Massachusetts Private Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations in select U.S. markets that focus on youth education, storytelling, and community engagement initiatives.

The Middlesex Saving Bank is accepting applications for its Social Service Grant Program. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: (mm/dd/yyyy) Details: Focus Areas The Social Services Program funds projects and programs whose primary focus is on: Shelter – including affordable housing, homebuyer education programs, foreclosure prevention and homeowner counseling programs, housing for the homeless, and emergency home repairs. Hunger Security – including projects and programs to provide food for low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations. Food pantries may apply, but the request must be for a program or other initiative, with no more than 25% of grant proceeds used towards the purchase of food related to the broader initiative. Clothing and Basic Needs – includes projects and programs that work to provide clothing and personal hygiene products to low- and moderate-income and vulnerable populations.  Veterans & First Responders – including projects and programs that benefit the physical and mental well-being of veterans and first responders. 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 funding opportunity provides financial support to independent Federally Qualified Health Centers in Eastern Massachusetts to establish new residency programs for Family Nurse Practitioners, enhancing primary care access in communities with low life expectancy.

This funding opportunity is designed to support Massachusetts residents pursuing training in high-demand clean energy careers by providing zero-interest loans for living expenses and tuition gaps.

The Aegon Transamerica Foundation Grant Program aims to support youth and families in the communities where it operates by investing in charitable organizations. The foundation provides grant funding to non-profit organizations in the categories of Arts & Culture, Civic & Community, Education & Literacy, Health & Welfare, and United Way initiatives. Additionally, a special fund may be established for employee donations, often matched dollar-for-dollar, and provided to an organization assisting in disaster relief efforts.

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.

This grant provides funding to support the development of prefabricated, all-electric Accessory Dwelling Units in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, helping property owners address housing shortages while promoting clean energy practices.

GrowBoston is offering a total of $15,000 for nonprofit organizations to support outreach and community-building events related to urban agriculture. Donor Name: GrowBoston State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/24/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: These events must be open to the public and focused on engaging Boston residents in gardening, farming, food forest stewardship, beekeeping, henkeeping, consumption of locally-produced food, or other aspects of urban food production. Events should be planned for spring or summer 2024. Examples may include, but are not limited to garden-opening events, farm or food forest “open houses”, and farmers market opening days, as long as Boston-based food production, or urban agriculture more broadly, is a focus of the event. They may include educational components, but such activities are not required. The purpose of this grant program is to more deeply engage Boston residents in the existing urban agricultural resources, or in urban agriculture activities more broadly. Fundraising events are not eligible. Allowable Uses of Funding  This grant is for the purchase of event supplies, food, non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, outreach materials, etc. Up to 10% of the grant budget can be used for indirect/administrative costs or a fiscal sponsorship fee. The following expenses are not allowed using City of Boston operating budget grant funds: gift cards, rent, utilities, alcoholic beverages, fundraising or lobbying activities, and/or salaries of staff not involved with directly delivering the program. Eligibility Criteria Recipients must be a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit or a community-based organization partnering with a fiscal sponsor that is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit. No grants can be awarded to individuals or for-profit businesses. For more information, visit GrowBoston.

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.

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 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.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and public agencies in developing and sustaining small, community-focused agricultural projects, such as farmer's markets and urban gardens.

Applications are now being accepted for the John R. Heerwagen Award for Nonprofit Leadership. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving Bank State: Massachusetts County: Middlesex County (MA) Type of Grant: Awards and Prizes Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Middlesex Savings Bank, John was supportive of the Foundation and its efforts to help strengthen local non-profits. John also believed in the importance of leadership and the need to develop and recognize strong leaders. Funding Information The award provides a one-time grant of $20,000. Selection Criteria The Selection Committee seeks to recognize experienced, nonprofit leaders who demonstrate the ability to develop and implement effective organizational strategies. The ideal nominee will demonstrate the following capabilities and characteristics: Creates and stewards collaborations and partnerships to advance the work of their organization in a manner that produces tangible benefits to the community. Brings innovative ideas forward and to fruition. Builds organizational and individual capacity and expertise. Instills passion in themselves and the people with whom they work. Demonstrates the highest levels of integrity and ethical behavior. For more information, visit Middlesex Savings Bank.

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

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.

This program provides funding to support the development of ocean technology testing facilities and to enhance the ecosystem for ocean innovation in Massachusetts, targeting nonprofits, universities, and research institutions with at least three years of operational experience.

