Massachusetts Grants

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations in New England to support public performances and community engagement activities featuring regional artists.

This grant provides funding to states and territories to develop a coordinated early childhood education system that integrates various programs, including Head Start, to improve access and efficiency for families with children from birth to age five.

The document is a Request for Information (RFI Number: 7200AA24RFI00017) published by the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Bureau for Global Health (GH). This RFI is explicitly for information-gathering and planning purposes and does not constitute a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) or a Request for Proposals (RFP). The RFI’s issuance aligns with USAID's overarching mission to address critical global health challenges by seeking expert input that will inform the design of future activities related to its development goals. The central subject and focus of the RFI is "Accelerating HIV Vaccine Research and Development in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMIC)." While this specific RFI targets expert respondents who can provide strategic and technical inputs, the ultimate target beneficiaries are the populations within Low- and Middle-Income Countries affected by the HIV/AIDS epidemic. The primary impact goal for the eventual program is to expedite the research, development, and eventual availability of an effective HIV vaccine for use in these regions. The key priorities or focuses are implicitly tied to identifying the most effective pathways to accelerate HIV vaccine R&D within LMICs. USAID is requesting short submissions outlining recommendations or other information pertinent to questions not listed in this excerpt. Respondents must provide sufficient detail and justification for their offered recommendations, indicating a priority on collecting actionable and evidence-based strategies that address specific challenges and opportunities within the field. As an RFI, this document itself does not outline expected outcomes or measurable results; its function is to gather the inputs necessary to formulate those later. It represents the initial stage in USAID's strategic planning and theory of change—that informed program design, based on expert consultation, is required to achieve successful acceleration of R&D efforts. It is a non-binding notice, and USAID reserves the right to incorporate any or none of the comments into subsequent solicitations, reinforcing its role as a purely informational and preparatory step.

The Middlesex Savings Bank Social Service Grant Program is designed to support projects and programs that address critical social needs within the communities served by the bank. While the provided text details the grant program's specific focus areas and eligibility, it does not explicitly outline the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation's broader mission or strategic priorities. However, by funding initiatives related to shelter, hunger security, clothing and basic needs, and support for veterans and first responders, the program implicitly aligns with a mission to foster community well-being and alleviate hardship for vulnerable populations. This grant program is a key component of the bank's community engagement, demonstrating a commitment to addressing fundamental social challenges at a local level. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income individuals and vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those experiencing food insecurity, and veterans and first responders. The impact goals are to improve access to stable housing, ensure food security, provide essential clothing and hygiene products, and enhance the physical and mental well-being of veterans and first responders. Through these targeted interventions, the program aims to create more resilient and supportive communities where basic needs are met and critical support systems are in place for those who need them most. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Shelter (affordable housing, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, housing for the homeless, emergency home repairs), Hunger Security (food provision for low-income and vulnerable populations, with a note that food pantries must request funding for a program or initiative, not just food purchase), Clothing and Basic Needs (provision of clothing and personal hygiene products), and Veterans & First Responders (projects benefiting their physical and mental well-being). This structured approach ensures that funding is directed towards specific, high-impact areas that align with the bank's community support objectives. While the description does not explicitly state "expected outcomes" or "measurable results" with specific metrics, it implies that successful programs will lead to improved living conditions, reduced hunger, increased access to basic necessities, and better support for veterans and first responders within the designated geographic areas. The "Funding Information" indicates that grant requests are considered up to $20,000, suggesting that the foundation seeks to achieve tangible, localized impact through these investments. The emphasis on programs and initiatives, particularly for food pantries, further suggests an interest in sustainable solutions over one-off aid. The foundation's strategic priorities, as inferred from the grant details, revolve around direct community investment in social welfare. Its "theory of change" appears to be that by strategically funding nonprofit organizations working in key social service areas, it can directly contribute to improving the quality of life for vulnerable residents in the communities it serves. The requirement for applicants to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations further reinforces a commitment to working with established, accountable entities capable of delivering effective programs. The explicit exclusions of political or sectarian activities and organizations using fiscal agents highlight a focus on direct, non-partisan, and transparent charitable impact.

