Massachusetts Private Grants

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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.

Museum on Main Street is a unique partnership between the Smithsonian and Mass Humanities that brings world-class exhibits to six rural communities in the state. Donor Name: Mass Humanities State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/10/2024 Size of the Grant: $1000 to $10,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: Mass Humanities Museum on Main Street grants offer $10,000 for sites to host the 2025-2026 tour Voices and Votes: Democracy in America and create programming rooted in their community. Voice and Votes will be in Massachusetts from April 19, 2025, to February 1, 2026. Eligibility Criteria Applicant organizations must: Be a 501(c)(3), non-profit, fiscally sponsored association, state or federally recognized tribe, or non-federal government organization. Serve Massachusetts residents in a rural community (defined as a population of 12,000 people or less according to the 2020 US Census). Be in compliance with state and federal regulations which bar discrimination on the basis of race, gender, religious creed, color, national origin, ancestry, disability, age, or sexual orientation, and which require accessibility for persons with disabilities. Specifically: The Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 (ADA) Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 (Section 504) Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964 Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972 The Age Discrimination Act of 1975 Not have a currently open grant with Mass Humanities with the exception of 2024 Reading Frederick Douglass Together grants. For more information, visit Mass Humanities.

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

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 First Literacy Grants provide funding that stimulates and supports the development, trial, and implementation of innovative and impactful Adult Basic Education (ABE) resources and practices. Donor Name: First Literacy State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/02/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: 1 Year Details: Priorities To fund innovative and impactful ideas that will improve educational and professional outcomes for the students of ABE organizations. To fund ideas that may not be able to be funded through Massachusetts Department of Elementary & Secondary Education (DESE) or other major funding sources. To fund ideas that will have a lasting impact in ABE schools and organizations. Grant Levels First Literacy is offering three (3) types of grants: Program Grants, Organization Wide Grants and Incentive Grants Program Grants- Program grants provide funding for the development, trial, and implementation of innovative and impactful ABE or ESOL teaching and learning resources and practices that are project-based, fresh approaches to instruction, curriculum and staff development, and related areas. New Organizations Organizations that have not received a First Literacy Grant in the past ten years are eligible to apply for up to $7,500 in the first year of the proposed project. Returning Organization Organizations that received a First Literacy Grant in the past ten years can apply for up to $5,000 in the first year of the proposed project. Organization-Wide Grants These grants provide funding for innovative ideas for larger-scale, organization-wide curricula, systems, training, and/or teacher improvement. Grants of up to $15,000 are available and priority is given to projects with a robust data reporting plan. Incentive Grants Second Year Grant- Organizations that received First Literacy funding for the first year of a project are eligible to apply for up to half of their first-year grant amount in a second year of funding. Organizations applying for a second-year grant must replicate the program with fidelity in year two including capturing pertinent data and reporting that to First Literacy. Organizations apply for a second-year grant using the main grant application, along the same time as the program and organizational grants Program Replication Grant- Your organization and another organization can each receive $1,000 if: You assist a second organization in implementing your grant idea/program. Both organizations must submit a brief letter of intent to apply for this grant along with the FY 25 grant cycle. Project Period The grant period is from July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025. Eligibility Criteria Grants are open to all not-for-profit Adult Basic Education (ABE) and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) organizations in Massachusetts. For more information, visit First Literacy.

Established in 1957, the Perpetual Trust for Charitable Giving focuses on enhancing educational, human services, and health care programs for underserved populations in Massachusetts (MA). A significant portion of its funds is allocated to medical aid, medical research, and higher education institutions. Grant applications, due by August 1, can include general operating support, program support, and small capital expenses related to programs. Multi-year funding requests are encouraged to bolster the capacity of nonprofits. Preference is given to services for marginalized groups, community-focused organizations, and smaller grassroots entities. Grant renewed every year. Annual deadline: August 1st

This funding opportunity provides financial support for the construction or renovation of affordable housing and services aimed at helping older adults live with dignity and independence, particularly in the Greater Boston area.

