Massachusetts Grants

The Chelsea Neighborhood Market & Food Business Grant Program aims to bolster the local food economy in Chelsea, MA, in response to increased food insecurity and economic turbulence exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic. Funded through the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) State and Local Fiscal Recovery Funds, the program provides $100,000 over three years to support Chelsea residents who are first-time entrepreneurs and food business owners interested in becoming vendors at Chelsea Neighborhood Market. The market, intended to create entrepreneurial opportunities and expand food retail options, will be located near residential areas and accessible by public transport. Eligibility is determined based on residency in Chelsea, operation or intention to operate a Chelsea-based food business, and a commitment to being a market vendor for at least three months. APPLY BY APRIL 9, 2024 FOR FIRST CONSIDERATION. APPLICATIONS ARE ACCEPTED ON A ROLLING BASIS UNTIL FUNDING IS EXPENDED.

This grant provides funding to U.S.-based non-profit organizations to support projects that promote Japanese arts and culture, particularly in areas with limited access to such events.

The MassDEP Reduce, Reuse, Repair Micro-Grant program offers grants of up to $10,000 to various entities, including for-profit and non-profit organizations, regional authorities, municipalities, and schools/colleges in Massachusetts. The program's core mission is to support short-term waste reduction projects across all counties within the state. This initiative directly aligns with a broader strategic goal of environmental protection by fostering sustainable practices and extending the lifespan of products, thereby diverting waste from landfills. The program's focus on reduction, reuse, and repair is a fundamental aspect of circular economy principles, which are critical to the foundation's theory of change in promoting a more sustainable Massachusetts. The program targets a diverse group of beneficiaries, including businesses, non-profits, governmental bodies, and educational institutions within Massachusetts. The primary impact goal is to significantly reduce waste generation and prolong product utility through donation, rescue, reuse, and repair activities. This aims to create a ripple effect, encouraging communities and organizations to adopt more environmentally responsible behaviors. By providing financial support for specific projects, MassDEP seeks to empower these entities to implement innovative solutions that contribute to a cleaner, more sustainable environment. The program prioritizes projects that directly contribute to waste reduction and product longevity. This includes initiatives such as purchasing inventory technology for operational efficiencies, developing programs for collecting and redistributing reusable items (clothing, electronics, home goods), implementing reusable transport packaging systems, converting to reusable food service ware, installing bulk dispensing systems, and establishing or expanding repair programs for furniture, appliances, electronics, and textiles. Additionally, the program supports the creation of food donation and distribution programs, community repair training, deconstruction initiatives, and the promotion of tool-lending libraries and community repair events. These diverse focuses ensure a comprehensive approach to waste reduction across various sectors and community needs. Expected outcomes include a measurable decrease in waste sent to landfills and an increase in the lifespan of various products through their reuse and repair. Projects are anticipated to result in enhanced operational efficiencies for participating organizations, greater accessibility to reusable goods for communities, and the establishment of new, or expansion of existing, waste reduction infrastructure. The program also aims to foster a culture of sustainability through education and community engagement, leading to long-term behavioral changes. Measurable results could include metrics on tons of waste diverted, number of items repaired or reused, and the reach of educational and training programs. Ultimately, these efforts contribute to MassDEP's strategic priority of promoting environmental stewardship and resource conservation across Massachusetts.

The 2024-25 Physical and Digital Infrastructure Security Grant Program for Health Care Practitioners, offered by the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services (Cal OES), aims to enhance physical facility and digital security for healthcare practitioners. This initiative aligns with a broader mission to safeguard healthcare services, particularly those related to abortion and reproductive health, which may be vulnerable to violence and vandalism. The program's core purpose is to mitigate security risks, ensuring uninterrupted and safe access to essential healthcare services for communities across California. The primary beneficiaries of this grant are currently licensed healthcare practitioners located in California who provide abortion-related services (or referrals) and reproductive health care services. This includes medical doctors, osteopathic doctors, licensed midwives, certified nurse-midwives, nurse practitioners, registered nurses, licensed vocational nurses, and physician assistants. A key impact goal is to create a more secure environment for these practitioners and their patients, thereby preserving access to critical reproductive health services. The program prioritizes security enhancements to protect against physical and digital threats. Eligible applicants must demonstrate that they provide abortion-related and reproductive health care services and are located in California. Health Care Practitioners who received an award from the FY 2022-23 DP Program are also eligible to reapply. The focus is on proactive measures to prevent violence and vandalism, fostering a safe operational space for healthcare providers. Expected outcomes include a measurable increase in the security infrastructure of participating healthcare facilities, both physically and digitally. The program anticipates that enhanced security will reduce incidents of violence and vandalism, leading to improved access to and continuity of abortion-related and reproductive health care services. With a total of $3 million available and individual grants up to $150,000, the program intends to achieve a widespread impact across California. The grant performance period runs from September 1, 2024, through December 31, 2026, allowing for significant improvements in the security landscape for these vital healthcare providers.