The Educational Opportunities Program, offered by Middlesex Savings Bank, is designed to empower organizations to deliver distinctive and impactful educational experiences to both youths and adults. This grant aligns with the foundation's mission to support community development through initiatives that foster learning and skill-building. By focusing on a broad range of educational opportunities, the program seeks to address critical needs within the communities served by Middlesex Savings Bank, promoting personal and professional growth for individuals of all ages. The primary beneficiaries of this program are youths and adults residing in the designated geographic areas. Impact goals include enhancing job readiness, improving adult literacy, promoting financial education, and enriching youth development. Specifically, the program targets individuals who can benefit from job training, English as a Second Language courses, credit education, home-buying seminars, and various youth enrichment activities. The expected outcomes are increased employment opportunities, improved financial literacy, enhanced educational attainment, and overall community betterment. The program prioritizes initiatives that provide tangible skills and knowledge. Key focus areas include job training and readiness programs, adult education, English as a Second Language instruction, credit education, home-buying seminars, and youth enrichment programs. The foundation's strategic priority is to invest in educational programs that offer practical, measurable results and contribute directly to the economic and social well-being of the community. This aligns with a theory of change where targeted educational interventions lead to improved individual capabilities and, consequently, stronger communities. While the overall grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, individual grant requests are considered up to $20,000. This indicates a focus on supporting a wider array of smaller, impactful projects rather than a few large-scale initiatives. Eligible applicants must be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving one or more communities within Middlesex Savings Bank's service area. The program specifically excludes funding for political or sectarian activities, as well as organizations utilizing a fiscal agent, ensuring that funds are directed towards direct educational services within the foundation's established guidelines.

The Middlesex Saving Bank's Social Service Grant Program is designed to fund projects and programs that address critical social needs within the communities it serves. The program aligns with the foundation's mission to support vulnerable populations and improve quality of life by focusing on fundamental areas such as shelter, hunger security, and basic needs. This initiative demonstrates a strategic priority to foster community well-being and stability through targeted financial support, reflecting a theory of change that by addressing foundational needs, broader societal improvements can be achieved. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are low- and moderate-income individuals and families, as well as vulnerable populations, including the homeless, those experiencing food insecurity, and veterans and first responders. The impact goals are to provide essential resources and support that lead to improved living conditions, increased access to food, and enhanced physical and mental well-being for these groups. The program aims to create tangible, positive changes in the lives of those facing significant challenges. The program's priorities and focus areas are clearly defined: Shelter, encompassing affordable housing, homebuyer education, foreclosure prevention, and emergency home repairs; Hunger Security, which supports initiatives providing food to vulnerable populations, with a stipulation that no more than 25% of the grant can be used for direct food purchases; Clothing and Basic Needs, focusing on providing essential items like clothing and personal hygiene products; and Veterans & First Responders, dedicated to projects that benefit their physical and mental health. These focus areas indicate the foundation's commitment to a holistic approach to social welfare. Expected outcomes include a reduction in homelessness, increased food security, improved access to basic necessities, and better support systems for veterans and first responders. Measurable results could involve the number of individuals housed, meals provided, basic needs kits distributed, and participants in well-being programs. The grant size ranges from $10,000 to $100,000, though grant requests considered are up to $20,000, indicating a focus on funding a greater number of impactful, smaller-scale projects. Eligibility requires applicants to be nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations serving communities within the bank's geographic areas, reinforcing the foundation's strategic priority to invest directly in local community development.

The John R. Heerwagen Award for Nonprofit Leadership, presented by Middlesex Savings Bank, is designed to recognize and support experienced nonprofit leaders who demonstrate exceptional capabilities in developing and implementing effective organizational strategies. This award aligns with the Foundation's mission to strengthen local non-profits and its belief in the importance of leadership development and recognition within the sector. The grant provides a one-time award of $20,000 to a deserving individual. The primary target beneficiaries of this award are seasoned nonprofit leaders in Massachusetts, specifically Middlesex County, who are committed to advancing their organizations' work and producing tangible community benefits. The impact goal is to foster stronger, more effective nonprofit organizations through the recognition and empowerment of their leaders. By highlighting exemplary leadership, the program aims to inspire continued excellence and innovation within the nonprofit community. The program prioritizes leaders who demonstrate a clear focus on creating and stewarding collaborations and partnerships that yield tangible benefits to the community. Additionally, nominees should bring innovative ideas to fruition, build organizational and individual capacity and expertise, instill passion in their teams, and consistently exhibit the highest levels of integrity and ethical behavior. These priorities underscore the Foundation's strategic objective to support leadership that drives meaningful change and sustainable growth. Expected outcomes include the continued development of robust nonprofit organizations led by highly capable and ethical individuals. Measurable results would ideally involve observing the sustained success and growth of the awardees' organizations, the expansion of their community impact through effective collaborations, and the implementation of innovative programs that address critical community needs. While not explicitly stated as a formal theory of change, the program operates on the premise that investing in strong leadership directly translates to more effective and impactful nonprofit work, ultimately benefiting the broader community.

