverse histories of their communities through the conservation of buildings, landscapes, and collections.

The Community Enrichment program supports activities that enhance the vitality of the communities. Donor Name: Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 09/09/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Community Enrichment program includes activities that promote local arts, culture, creativity, civic engagement, and community development. Strong, active, and inclusive relationships between residents, the private sector, the public, and civil society organizations characterize vital communities. Examples include: Arts and Culture: including but not limited to art in public places, programs that encourage art in community institutions (community centers and schools), and “art for art’s sake.” Community Development: including but not limited to community-enhancing projects and the preservation of community heritage and history. Civic engagement: Advancing community cohesion and participation. Eligibility Criteria The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts supports programs, projects, and initiatives within the 33-community region that address the Community Foundation’s goals, that are executed by a non-profit organization and align with the applicant’s mission. Proposals for competitive grants should address each of the following principles:  Capacity for impact: Demonstrate capacity and potential for achieving and sustaining long-term impact. Plan of action: Include a plan of action with evidence that the plan is likely to achieve its intended outcomes. Tracking progress: Include measurable objectives and outcomes with a plan to monitor progress. For more information, visit CFNCM.

The Newton Community Pride is pleased to support local organizations, artists, service projects and non-profits with a Community Micro Grant. Donor Name: Newton Community Pride State: Massachusetts City: Newton Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 09/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Less than 1 Year Details: Funding Information Maximum grant request is $1,500, past grants have averaged between $300 – $1,100. The event or program funded by Community Micro Grant must occur between November 1, 2024 and March 31, 2025. Criteria Grant criteria as follows: If the event or project is delayed beyond one year from the receipt of the grant, NCP has the right to request return of funding provided. Micro Grant funding will be dispersed 15-30 days prior to the event or program. Applicant’s event/project needs to be located in Newton. Applications must include event or program budget information and most recent 990 if available. Locations for the event or program must be vetted and approved before submitting your application. Preference will be given to first time grant applications, those that offer free community programming and those that have not been awarded an NCP grant in the previous grant cycle. Grants encourage applicants and programs that embrace the diversity of Newton and represent the voices, experiences and communities of historically marginalized groups in Newton. NCP will consider all projects consistent with mission: To build community through free arts and culture programming, public art,  beautification and service projects. Exclusions: public school programs, request for food/beverages, personal request for scholarship, capital improvement funding and requests for event/program support that would benefit any political or religious cause, individual or group. For more information, visit Newton Community Pride.

The Expand Massachusetts Stories Grant - Open Track offers funding up to $20,000 for projects that amplify under-recognized narratives and voices in Massachusetts. Focused on using humanities tools such as inquiry, contextualization, and reflection, this grant seeks to enhance public understanding of the diverse histories and experiences within the state. Projects eligible for funding include oral histories, community-centered museum exhibitions, and other humanities-focused initiatives. The grant is competitive, with applications reviewed based on their contribution to a more inclusive narrative of Massachusetts.

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) is pleased to invite proposals from academic faculty for funding to identify, evaluate, and/or develop safer alternatives to PFAS. Donor Name: Toxics Use Reduction Institute State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Research Focus Area  Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are toxic chemicals used for a variety of manufacturing and product applications. Proposals should be submitted to identify, evaluate, and/or develop safer alternatives to the use of PFAS in manufacturing and product applications. Some examples include: Water and stain resistant coated fabrics, textiles, apparel, and footwear,  Surfactant applications including fume suppressants,  Refrigerants and coolants,  Fire suppressants, Fluoropolymers  Manufacturing processing aids,  Coated food packaging, and Other non-stick coated materials and products (e.g. dental floss, cookware, etc.) Funding Information The maximum funding amount for each research project is $35,000 per academic year Criteria Research funding is available for faculty and their graduate students from any academic institution located in Massachusetts.  For more information, visit TURI.

The Massachusetts Clean Energy Technology Center (MassCEC) is offering a grant ranging from $100,000 to $500,000 through its InnovateMass Program, aimed at supporting teams deploying new clean energy technologies or innovative combinations of existing technologies with strong commercialization potential, to address energy challenges, grow the state's clean energy economy, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The Martha G. Coggeshall Fund is inviting applicants to support the preservation and maintenance of buildings and artifacts with historical value in the town of Fairhaven. Donor Name: SouthCoast Community Foundation State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 07/20/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Funding Information Requests in the amount of $1,000 to $12,500 will be considered.  Criteria Note, only requests from 501(c)3 organizations or those who are fiscally sponsored by a 501(c)3 will be considered. Eligible requests may vary ( i.e. program support, project support, operating support) depending on funding criteria. For more information, visit SouthCoast Community Foundation.

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 Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation is offering grants ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 to nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and community organizations that provide services to improve the quality of life for residents of specific towns, with a focus on low-income and underserved individuals, in areas such as arts, culture, education, environment, health, and social services, while prioritizing diversity, equity, and inclusion.

This grant provides funding for educators in Brookline to collaborate on innovative projects that enhance teaching and learning across disciplines and grade levels.

