Massachusetts Grants

The Florida Department of State's Specific Cultural Project (SCP) grant program aims to fund individual cultural projects, programs, exhibitions, or series that align with the mission of the applicant organization or artist and further the state's cultural objectives. This grant supports a broad range of cultural endeavors, categorized into four proposal types: Arts In Education, Discipline-Based cultural or artistic projects, Underserved Cultural Community Development, and Artist Projects. These categories reflect a strategic priority to foster cultural enrichment and development across various sectors and communities within Florida. The program targets a diverse group of beneficiaries, including both public entities and Florida non-profit, tax-exempt corporations, as well as individual artists. Specific eligibility requirements are tailored for different proposal types and disciplines such as Museum, Professional Theatre, Traditional Arts, Arts in Education, Local Arts Agency, and State Service Organizations. For instance, Artist Projects are designed for professional creative artists who are Florida residents and are not enrolled in degree or certificate programs, ensuring that the grant supports local talent and contributes to the state's artistic landscape. Underserved Cultural Community Development projects specifically focus on organizations with a Total Cash Income of $150,000 or less, indicating a clear goal to empower and uplift less-resourced cultural entities. The SCP grant focuses on several key areas to achieve its impact goals. Arts In Education projects emphasize promoting arts and culture in educational settings, likely aiming to enhance cultural literacy and creative development among students. Discipline-Based projects support various cultural or artistic forms, fostering a vibrant and diverse cultural environment. Underserved Cultural Community Development projects are prioritized to assist with the growth of cultural organizations in areas that may lack sufficient cultural resources, thereby promoting equitable access to cultural programming. Artist Projects are geared towards generating public benefit through the creation or presentation of new artistic work, directly supporting artists and enriching public cultural experiences. Expected outcomes include the successful execution of cultural projects that meet specific quality and engagement criteria, such as Arts in Education residencies having a minimum of 30 contact hours, and Artist Performances on Tour demonstrating high-quality performances and educational components. Measurable results are implicitly tied to the successful completion of these projects and their adherence to the stated objectives and eligibility. The grant period from July 1, 2025, through June 30, 2026, allows for a focused timeframe for project implementation and impact assessment. The overall theory of change for the Florida Department of State appears to be that by strategically funding diverse cultural projects and artists, they can foster a more culturally rich, educated, and equitable state, aligning with their broader mission to support and advance the arts and culture sector.

The Entertainment Business Interruption Fund (BIF), funded by the American Rescue Plan (ARP) and managed by the LA Small Business Development Center Network, aims to support small businesses in the entertainment industry within Los Angeles County. This program directly addresses the economic hardship faced by these businesses due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes. The fund's mission aligns with supporting the economic vitality of a key industry in Los Angeles, ensuring the continuity and recovery of small businesses that form its backbone. The target beneficiaries are for-profit small businesses in Los Angeles County's entertainment industry with $3 million or less in annual gross revenue. These businesses must have experienced at least a 70% loss of revenue due to the COVID-19 Pandemic (March 1, 2020, to present) and the 2023 double Hollywood Strikes (May 1, 2023 – November 30, 2023). A significant impact goal is to mitigate financial losses and facilitate recovery for these businesses, enabling them to sustain operations and contribute to the local economy. The program prioritizes businesses that demonstrate substantial revenue loss directly attributable to the specified crises. It focuses on providing financial relief for critical operational expenses, including the purchase of new certified equipment, restocking liquidated inventory, lease/rent/mortgage payments, business debt accrued due to the crises, COVID-19 related costs, employee payroll, working capital, and outstanding business expenses. A key focus is ensuring that funds are used to directly address and alleviate the negative economic impacts suffered. Expected outcomes include the stabilization of small businesses in the entertainment sector, preventing further closures, and preserving jobs. Measurable results will include the number of businesses receiving grants, the total amount of funds disbursed, and the extent to which these businesses are able to maintain or increase their operations post-grant. The grant amounts, either $10,000 for businesses with revenue less than or equal to $999,999 or $25,000 for those with revenue between $1,000,000 and $3,000,000, are directly tied to revenue size, indicating a structured approach to proportional relief. The foundation's strategic priority, through the LA Small Business Development Center Network, is to foster economic resilience within the entertainment industry. The theory of change posits that by providing targeted financial assistance to small businesses severely impacted by external economic shocks, the program can prevent widespread business failures, preserve the industry's ecosystem, and contribute to the broader economic recovery of Los Angeles County. This direct intervention aims to bridge financial gaps and allow businesses to regain stability and growth.