This Notice of Funding Opportunity (NFO) is released by the Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), an agency of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA), for the purpose of establishing partnership agreements. The overarching goal, which aligns with the NRCS's mission to conserve natural resources on private lands, is to leverage agency resources to address local resource issues, encourage collaboration, and cultivate state-and-community-level conservation leadership. The funding is intended to facilitate projects that advance these conservation efforts, particularly those focused on priority topics within a specific geographic area. The availability and level of funding are noted as potential, pending full appropriation for fiscal year 2024. The program's target beneficiaries encompass a broad range of public and private entities capable of performing conservation work. Eligible applicants include various levels of government, such as city, county, special district, state, and Native American tribal governments and organizations. Nonprofits, both with and without 501(c)(3) IRS status, are eligible, as are private and public institutions of higher education. The impact goals are centered on effectively addressing critical local natural resource challenges and substantially strengthening conservation efforts through on-the-ground project implementation. A key strategic priority of this NFO is a singular focus on projects based within Texas. Proposals must specifically address "conservation priority topics as noted in Section A of this notice." The agency places high value on collaborative projects that are designed to provide direct, on-the-ground support for Texas NRCS Field Offices, indicating a strategic effort to integrate partner work with established agency operations. Conversely, the NFO explicitly excludes and will not consider research proposals, thereby directing resources toward implementation and practical application. The NRCS's strategic approach operates under a theory of change that posits that local, collaborative leadership is the most effective driver for sustained conservation results. By funding a diverse range of partners (the listed eligible applicants) to work on local priorities and support agency field offices, the NRCS intends to multiply its conservation impact beyond its direct capacity. Expected measurable results for successful applicants include securing an agreement with a federal share funding floor of $25,000 and a ceiling of $300,000. The agency anticipates making selections by June 15, 2024, and expects to execute awards by September 15, 2024, ensuring a swift turnaround from selection to project initiation.

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 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.

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 grant provides funding for arts, music, crafts, conservation, wildlife, and historical preservation programs that enrich the cultural experiences of residents in Westport, Dartmouth, and New Bedford, MA, with a focus on projects benefiting the community.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations, municipalities, and religious groups providing essential services to residents of Nantucket, focusing on areas like mental health, housing, and transportation.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations that deliver essential health care and human services to underserved elderly populations in Bristol County, MA, with a focus on programs benefiting older women.

This fund provides financial assistance to local charities in Newton, Waltham, and Watertown, MA, that help individuals and families facing financial difficulties.

This program provides funding and support to Massachusetts-based startups that have received Phase II SBIR or STTR awards, helping them commercialize their technologies and cover expenses like prototyping, patenting, and market research.

This fund provides financial support for educational, food, health, housing, and shelter programs in communities north of Boston, with a focus on organizations in cities like Lynn, Salem, and Gloucester.

The Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI) is offering a grant program to academic faculty focused on identifying, evaluating, and developing safer alternatives to per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). This initiative aligns with TURI's mission to reduce the use of toxic chemicals and promote safer practices. The program seeks to foster research that directly addresses the environmental and health concerns associated with PFAS by finding viable replacements in various manufacturing and product applications. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are academic faculty and their graduate students located at institutions within Massachusetts. The program aims to support these researchers in conducting innovative studies that contribute to a cleaner environment and safer products for the general public. The impact goals are to reduce reliance on PFAS, mitigate their toxic effects, and encourage the adoption of less harmful alternatives across industries. The grant prioritizes research that focuses on specific applications where PFAS are commonly used, such as water and stain-resistant coated fabrics, textiles, apparel, 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. Proposals should directly address these areas to develop practical and implementable solutions. Expected outcomes include the identification of novel, safer alternatives to PFAS, comprehensive evaluations of existing alternatives, and the development of new processes or materials that eliminate the need for PFAS. Measurable results would involve the number of alternatives identified and evaluated, the success rate of developed alternatives in specific applications, and the potential for widespread adoption by industries. TURI's strategic priority is to drive toxics use reduction through research and education, and this grant program embodies a key part of their theory of change by funding scientific inquiry into tangible solutions for harmful chemicals.

