Best Boston Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Annual Community Impact Grants program by Fallon Health provides funding between $5,000 and $45,000 to support new or existing programs addressing critical community needs. Focus areas include food security, support for older adults, and early intervention for children and youth. Emphasizing collaboration and sustainability, the program aims to enhance access to essential services, particularly in Massachusetts, ensuring the well-being of underserved populations.

The H+H Stone Fellowship, offered by the Handel and Haydn Society, is a unique two-year program designed for early-career musicians in period instrument performance. This fellowship emphasizes diversity and inclusion, especially encouraging musicians from underrepresented socio-cultural backgrounds. Participants will receive mentorship, training, and performance opportunities, fostering their artistic growth within a vibrant musical community in Boston. Applications are open to string instrumentalists through a competitive audition process, with a focus on creating a more equitable field in classical music.

The Moses Kimball Fund Grant supports nonprofit organizations providing job opportunities for minorities and disadvantaged individuals in Greater Boston, or facilitating connections between educational institutions and community members in need. Applications are accepted annually from June 1st to March 1st. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organizations. This grant aims to empower underserved populations and promote educational outreach.

Swim Safe Access Grant Program

Mayor Michelle Wu, the Office of Human Services (OHS), and the Boston Centers for Youth & Families are pleased to announce applications are now being accepted for the Swim Safe Access Grant. Through this competitive grant application, up to $150,000 will be awarded to Boston nonprofit organizations to provide free beginner swim lessons to Boston youth. 

Swim Safe Boston seeks to improve water safety in Boston, address the public health threat posed by drowning, and increase access to swimming for Boston families. Drowning is the leading cause of death among children in the U.S. according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Swim lessons are one effective strategy to reduce drowning risk; some studies estimate that swim lessons can cut a child’s risk of drowning by up to 90 percent. Providing lessons that are free and easily accessible to families lowers barriers to access, especially for low-income residents.  

The Swim Safe access grants are competitive grants. Award totals will be based on the projected number of youth who are expected to be served by the swim lesson program. The per-youth cost may not exceed $200 for a series of beginner swim lessons. Beginner swim lessons shall be defined as Red Cross Level 1 and Level 2 Swim Lessons. Grant payments will be issued on a cost-reimbursement basis. 

The maximum award that will be considered for this round of Swim Safe funding is $50,000, although most awards are expected to be in the range of $10,000–$25,000. Awards will vary in size based on the number of youth that the program anticipates it will serve. Any funding awarded must be used to fund programming that will be completed before the end of August 2026. The City may award full funding, partial funding or no funding. Swim Safe will prioritize non-profit applicants that operate pool locations in Boston, have an established track record of offering aquatics programming to Boston residents, and are able to collect and submit data on program outcomes. 

Total Amount Available for Grant Program: $150,000

Award Amount per Grant per Organization: Up to $50,000; The Swim Safe Boston grants will award up to $150,000 to nonprofits providing free beginner swim lessons to Boston residents. The maximum grant award is $50,000. Awards will vary in size. Nonprofit organizations or those using a fiscal sponsor are invited to apply. Please read the eligibility and program requirements carefully.

The B.A.A. Gives Back Grant Program, established by the Boston Athletic Association, supports nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts that promote health and fitness through running. Grants ranging from $5,000 to $15,000 are awarded annually to initiatives that enhance community engagement and wellness. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) registered or public agencies and align with the B.A.A.’s mission to foster healthy lifestyles. This initiative plays a crucial role in expanding access to sports and building vibrant communities across Greater Boston.

The Bayer Fund: Food & Nutrition Grant supports high-quality programs that combat malnutrition and improve access to nutritious foods, particularly for underserved communities and families with young children. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government units. The fund prioritizes long-term behavioral change towards healthy eating and nutrition, with grants typically not exceeding 25% of an organization's operating budget. International requests start at $25,000, fostering sustainable food security and education initiatives.

The A.C. Ratshesky Foundation Grant for Workforce Development aims to empower economically disadvantaged individuals and families by providing essential educational and vocational services. Prioritizing programs that enhance skills and foster self-sufficiency, the foundation supports initiatives like job placement, training, and employer partnerships. Grants typically range from $10,000 to $25,000, focusing on organizations that can effectively utilize these funds to promote long-term employment and economic security in Metro Boston communities.