The Zollner Foundation offers grants to support educational organizations, hospitals, YMCA and Boy Scout organizations, and other charitable organizations primarily in the Fort Wayne, IN and Golden Beach, FL areas. The foundation's mission aligns with supporting community well-being through strategic investments in key sectors. This grant program is designed to foster positive community development and address critical needs in health, education, and human services within its specified geographic focus. The target beneficiaries include a diverse range of non-profit entities such as educational organizations, hospitals, and youth-focused groups like the YMCA and Boy Scouts. The impact goals are broad, aiming to enhance educational opportunities, improve health outcomes, and strengthen human services for residents in Fort Wayne, IN, and Golden Beach, FL. The foundation seeks to empower these organizations to provide vital services and programs that contribute to the overall betterment of the community. The foundation's grantmaking priorities show a clear focus on specific areas. Preference is given to requests for scholarship, research, and educational purposes at educational organizations across the United States, as well as general charitable organizations in Fort Wayne, IN, and Golden Beach, FL. Hospitals and youth organizations in these regions are also high-priority recipients. The foundation's strategic priorities are evident in its emphasis on these core areas, suggesting a theory of change that centers on supporting established community pillars to achieve widespread positive effects. Expected outcomes include improved access to education, enhanced healthcare services, and robust support systems for youth development. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed in terms of quantitative targets, the average grant size of $5,000 to $15,000 and average total giving per year of $350,000 indicate a commitment to providing substantial support to a considerable number of organizations. The foundation's theory of change appears to be that by funding these critical community services, it will contribute to a healthier, more educated, and more civically engaged populace in its target areas.

This program provides funding to nonprofit organizations on Cape Cod to improve their operational capacity and support long-term growth through various initiatives like training, equipment, and staff expansion.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for projects that acquire, create, and preserve open spaces, historic resources, recreational land, and community housing in Wellfleet.

This funding opportunity supports nonprofit organizations focused on improving nutrition and wellness in low-income communities within the Greater Boston area and Gateway Cities, particularly those with annual budgets of $5 million or less.

The Hispanic Fund, an affiliate fund of the Community Foundation of Lorain County, is dedicated to improving and promoting socioeconomic and educational opportunities within the Hispanic community. This grant program is a direct reflection of the Community Foundation's broader mission to foster community well-being and addresses specific needs within the Hispanic population of Lorain County, Ohio. By focusing on areas such as citizen empowerment, neighborhood revitalization, public safety, and educational achievement, the program aligns with a comprehensive approach to community development and equity. The primary beneficiaries of this grant program are non-profit organizations and community members whose projects directly impact the Hispanic community. The program aims to achieve significant positive impacts, including enhanced citizen empowerment, improved living environments through neighborhood revitalization, increased public safety and reduced crime, and a greater understanding and implementation of collaborative solutions to community problems. Ultimately, the goal is to address the root causes of social ills and elevate educational attainment within the Hispanic community. The Hispanic Fund's grant program prioritizes projects that provide or work to improve several key areas. These include initiatives that empower Hispanic citizens, address neighborhood revitalization or environmental issues, and promote public safety, education, and crime/violence prevention. Furthermore, the fund seeks projects that offer collaborative solutions or new approaches to existing problems, and those that directly tackle the root causes of social challenges within the Hispanic community. A significant focus is also placed on programs that positively influence Hispanic educational achievement in both public and higher education settings. While specific measurable results are not explicitly detailed, the focus areas inherently suggest expected outcomes. For instance, projects addressing citizen empowerment could lead to increased civic participation, while educational initiatives would aim for improved academic performance and higher rates of public or higher education enrollment. Neighborhood revitalization projects would likely target improvements in local infrastructure and living conditions, and public safety initiatives would work towards a reduction in crime rates. The fund's strategic priority is to support initiatives that create lasting, positive change, operating under the theory that empowering and educating the Hispanic community will lead to broader societal benefits and improved quality of life.

The FY25 Conservation Partnership Grant, overseen by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), supports qualified 501(c)(3) organizations and conservation districts in acquiring conservation or recreation land within Massachusetts. The grant encourages projects that conserve natural resources, offer recreational opportunities, and address climate resilience aligned with Executive Order 569. Funding is aimed at land purchases or conservation restrictions, with due diligence costs eligible for gifts of land. This reimbursement grant emphasizes protecting strategic open spaces that provide public access and maintain ecological value.

The FY25 LAND Grant Program, managed by the Executive Office of Energy and Environmental Affairs (EEA), offers financial assistance to Massachusetts municipal conservation and agriculture commissions. The program supports the acquisition of conservation land to enhance outdoor recreation, conserve natural resources, and address climate change impacts. Eligible projects include purchases of land or conservation restrictions, and all properties acquired under this program are required to be open to the public for passive recreation. Grant renwed every year

Supports the construction, purchase, expansion, or upgrade of workforce or training-related infrastructure to better meet the needs of the offshore wind industry.