The Museum on Main Street grant program is a collaborative effort between the Smithsonian and Mass Humanities, designed to bring world-class exhibits to six rural communities across Massachusetts. This initiative directly aligns with Mass Humanities' mission to foster a more informed and engaged citizenry by making humanities accessible to a broad audience, particularly those in underserved areas. By partnering with the Smithsonian, Mass Humanities leverages a national resource to enrich local communities, demonstrating a strategic priority of community engagement and cultural enrichment through accessible programming. The primary target beneficiaries of this grant are rural communities in Massachusetts, specifically those with a population of 12,000 or less, as defined by the 2020 US Census. The program aims to empower these communities to host the "Voices and Votes: Democracy in America" tour, thereby promoting civic discourse and understanding of American democracy. The impact goals include increased community engagement with humanities topics, enhanced local cultural programming, and a deeper connection to historical and civic themes within participating towns. The program's priorities and focuses revolve around community-rooted programming. Grantees are expected to not only host the "Voices and Votes" exhibit but also to create supplementary programming that resonates with their local context and addresses relevant community issues. This emphasis on tailored, local initiatives reflects a theory of change where broad national themes are made meaningful and impactful through local interpretation and application, fostering a sense of ownership and relevance among residents. Expected outcomes include robust participation from diverse community members in the exhibit and related events. Measurable results could include the number of attendees at the exhibit and associated programs, feedback from participants on their learning and engagement, and the development of new community partnerships. The grant's structure, offering $10,000 to host sites, enables these communities to invest in the necessary resources for successful program implementation, reinforcing Mass Humanities' commitment to supporting sustainable cultural initiatives at the local level.

The Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources administers the Food Security Infrastructure Grant Program to strengthen the local food system, enhance equitable access to locally produced food, and improve resilience to supply and distribution disruptions. The program connects farmers, fishermen, and local producers to markets and builds the infrastructure required to produce and distribute healthy food efficiently and safely. Eligible projects are capital in nature and may include equipment purchases, contracted labor for implementation, and planning and design costs directly tied to capital improvements. Projects must address systemic inequities and expand access to fresh local food while improving the resiliency of the Commonwealths food system. Maximum funding per applicant is 500,000 dollars in both agriculture and local food system tracks. Applicants may be individuals, for profit entities, nonprofit organizations, municipalities, or other governmental entities that can meet application requirements and enter into contracts with the department. The grant period runs from July 1, 2024 to June 30, 2025, and projects must be located within Massachusetts with benefits to residents statewide. Applications are due May 2, 2024. Additional information is available from the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources.