The John W. Alden Trust Grant supports organizations in Eastern Massachusetts that provide care and services to children and youth (ages 0-24) with disabilities or those at risk due to social factors. Grants can fund capacity building, program support, and more, but applicants must demonstrate a focus on high-risk youth and meet specific criteria. The Trust emphasizes sustainability and may require matching funds for grant approval.

The Jean Griswold Foundation

The Jean Griswold Foundation (JGF) is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Caregivers through educational opportunities and scholarships. 

Our Mission

The mission of the Jean Griswold Foundation is to support Caregivers by providing educational scholarships* to enable them to further their training, enhance their careers, and better assist the clients they serve.

By offering educational scholarships*, our Foundation will not only make a positive impact on the Caregivers themselves, but also the clients they assist and the home healthcare agencies where they are employed, as well as help advance the overarching home-care industry.

Scholarships will be paid directly to the federally accredited educational institutions of the winning Scholars’ choosing.

Empowering Caregivers Through Education

The Jean Griswold Foundation Scholarship Program awards scholarships to deserving Caregivers who wish to further their education in a care-related field. Applicants do not have to be associated with Griswold in any way, and the funds will be paid directly to the institution where the caregiver will be receiving education.  

Our Winter 2026 Scholarship Application period is now open! Applications will be accepted until 11:59pm ET August 31, 2026. Join our email list to get the first notice of all Scholarship happenings.  

Where would we be without Caregivers? 

Their selflessness is astounding, yet they are often overlooked and underappreciated. 

The Jean Griswold Foundation is dedicated to supporting Caregivers, the backbone of the care industry. We provide educational scholarships so Care Professionals can further their training, enhance their skills, elevate their careers, and better assist the people they serve.

The Schrafft Charitable Trust offers grants to nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts focused on youth development. Prioritizing those serving underserved populations aged 6-21, the Trust supports programs that enhance educational, artistic, and economic opportunities. New grantees must submit a Letter of Intent if they haven't received funding in the last three years. The Trust aims to foster paths to independence through community-driven initiatives, promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in its funding decisions.

The Gould Charitable Foundation Grant supports 501(c)(3) organizations in Boston and Kansas City. The foundation prioritizes innovative projects that can make a significant impact, particularly those with high leveraging potential and long-term benefits. Areas of interest include elder services, environmental stewardship, health care, personal rights, disadvantaged training, children's welfare, and women's issues. Applications are accepted year-round, with a focus on projects that offer valuable community enhancements.

The Nellie Mae Event Sponsorship Fund supports one-time events that promote education justice and racial equity in New England. Organizations targeting local communities, with annual budgets under $2 million, can apply for funding for events scheduled in 2025 or early 2026. The foundation prioritizes public entities and 501(c)3 educational organizations, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. Note that operational costs and online fundraising are not eligible for funding.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

METCO Program

Purpose

The purpose of the state-funded Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) Program is to expand educational opportunities by fostering the opportunity for children from Boston and Springfield to attend public schools in neighboring communities for students to develop a deeper understanding of one another in an integrated public school setting. The METCO program provides students of participating school districts the opportunity to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse setting.

Priorities

The priorities of this fund source are to provide Boston and Springfield students further opportunities to achieve at high levels the learning standards of the state curriculum frameworks and enrich both the urban and suburban communities by providing opportunities and support for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Applicants for this grant opportunity should be deliberate and intentional in the use of grant funds to support the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) standards and priorities. Specifically, this program may include, but not be limited to, the following priorities:

• Academic & mental health supports for METCO students, including: 1) Regular day and after-school tutoring and mentoring programs. 2) Initiatives that bridge opportunity gaps between and within METCO program students and in-district resident students. 3) Other programs and services that support family engagement and community engagement events.

• Hiring needs and professional development for METCO community members (all school and district-based staff and students), designed to support racial integration efforts, including: 1) Professional development geared towards building a culturally and linguistically responsive school culture that contributes to increased cross-cultural and racial understanding. 2) Professional development for new and current METCO staff, and 3) Memberships to and participation in professional organizations focused on diversity and reducing racial imbalance within METCO school communities.

• Transportation

Fund Use

Grant funds must be aligned to the purpose of this grant (see "Purpose" section) and priorities (see "Priorities" section). Funds may be used for local district costs incurred as a result of the participation of Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO students, Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO transportation costs, and for supplemental services that will contribute in a measurable way to enhanced educational opportunities and academic achievement, as well as enrichment.