The Capacity Building Program funds initiatives designed to strengthen and increase the impact of local non-profits by improving their organizational capacity. Donor Name: Middlesex Saving 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: Desired outcomes for non-profits selected to receive grants through this program include one or more of the following: Improved governance and leadership Improved staff skills Improved management systems and practices Completed strategic plans Improved, expanded, or additional services Expanded strategic assets, including financial and human resources Successful applicants will be able to describe how their enhanced capacity will ultimately benefit the communities that they serve. 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 for experienced artists to lead collaborative art projects with children from local after-school programs, culminating in an exhibition at the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston.

Applicants are invited to apply for the New England States Touring Grant Program. Donor Name: New England Foundation for the Arts (NEFA) State: Selected States County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 08/01/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: There are three distinct grant opportunities for New England nonprofit organizations: NEST 1, NEST 2, and NEST 3. Organizations serving rural communities and/or deeply engaging Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities are encouraged to apply. NEST 1 Funds the public presentation and engagement of a New England artist presented by a New England nonprofit organization based in a different New England state from the artist’s home state. Grants provide up to 60% of the artist fee and range from $500 to a maximum of $5,000. Applications with artist fees under $2,000 may request the full artist fee. The artist must be listed as NEST-Eligible on the CreativeGround directory. NEST 2 Funds the public presentation and community engagement activities of a New England artist presented by two New England nonprofit organizations. Tours must include one presenting organization based inside of the artist’s home state and one other organization from outside of the artist’s home state. Both presenting organizations must submit their own application and both applications must be submitted at the same deadline. There are three application deadlines each year. They are the first business days of August, December, and March. Grants provide up to 60% of the artist fee and range from $500 to a maximum of $5,000. Applications with artist fees under $2,000 may request the full artist fee. The artist must be listed as NEST-Eligible on the CreativeGround directory. NEST 3 Funds tours, including public presentation and community engagement activities, of regional, national, or international artists presented by New England nonprofit organizations. Tours must include a minimum of three New England organizations in different communities presenting the same artist. The organizations applying must be from at least two different New England states. Each organization is responsible for reviewing the program goals and criteria, negotiating the terms of the engagement with the artist, and completing a NEST 3 application. Organizations may submit up to three NEST 3 applications. The annual deadline is the first business day of March. Grants provide up to 60% of the artist fee to a maximum of $10,000. Applications with artist fees under $2,000 may request the full artist fee. New England artists must be listed as NEST-eligible on Creative Ground. For non-New England artists, an artist work sample must be submitted by one of the touring partners. Grant period: Touring projects must occur between June 1, 2024 and August 31, 2025. Funding Criteria The amount of funding awarded is based on the extent to which the project meets the criteria. NEST 3 projects will be assessed on the individual strength of each partner’s application and the collective strength of the tour. The funding criteria are: Clear rationale for how the project aligns with the organization’s arts programming goals and its significance for the community. Collaborative planning among tour partners and artists to provide a meaningful experience for the artist and partner organizations and their communities. The featured artist(s) should be included in project planning. (Applicable for NEST 2 & 3 only). Additional activities beyond the performance, which provide opportunities for the artist(s) in this engagement to meaningfully connect with various sectors of the community. Cross-sector exchanges (connecting arts and non-arts organizations) and collaboration are strongly encouraged. Expands access to the arts for all New England communities, including rural and/or Black, Indigenous, and People of Color (BIPOC) communities. NEFA acknowledges structural inequities that have excluded individuals and communities from opportunity based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, class, age, language, culture, and geography, and strives to counter those inequities in our work. NEFA strongly encourages charging admission to performances and events for the following reasons: Admissions are a vital source of income to help pay artist fees and other event expenses. Admissions remind audiences that the work of artists has distinct value and that the professionals involved must make a living from their endeavors in order to continue. Admissions purchased through advance ticket sales help ensure attendance. Admissions purchases provide patron information that can aid in marketing, fundraising, and audience development. Eligibility Criteria To be eligible for NEST funding, applicants must: Be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization, school, federally recognized Indian tribal government, or unit of state or local government. (Nonprofit organizations do not have to be arts organizations. Organizations that do not have a federal tax identification number may apply if part of an official government agency). Fiscal agents cannot be funded through NEST. Be based in New England (Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, and Vermont). Have a Unique Entity ID in SAM.gov. For more information, visit NEFA.

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.