The Massachusetts Food Ventures Program (MFVP) is a grant program designed to enhance access to healthy, affordable food options and generate economic opportunities within low to moderate income communities. It aligns with a broader mission to implement the goals of the Massachusetts Local Food Action Plan and contribute to the financial needs of local Massachusetts food enterprises. The program’s strategic approach emphasizes expanding investment to improve access to Massachusetts grown, harvested, or caught food products through the development of collaborations between local agricultural enterprises and private/public entities. The primary target beneficiaries of the MFVP are low to moderate income communities, including Gateway Cities and rural communities within Massachusetts. The program aims to improve commercial food access and distribution in these areas. The expected outcomes include increased availability of Massachusetts-produced foods, creation of new permanent jobs, greater access to affordable fresh food, and year-round access to diverse food production and distribution. The overall impact goal is to strengthen the local food system and foster equitable access to healthy food options. Key areas of investment for the MFVP include food processing infrastructure to meet the needs of the expanding local food system, improved distribution systems to support equitable access to fresh local food, and retail outlet strategies that enhance access to healthy food. Specific project types considered eligible reflect these priorities, such as the creation of commercial food processing infrastructure benefiting low and moderate income households, innovative proposals by commercial food commissaries that connect local farms, proposals for construction or renovation of food co-ops, development of greenhouses and farmers’ markets, and capital for food hubs. Additionally, the program focuses on innovative projects for commercial markets that connect local food producers and partners to develop or renovate large-scale retail markets for healthy, locally produced food. Mobile markets and other innovative market initiatives are also supported to purchase, design, and upgrade vehicles that provide healthy Massachusetts food. Each of these focus areas is intended to directly contribute to the program's theory of change, which posits that strategic investments in food infrastructure, distribution, and retail will lead to improved food access and economic opportunities for underserved communities. Applicants eligible for the MFVP include Massachusetts Municipalities, Massachusetts Non-Profit or For-Profit Organizations, and Individual Residents of Massachusetts. The program specifically excludes funding for audits, feasibility studies, design work, operation or maintenance costs, and reimbursement for already completed projects or staff/consultant time on proposals for completed projects. This ensures that the grants are directed towards new investments and initiatives that directly support the program’s objectives.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF), managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), seeks to restore the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. This grant program, with approximately $12 million available in 2024, aligns with the foundation's mission by supporting efforts to test innovative conservation approaches, deliver transformative projects, and engage communities that value and protect the Sound. Major funding is provided by EPA through the LISS, with additional support from the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, Natural Resources Conservation Service, and Zoetis Foundation, demonstrating a collaborative strategic approach to environmental conservation. The LISFF targets a broad range of beneficiaries, including non-profit 501(c) organizations, state government agencies, local and municipal governments, Tribal Governments and Organizations, and educational institutions. The impact goals are centered on improving water quality, enhancing and restoring coastal habitats, and fostering sustainable and resilient communities around the Long Island Sound. The program’s strategic priorities are guided by the Long Island Sound Comprehensive Conservation and Management Plan 2020-2024 Update (CCMP), which emphasizes three core themes: Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds, Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife, and Sustainable and Resilient Communities. Cross-cutting principles of resiliency to climate change, long-term sustainability, and environmental justice are also integral to the program's theory of change. Under the "Clean Waters and Healthy Watersheds" theme, the program prioritizes reducing nitrogen pollution, combined sewer overflows, impervious cover, stormwater runoff, and point and nonpoint source loading. This includes funding for "shovel-ready" projects that result in quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly those addressing water quality at a larger scale. Planning activities, such as community engagement, feasibility studies, site assessments, conceptual design, and final design and permitting, are also supported. Projects in the Upper Basin states (MA, NH, VT) are specifically focused on quantifiable nitrogen/nutrient prevention with a documented benefit to Long Island Sound. The "Thriving Habitats and Abundant Wildlife" theme focuses on enhancing or restoring coastal habitats to maintain resilience and function, supporting fish, bird, and wildlife populations, and sustaining the Sound's ecological balance. This involves implementing "shovel-ready" habitat restoration and nature-based or green-gray hybrid resilience projects, as well as planning activities for such projects. The program also aims to foster diverse, balanced, and abundant populations of fish, birds, and wildlife, encouraging proposals that consider the LISS Habitat Restoration Guidelines. The "Sustainable and Resilient Communities" theme supports vibrant, informed, and engaged communities through projects that offer hands-on conservation experiences. Expected outcomes include quantifiable pollutant reductions, enhanced and restored coastal habitats, increased resilience to climate change, and more engaged communities actively participating in the Sound's protection and sustainability. For water quality projects, measurable results will include quantifiable pollutant prevention, particularly nitrogen/nutrient reductions. For habitat projects, long-term maintenance plans and ecological improvements are expected. The LISFF's strategic framework, rooted in the CCMP, aims to accelerate local and regional water quality improvements, natural resource restoration, coastal resilience, environmental justice, and community outreach, ultimately leading to a healthier, more productive, and resilient Long Island Sound for both people and wildlife.