Funds can be used to supplement but not supplant the costs of district participation in Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO. All budgets must be reviewed and approved by the district Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO leader. 

The Immigration Legal Access Grant Program, initiated by the City of Boston Office of Immigrant Advancement, aims to provide essential legal assistance to immigrants navigating the complex U.S. immigration system. With a total funding of $900,000, this program supports nonprofit organizations that offer services such as legal orientation, consultations, and representation. By prioritizing organizations with licensed attorneys, the program seeks to enhance access to justice for Boston’s immigrant communities, especially in light of recent policy changes.

Better Beaches Grant Program

Since 2008, Save the Harbor/Save the Bay has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) to award small grants to local organizations and artists to activate the region’s public beaches through free events and programs on DCR beaches in Nahant, Lynn, Revere, Winthrop, East Boston, South Boston, Dorchester, Quincy, and Hull. 

The goal of the Better Beaches Grant Program is to give decision-making power directly to community members over community spaces. We do this by allocating state funds to organizations and individuals to host free events and programs on public beaches. It creates opportunities for people who may not already be visiting the beach, or who face barriers to accessing the beach, to enjoy these shared waterfront spaces. 

Whether you are part of an organization, collective, or are a creative individual with a vision for a more diverse and activated waterfront, the Better Beaches Grant Program may be for you! Grant applicants can come from any community, so long as their proposed event takes place on one of our region’s public DCR beaches from Nahant down to Hull. 

For the 2026 beach season, we will be allocating over $300,000 in small grants ranging from $2,500 – $8,500 per grantee.

What we fund?

The Better Beaches Grant Program supports a diverse range of public events and programs that celebrate and engage communities on Boston Harbor beaches. 

Grant funds must go toward events and programs that: 

• Are FREE to the public
• Take place on DCR public beaches and beachfront parks. For a full list of which beaches and beach-front parks, see below. 
• Happen between June 1 – September 30, 2026

Better Beaches grant funds can support a wide variety of events, including: youth and family fun days, cultural festivals, science and learning programs, music and dance events, kayaking, swimming, fishing, book groups and literacy programs, community resources, art classes and markets, self-care and wellness events, fitness and sports classes, and more. Get creative! Projects may be one-time events, a series, or recurring gatherings.

City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant 

As the epicenter of the City of Boston, City Hall Plaza is a place where residents, visitors, and newcomers can participate in arts and cultural events. In response to the ongoing impacts of space inequity and the loss of cultural venues across Boston, the Mayor’s Office of Arts & Culture (MOAC) will provide grants to support programs and events at City Hall Plaza. Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, MOAC aims to highlight culturally responsive programming that uplifts Boston's diverse communities while repositioning City Hall Plaza as a site for creative growth, capacity-building, and civic belonging.    

City Hall Plaza, formerly known as Scollay Square was once a thriving community intersection filled with artists, activists, sports legends, and cultural venues. Following a redevelopment in the 1950s, many people were left without spaces to gather, work, or create. Today, many organizations and artists continue to experience similar impacts contributing to artist displacement and the downsizing of programs that once served communities across the city.

Through the City Hall Plaza Engagement Grant, MOAC aims to highlight culturally responsive programming that uplifts Boston's diverse communities while repositioning City Hall Plaza as a site for creative growth, capacity-building, and civic belonging.

Funding Structure

Tier One:

• $15,000 or less
• Budgets under $15,000 will fund programmatic costs, such as performing artists fees, photographers/videographers, graphic designers and social media campaigns

Tier Two:

• $15,000-$30,000
• Budgets over $15,000 will fund programmatic costs listed in tier one as well as additional partnerships, contractors or production companies during the planning and development stages.

Tier Three:

• $30,000-60,000
• Budgets above $30,000 will fund general programming costs listed in tier one as well as production costs of small to medium size festivals, a recurring series of programs, or cultural markets. At this tier we encourage at least one community partnership during the planning, development, or production stages.

Tier Four

• $60,000-$100,000
• Budgets above $60,000 will fund programmatic costs of tier three as well as programs that require larger scale production or a standing residency on the plaza with events offered throughout the year. This tier must also include a partnership with a production company as well as individual artists to collaborate during the planning, development, or production stages. No more than two applicants will be awarded grants in Tier Four.  

The Eversource Energy Foundation Grants support community initiatives by providing funding to organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 and require annual reapplication. Organizations must be based within the service territory and hold a 501(c)(3) designation. The Foundation prioritizes projects focused on community wellness, education, clean energy, and economic development while avoiding support for political, fraternal, or discriminatory activities.