This funding opportunity provides financial support for organizations that offer affordable housing and essential services to help older adults in the Greater Boston area live with dignity and independence.

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 in Massachusetts for projects that address health, education, housing, community services, and cultural initiatives.

This grant provides funding to nonprofit organizations focused on improving community well-being through initiatives in affordable housing, financial literacy, food security, health and wellness, and veteran support.

This grant provides financial support to organizations in Lincoln, Massachusetts, for projects that improve community services, cultural activities, and educational assistance for local residents.

The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation is seeking organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community in Massachusetts to apply for the 2024 grantmaking cycle. Donor Name: The Boston Foundation State: Massachusetts County: All Counties Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: $10,000 to $100,000 Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The Asian Community Fund at the Boston Foundation is a permanent resource designed to develop, strengthen and support Asian American and Pacific Islander (AAPI) community power in Massachusetts, to galvanize and unite the diverse ethnicities within this community, and to build a stronger advocacy voice. The Fund seeks to advocate for equal access to all aspects of their society and collaborate with other communities of color and oppressed communities to build collective strengths to overcome injustice and racism. ACF’s grantmaking approach focuses on strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem across Massachusetts and advancing policy and systems change. Through its grantmaking, ACF strives to catalyze new partnerships, expand the capacity of the local AAPI nonprofit and business sectors, and respond to emerging community needs. To this end, ACF encourages applicants to form cross-agency partnerships, collaborate with other communities, and mobilize multiple groups around a shared opportunity.  Funding Considerations Grants will be made for general operating support to organizations and/or projects that primarily serve the AAPI community in Massachusetts. Grants will range from $5,000 to $15,000. Applicants will be notified of funding decisions in June 2024. Funding will support the following types of work: Convening- Bringing communities together to elevate AAPI visibility, belonging, and narrative change, with a focus on advancing solidarity and partnerships. Catalyzing- Fueling new collaborations or innovations to tackle systemic gaps and opportunities facing AAPI residents in Massachusetts. Capacity Building– Expanding the reach and impact of programs that advance policy and systems change. Eligibility Criteria Applicants must be 501(c)3 nonprofit organizations based in Massachusetts or have a qualifying fiscal agent with 501(c)3 status. Applicants will be evaluated based on the organization’s mission, impact, and alignment to ACF’s goals of strengthening the broader AAPI community ecosystem and advancing systems change. Priority will be given to organizations that serve underrepresented AAPI ethnicities and geographical regions, organizations that have not previously received funding from ACF/TBF, and grassroots community organizations. Organizations receiving funding will share their experience and impact of the grant in summer 2025 via a phone call with ACF staff or a brief survey. For more information, visit The Boston Foundation.

Career Readiness and Educational Access Grant Program focuses on preparing local residents for family-supporting jobs through career-related training, post-secondary education and other educational initiatives. Donor Name: Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts State: Massachusetts City: Selected Cities Type of Grant: Grant Deadline: 05/17/2024 Size of the Grant: Not Available Grant Duration: Grant Duration Not Mentioned Details: The objective of the grant is to advance the economic wellness of residents of North Central Massachusetts by increasing their access to education and effective career development initiatives. Priorities include: Scholarship programs that foster career pathways Career exploration Career navigation support systems Work-based learning programs Intermediaries that connect stakeholders to career advancement resources and services Requirements The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts supports programs, projects, and initiatives within 33-community region that address the Community Foundation’s goals and action areas executed by non-profit organizations or municipal governments and align with the applicant’s mission. Proposals for competitive grants should address each of the following principles: Capacity for impact: Demonstrate capacity and potential for achieving and sustaining long-term impact. Plan of action: Include a plan of action with evidence that the plan is likely to achieve its intended outcomes. Measuring impact: Include measurable objectives and outcomes with a plan to monitor progress. For more information, visit CFNCM.