Grants are aimed at supporting and promoting quality educational, human services, and health care programming for underserved populations, with a special focus on organizations that serve city of Lynn and the North Shore of Massachusetts. Requests for general operating support, program support, and small, program-related capital expenses are encouraged.

The Washington Trust Charitable Foundation awards grants to 501(c)(3) organizations located within its market area, covering Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and southeastern Connecticut. The Foundation's grants support a wide array of initiatives including affordable housing, business and economic development, youth and family services, health and human service organizations, arts and cultural institutions, educational entities, environmental groups, and scholarship programs. Notably, the Foundation contributes to local education through scholarships at Providence College, Bryant University, and the University of Rhode Island, facilitating students' access to higher education. The Foundation is a strong supporter of the United Way, reflecting its commitment to community welfare through employee contributions and volunteerism. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: October 1st. Grant awarded in January

First Literacy awards grants to stimulate and support the development, trial, and implementation of innovative Adult Basic Education and English for Speakers of Other Languages resources and practices in Massachusetts. The program invests in ideas that improve educational and professional outcomes for adult learners and that may not be eligible for state or other major funding. Grant types include Program Grants for project based innovations, Organization Wide Grants for larger scale curricula, systems, training, or teacher improvement, and Incentive Grants for second year replication or for assisting another organization to replicate a program. Program grant caps are generally 5,000 dollars for returning organizations and 7,500 dollars for organizations that have not received funding in the past ten years. Organization Wide Grants are up to 15,000 dollars and include robust data reporting plans. The grant period is July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Projects should demonstrate lasting impact in ABE schools and organizations and include clear evaluation and data collection plans. Eligibility is open to not for profit ABE and ESOL organizations in Massachusetts. Applications are due May 2, 2024. Additional information is available from First Literacy.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots community groups in New England that focus on environmental initiatives and social justice, providing financial assistance for projects led by volunteers or small teams.

This program provides funding to the City of Malden for home rehabilitation, social services, and community improvements that primarily benefit low- and moderate-income residents.

The Child Health Research Awards Program by the Charles H. Hood Foundation aims to advance child health by providing grant support to newly independent faculty within New England-based pediatric researchers. The program offers two-year grants of $200,000 ($100,000 per year inclusive of 10% indirects) to researchers who are within five (PhD scientists) or seven (physician-scientists) years of employment following completion of training. The grants support hypothesis-driven clinical, basic science, public health, health services research, and epidemiology projects focused on child health. Application deadlines occur in the spring and fall of each year, with funding beginning every January 1st and July 1st. For complete eligibility requirements and application guidelines, visit CharlesHoodFoundation.org.

This program provides funding to Massachusetts-based clean technology startups and academic institutions for projects that advance innovations in areas like high performance buildings, clean transportation, offshore wind, and net zero grid technologies.

Community Engagement Planning Grants in Massachusetts aim to provide support to community-based organizations, municipalities, and other entities to facilitate meaningful community input in the development and deployment of solar energy projects owned by electric and gas distribution companies. The program goals include enabling informed community engagement, providing flexible funding for stakeholder meetings and public participation incentives, building capacity for future collaboration in clean energy projects, creating a framework for robust future community engagement, and facilitating discussions with diverse stakeholders.

This grant provides financial support to nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life for residents of Martha’s Vineyard and Falmouth through projects in education, health, culture, and community services.

SMAC Quick Support for Organizations in Minnesota provides grants of up to $2,500 for planning and small projects. The grant is available to nonprofit organizations within the eighteen counties of the SW MN Arts Council service region or on tribal lands within their service area. Applicants may choose from five project types including Art Legacy Project planning, Small arts project, Small equipment purchase, Arts organization development, and Arts organization start-up. For more information, visit Southwest Minnesota Arts Council.

This grant provides financial support to community-based nature and land conservation organizations in New England and upper New York State to advance impactful conservation projects that benefit the environment and local communities.

This program provides financial support to small businesses in Taunton with fewer than 10 employees, helping them improve their digital capabilities and customer engagement through upgraded technology and enhanced online presence.