The State Street Foundation Grant supports nonprofits and NGOs that promote economic opportunity and reduce equity gaps in education and employability. Organizations seeking funding must operate in areas where State Street has a business presence and demonstrate a commitment to diversity and inclusion. The foundation prioritizes measurable outcomes and focuses on racial equity and social justice, ensuring that grants support initiatives that foster community engagement and sustainable impact.

About Grow Boston

GrowBoston is the City of Boston's Office of Urban Agriculture, and part of the Mayor's Office of Housing (MOH). MOH has been supporting the development of community gardens, urban farms, food forests, and other open spaces for more than 25 years through the Grassroots Program, which is now part of GrowBoston. GrowBoston works to increase community gardens, urban farms, and other food-growing spaces throughout Boston; support innovative food production strategies; provide technical assistance to prospective and existing gardens and farms; develop resources for gardeners, farmers, and other residents; and coordinate with other City departments associated with food production in Boston.

GrowBoston Garden Supplies Grant

GrowBoston is offering a total of $50,000.00 for community gardens, nonprofit gardens that are communally operated, and food forests to purchase tools, equipment, seeds, seedlings, compost, equipment, and other garden supplies for communal use. These supplies must be stored and maintained by the garden organization and made available to all gardeners. The public purpose of this grant program is to invest in Boston’s community gardens and food forests and assist residents to grow their own food. 

Total Amount Available for Grant Program:

• $50,000.00

Award Amount per Grant per Organization:

• Organizations may apply for a maximum of $2,000 per garden site or food forest. If an organization wishes to purchase supplies for multiple sites, they may. 

The HRA: Deborah Munroe Noonan Memorial Research Fund Grant, established in 1947, offers up to $160,000 in two-year grants to enhance the lives of children and adolescents with disabilities. Sponsored by Health Resources in Action, the grant supports innovative research and evaluation projects focused on health equity and community engagement in the Greater Boston area. This initiative fosters collaborative efforts between nonprofits and academic institutions to address the unique challenges faced by this vulnerable population.

The Free for All Endowment Fund Grant by the Boston Foundation aims to provide access to classical orchestral music for all residents of the Boston region. Nonprofit organizations demonstrating community connection and diverse programming are encouraged to apply. This initiative seeks to foster cultural enrichment and support transformational change in the classical music landscape, ensuring that families and individuals can enjoy regular engagement with the arts.

The Fidelity Foundation Grant supports nonprofit organizations that aim for high impact in areas like Arts, Education, and Health. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) organizations with operating budgets over $1 million and project budgets of at least $100,000. The foundation seeks transformative projects that enhance efficiency and sustainability. However, it does not fund start-up organizations, capital campaigns without prior support, or emergency funding, ensuring a focus on long-term effectiveness.

The Forest Foundation Regional Grant supports new and emerging non-profits in Greater Boston, focusing on leadership development for undergraduate students. With grants ranging from $2,000 to $8,000, the foundation aims to assist small social service agencies that address critical needs within under-resourced communities, particularly youth and families. The application process is by invitation only, encouraging collaboration among non-profits and emphasizing direct community impact.

The A.C. Ratshesky Foundation Grant focuses on supporting economically disadvantaged individuals and families through active learning programs for preteens and teens. It prioritizes initiatives that foster skills development and self-sufficiency, offering grants ranging from $10,000 to $25,000. Eligible organizations must serve the Metro Boston area and demonstrate a commitment to youth development. The foundation does not support individuals or large-scale initiatives but values programs that provide meaningful, hands-on learning experiences.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

The Bank of America Charitable Foundation focuses on improving economic mobility and social progress through partnerships with nonprofits. It prioritizes basic needs, income creation, stable housing, and community empowerment. By supporting vulnerable populations, the foundation aims to enable individuals to achieve their goals and contribute positively to their communities. The foundation emphasizes sustainable progress, ensuring that all community members have access to essential resources and opportunities for growth.

The Brown Rudnick Community Grants program aims to support front-line educational workers in underserved communities across cities like Boston and New York. With grants up to $2,000, it addresses immediate educational needs that traditional funding overlooks. This initiative encourages collaboration with educators to enhance learning environments and foster positive change, ensuring that impactful projects receive the necessary support to thrive within a year of funding.