The Connection, Health, & Equity through Food (CHEF) Grant Program is a collaborative initiative across Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Eastern Massachusetts, and Upstate New York, administered by the Maine Council on Aging. The program's core mission is to increase older adults’ equitable access to healthy food and social connection, aligning with a broader goal of addressing systemic issues like food insecurity and social isolation. This grant program seeks to support older adults by fostering programmatic infrastructure, expanding existing programs, and launching innovative new initiatives that cater to their food and social connection needs. The target beneficiaries of the CHEF Grant Program are primarily older adults, with a specific focus on underserved and marginalized populations. These include BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, People of Color), LGBTQ+, women, veterans, people living with disabilities, and individuals residing in rural communities. The program's impact goals are centered on enhancing the quality of life for these older adults by improving their access to nutritious food and opportunities for social engagement. Projects that serve diverse older people, veterans, and older people living with disabilities are given priority. The CHEF program prioritizes finding solutions to the root causes of food insecurity and social isolation. These root causes include poverty, transportation barriers, rurality, and language barriers. While the grant does not explicitly detail the foundation's strategic priorities or a formal theory of change, the emphasis on equitable access, addressing systemic issues, and supporting vulnerable populations suggests a strategy focused on community-based interventions and empowerment. The program's design indicates a theory that by investing in local organizations and initiatives, significant improvements can be made in the well-being of older adults. Expected outcomes include increased access to healthy food for older adults, enhanced social connections within communities, and a reduction in the prevalence of food insecurity and social isolation among the target populations. While specific measurable results are not explicitly outlined, the program's focus on data for older people served (50.1% of the overall population served) suggests an intent to track the reach and impact on the primary beneficiary group. The grant duration is not mentioned, but the anticipated grant size of $2,000 – $10,000 for most grants indicates support for projects with tangible, localized impacts.

The Grow grant program, offered by the Grassroots Fund, is designed to support groups with existing project implementation experience in their communities. The program aligns with the Grassroots Fund's broad interpretation of "environment," funding a wide range of activities focused on local, grassroots work. The mission is to deepen community work by fostering vision development, increasing participation, identifying new stakeholders, and incorporating diverse voices and lived experiences into decision-making processes. Target beneficiaries for the Grow grant program are community-based, local initiatives, specifically those operating in Connecticut, Maine, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Rhode Island, or Vermont. The program emphasizes supporting groups that represent a broad range of community voices and are not currently being reached by other funders. The overarching impact goal is to strengthen community-led efforts and ensure that decision-making processes are inclusive and reflective of various perspectives. The program prioritizes volunteer-driven groups or those with no more than two full-time paid staff (80 hours/week combined) and an approximate annual operating budget under $100,000. These priorities underscore the fund's strategic focus on supporting smaller, community-rooted organizations that may have limited access to other funding sources. The Grassroots Fund's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering local groups to drive community development and foster more equitable and participatory processes. Expected outcomes include communities with further developed visions, reduced barriers to participation, engagement of new stakeholders, and increased integration of diverse voices and lived experiences in core decision-making. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed beyond these outcomes, the emphasis on "deepening their work" and "bringing more voices" suggests qualitative and potentially quantitative shifts in community engagement and project effectiveness. The grant size ranges from $1,000 to $4,000, providing crucial financial support to these initiatives. It's important to note that the fund does not support individuals, national or international work, lobbying, partisan political activity, land/building acquisition, studies without follow-up, publication of books/reports, micro/re-granting programs, or retroactive expenses. This clear outline of what is not supported further defines the strategic priorities of the Grassroots Fund, ensuring that grants are directed towards community-level, action-oriented initiatives that align with their mission of fostering grassroots environmental and social change.