The Museum on Main Street (MoMS) program is a collaboration between the Smithsonian and Mass Humanities, bringing the "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" exhibit to rural communities in Massachusetts. This program aims to enhance local engagement by incorporating community-specific programming alongside the national exhibition. Each selected site will host the exhibit for six weeks from April 19, 2025, to February 1, 2026, and will develop six related programs. The initiative underscores the evolution of American democracy, with a particular focus on issues of representation, civic participation, and the responsibilities of citizenship.Key Dates: LOI opens March 11, 2024; LOI due May 10, 2024; Award Notification July 1, 2024; Voices and Votes Tour April 19, 2025, to February 1, 2026

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 track supports projects that examine the impact of climate change on communities within Massachusetts, highlighting local knowledge, experiences, and strategies for resilience. Offering up to $20,000, the grant focuses on narrative projects that use humanities methodologies to discuss climate-related changes and challenges. Projects should not include capital projects, feasibility studies, or collections preservation. Applicants must demonstrate how their work contributes to a broader understanding of climate impacts on local communities.

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.

Targeting projects led by members from historically excluded communities, this track offers specialized support including workshops and direct consultations. Focusing on equity and inclusion within Massachusetts narratives, the grant promotes projects that reinterpret recognized histories or highlight new stories. The funding, up to $20,000, supports up to 15 selected projects through a non-competitive review process, fostering equitable representation in the state’s cultural narrative. LOI April 5th

Focuses on funding new initiatives or expanding existing workforce training programs and studies in the offshore wind sector, with an emphasis on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEIJ) principles.

The City of Somerville’s New Small Business Vitality Grant is designed to provide crucial rental support for physical storefronts, offering up to 12 months of assistance ranging from $10,000 to $100,000, with a maximum of $50,000 in direct rental support covering both past and future rent expenses. This grant program, with a deadline of May 15, 2024, aims to bolster the economic stability and growth of small businesses within Somerville, Massachusetts. The overall mission alignment of this grant is to foster a vibrant local economy, support business longevity, and promote equitable development within the city. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are small, physical storefront businesses located in Somerville, Massachusetts, that have opened a new storefront on or after January 2023, or are intending to open in 2024. The program specifically targets businesses with fewer than 20 full-time employees and those operating in 5 or fewer locations, excluding franchises. The impact goals are to prevent business displacement, encourage new business growth, and support diverse ownership groups, ultimately contributing to a more resilient and inclusive local economy. During the review process, priority points are given to businesses that have not previously received City or State funding, those displaced due to "act of God" events or extreme rental increases since April 2020, and businesses that are immigrant-owned, women-owned, BIPOC-owned, veteran-owned, LGBTQIA-owned, or disability-owned. Additional priority is given to businesses within a Qualified Census Tract, those with fewer than 5 full-time employees, and Somerville resident-owned businesses. These priorities reflect a strategic focus on equity, supporting underserved communities, and addressing the challenges faced by truly small, local enterprises. Expected outcomes include a reduction in storefront vacancies, increased stability for new and vulnerable small businesses, and a more diverse landscape of business ownership in Somerville. Measurable results will likely involve tracking the number of businesses receiving support, their retention rates, and the demographic data of successful applicants. The City of Somerville's strategic priorities, as reflected in this grant, include fostering local economic development, promoting social equity, and building community resilience. The underlying theory of change is that by providing targeted rental assistance and prioritizing specific business types, the city can create a supportive environment where small businesses can thrive, generating local jobs and services, and contributing to the overall well-being of Somerville residents. Furthermore, the grant emphasizes local hiring, with awarded businesses agreeing to prioritize Somerville residents, especially low to moderate-income individuals, when suitable, reinforcing the community-centric approach.

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.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations that provide projects benefiting students, youth, the elderly, and individuals with physical or mental challenges, focusing on community enrichment, health, and social services.

The Agricultural Food Safety Improvement Program (AFSIP) is a reimbursement grant program aimed at supporting produce and aquaculture operations to enhance their food safety practices. The program's primary goal is to minimize microbial contamination and food-borne illnesses risks, thereby expanding market access for the operations. To be eligible, applicants must be produce or aquaculture operations as defined, own or lease the property for the project, be legally recognized within the Commonwealth, and have been managed as a commercial enterprise for at least three years prior to application. Applications are due by May 24, 2024, at 4:00 PM. The grant encompasses a comprehensive review process, including a Request for Response (RFR) outlining grant criteria, timelines, and expectations. Award decisions will be based on these criteria, and successful applicants will enter into a grant agreement with the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources (MDAR), with reimbursements made upon project completion and submission of required documentation.