The Fund for Williamstown seeks nominations for the DeMayo Bright Futures Innovation Award. Donor Name: Fund for Williamstown State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) 10/15/2024 Size of the Grant: Less than $1000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The award recognizes organizations, institutions, businesses or individuals who create new approaches to solving community challenges and/or who enhance life in Williamstown through innovative programs that do not currently exist in the community. This award is presented to those demonstrating an exceptional degree of innovation and creativity, resulting in significant community impact. It recognizes non-traditional approaches to solving community challenges and/or to enhancing life in community. Funding Information The award recipient will receive $1,000 to further the innovative work of the recipient to benefit community. Who can Apply This award is by nomination only. Organizations, institutions, businesses or individuals may be nominated if they are passionate about solving community challenges with innovative practices in Williamstown, Mass. Self-nominations and posthumous nominations will not be accepted. No current Fund for Williamstown committee member may be nominated. Past award recipients are not eligible for re-nomination within a three-year period. For more information, visit BTCF.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is designed to increase access to healthy, affordable food options and improve economic opportunities for low to moderate income communities. Donor Name: Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/06/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The MFVP will provide funding through grants to support food ventures, sited primarily in or near communities of low or moderate income, including Gateway Cities and rural communities. The MFVP will help implement goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financing needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises.  With expanded investment, completed projects will improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested or caught food products through the development of collaborations with local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. Key areas for investment include: food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system; improved distribution systems to support opportunities for equitable access to fresh local food; and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food. The following are examples of potential, eligible Food Ventures projects Food Processing Infrastructure – Creation of commercial food processing infrastructure to ensure availability of Massachusetts produced foods and which can benefit low and moderate income households. Non Retail: Food Commissaries – Innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms and partners, create new local food retail markets or improve marketing within low income communities. Proposals may include requests for support for infrastructure, distribution, processing and marketing plans that demonstrate increased access to low to moderate income communities. Food Co-Ops – Proposals for construction, renovation or build-out of existing facilities that will create new permanent jobs and/or  greater access to affordable, fresh food. Greenhouses and Farmers’ markets – Develop and build facilities designed to increase year round access of diverse food production and distribution to existing or new markets to benefit low to moderate income communities. Food Hubs – Capital for infrastructure to build or renovate sites for new or existing ventures that improve commercial food access in low to moderate income communities. Commercial Markets – Innovative projects that connect local food producers and partners in order to develop, build or renovate a large scale retail market, designed to improve commercial distribution of healthy, locally produced food. Proposals may include initiatives for new construction or the renovation of an existing building. Must clearly document a community demand and outline a marketing strategy for expansion of commercial food access and distribution in low to moderate income areas. Mobile Markets/Innovative Markets – To purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles to provide healthy Massachusetts food including meats, seafood, vegetables, and fresh or frozen produce for purchase. Must provide marketing strategy that demonstrates the expansion of commercial access and distribution in low to moderate income communities. Who May Apply? Massachusetts Municipalities. Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit Organizations. Individual Residents of Massachusetts. Examples of ineligible project areas: Funding for audits, feasibility studies or design work. Operation or maintenance costs associated with the proposed grant investment. Staff or consultant time on proposals for projects that have already been completed or for which the applicant seeks reimbursement. For more information, visit MDAR.

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.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in Greater Boston that serve marginalized communities by addressing essential needs such as food, shelter, legal aid, and support for vulnerable populations.

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.

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 Connection, Health, & Equity through Food (CHEF) Grant Program is a collaborative network of organizations and volunteer initiatives across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Eastern Massachusetts, and Upstate New York that are focused on increasing older adults’ equitable access to healthy food and social connection. Donor Name: Maine Council on Aging State: Maine, New Hampshire, New York, Vermont County: Selected Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 06/30/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Connection, Health, & Equity through Food (CHEF) grant program will provide funding to increase older adults’ equitable access to food and social connections in their communities. Grants will allow awardees to make investments in programmatic infrastructure, sustainably expand current programming and/or launch innovative, new programming that supports the food and social connection needs of older people. Priority will be given to projects and programs that serve diverse older people, veterans, and older people living with disabilities. Funds can also be used to help find solutions to the root causes of food insecurity and social isolation, including but not limited to poverty, transportation, rurality, and language barriers. The CHEF program is administered by the Maine Council on Aging. Purpose The focus of this grant program is to increase older adults’ equitable access to healthy food and social connection, with a particular focus on rural communities and underserved and marginalized older people including: BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color) LGBTQ+- (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender or Queer or Questioning) Women Veterans People Living with Disabilities People Living in Rural Communities. Funding Information The minimum amount that can be requested is $500. Although no maximum has been set, they would anticipate that most grants would be in the $2,000 – $10,000 range. Eligibility Criteria  The grant-funded activity must primarily serve older people. Thus, if your program serves people of all ages, you should provide data on the number of older people served, and this number must be 50.1% of the overall population served, or the grant-funded activity should focus primarily on the older adults currently being served. Grants will only be made to applicants serving older people in Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Eastern Massachusetts, and Upstate New York. Applicants must serve people who may access a Hannaford Supermarket to purchase food. The organization itself does not have to be located in a community with a Hannaford store. As an example, any statewide organization in one of these states would qualify. Regional organizations that serve at least one community with a Hannaford Supermarket qualify, even if the other communities do not. They recognize that people in some rural areas may drive a substantial distance for groceries, so they will be liberal in interpreting this restriction. Eligible Organizations: Public and non-profit organizations Municipalities Faith Groups Tribal Governments Educational Institutions Note: If you do not have an IRS nonprofit or 501(c)3 designation, please find a fiscal sponsor for your program/idea. For more information, visit Maine Council on Aging.