Best Dukes County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Fall Grant Cycle Pilot 

The 2026 Fall Grant Cycle Pilot is the second cycle in the SouthCoast Community Foundation’s new biannual grantmaking approach. Building on the Spring pilot and feedback from nonprofits, community partners, and reviewers, the Fall cycle offers a streamlined application for funding opportunities supporting a range of community needs across the SouthCoast. 

In 2026, the SouthCoast Community Foundation began piloting a biannual grant cycle, with funding opportunities offered in the spring and fall. The new approach is intended to provide greater predictability and a more accessible application process for nonprofits, while helping the Foundation gather information about community needs and the reach of its funding.  

The 2026 Fall Grant Cycle will help us identify what is working, gather feedback from applicants and grantees, and refine the process for the 2027 Spring Grant Cycle.   

Program Areas

Funding is available for organizations and requests addressing one or more of the following areas: 

Basic Human Needs and Family Stability – including food access and food security, housing stability, utilities and other essential household needs, and services that help individuals and families meet basic needs. 

Youth Development and Recreation – including positive youth development, enrichment activities, and recreation. 

Education – including programs and services that improve educational opportunities and outcomes for children, youth, and adults. 

Health and Wellness – including programs and services that improve physical, mental, or community health and well-being. 

Economic Self-Sufficiency – including services that help individuals and families increase financial stability, employment opportunities, or economic independence. 

Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment – including prevention, intervention, treatment, and support for children and families. 

Domestic Violence Services – including services and support for individuals and families affected by domestic violence. 

Arts and Culture – including arts and cultural programs that expand participation in the arts, strengthen community well-being, engage residents, and use arts and culture to respond to community needs. 

Nonprofit organizations serving children, adolescents, and young adults with intellectual disabilities, learning disabilities, mental illness, or substance use disorders in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for grants of US $15,000 - US $50,000 to support programs and services. Grants from Peter & Elizabeth C Tower Foundation help strengthen community programming and organizational capacity in these focus areas.

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 Coastal Resilience Grant Program, managed by the Massachusetts Department of Energy & Environmental Affairs, aims to support coastal communities facing challenges from storms, flooding, and climate change. This program offers financial and technical assistance for projects that enhance understanding of climate impacts, conduct vulnerability assessments, and implement adaptation strategies. Eligible applicants include municipalities, nonprofits, and recognized tribes, focusing on proactive planning, public outreach, and shoreline restoration to ensure resilience against future climate threats.

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.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing social services to fishermen, their families, or low-income elders in coastal Massachusetts communities, including Dukes County, may be eligible for this annual grant. Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston provides primarily operating or program support, with preference for housing stability, homelessness prevention, and independent living services in traditional fishing communities.

Nonprofit and public organizations addressing estuary habitat loss, coastal resilience, water quality, or invasive species in eligible NEP watershed areas can seek US $200,000 - US $500,000 for restoration and protection projects. Dukes County, Massachusetts environmental nonprofits may be eligible if their work falls within one of the designated National Estuary Program boundary areas.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and local government agencies serving Dukes County, Massachusetts can seek US $1,000 - US $25,000 for community-focused programs through the PEMV: Community and Impact Grants. Focused on arts and culture, community services, health, and the environment, Martha’s Vineyard Community Foundation supports well-planned projects that benefit Martha’s Vineyard residents.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community development projects in Dukes County, Massachusetts may be eligible for funding. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits within its geographic footprint build partnerships that improve economic wellbeing and quality of life in local communities.

The Sullivan Family Foundation Grant provides support for organizations dedicated to enhancing the lives of people and animals in the community. Grant requests are accepted on a rolling basis, with quarterly determinations made. This opportunity is ideal for initiatives that align with the foundation's mission to foster positive change and community well-being.

The Couch Family Foundation supports nonprofits in the Upper Valley and Martha's Vineyard, focusing on enhancing child and family well-being through equitable opportunities. The foundation prioritizes organizations that demonstrate strong leadership, community impact, and a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion. Grants are available for various needs, including general operating, project funding, and capital support, with an emphasis on collaborative community change.

Nonprofit organizations supporting military service members, veterans, or their families with mental, physical, or educational needs in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for funding from ES Veterans Association. Focused on veterans services across New England, this program supports efforts that help veterans successfully live and work in civilian life.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers grants to support arts and general education projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston. Annually, they distribute approximately $300,000, funding 15-20 Single Year Grants up to $10,000, 3-4 Scholarship Fund Grants of $2,500, and Trilogy Grants totaling $35,000 over three years. Organizations seeking funds are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry to initiate the application process.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Trilogy Grants to organizations that have received at least three Single-Year grants. Each grant totals $25,000 over three years, with $10,000 in the first year and $7,500 in the following years. Limited to a 50-mile radius from MetroWest Boston, the Foundation prioritizes measurable projects in arts and general education. Only four Trilogy Grants are awarded annually, encouraging sustained educational engagement through hands-on experiences.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Single-Year Grants to support projects in arts and general education for preschool through high school. With an annual budget of about $300,000, grants can reach up to $10,000. Priority is given to hands-on arts education projects, with 75% of the budget allocated to this area. Organizations must wait one year after receiving three consecutive grants before reapplying. Eligibility is limited to projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston.

High school seniors, current college students, and adults returning to school in Dukes County, Massachusetts and nearby counties can apply for the Charles J. Lewin Interfaith Scholarship to pursue 2- or 4-year degrees or certificate programs. Awards from Southcoast Community Foundation consider financial need, academic performance, and personal circumstances.

Educational institutions and nonprofits in Dukes County, Massachusetts that run aviation-focused STEM or certification programs for underrepresented communities can apply for grants up to US $50,000. With a mission to inspire future aviation professionals, JetBlue Foundation provides funding for programs in aviation technology, engineering, operations, maintenance, and sustainable aviation.

Dukes County, Massachusetts adult learners and community members seeking education or professional development can access flexible scholarship support through Martha's Vineyard Community Foundation. This fund assists those not on a traditional September–June schedule or facing unexpected financial needs, and applications are reviewed on a rolling basis from June through November.

Nonprofit organizations and fiscally sponsored groups working on gender equity initiatives in Dukes County, Massachusetts can apply for Island Foundation’s Womxn and Girls Grant. Grants support womxn- and girls-led efforts advancing healthcare access, economic security, political voice, safety, trauma healing, and leadership, with a focus on womxn and girls of color and intergenerational, systems-change work.

The Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation focuses on enhancing community well-being through grants that prioritize low-to-moderate income populations. Key funding areas include affordable housing, children and youth programs, financial education, workforce development, and small business support. Organizations must be 501(c)(3) public charities located in Massachusetts or Rhode Island. Funding is directed towards initiatives that promote safety, education, and economic opportunity, ensuring a positive impact on the communities served.

Rockland Trust is committed to strengthening local communities through charitable donations to 501(c)(3) organizations and community groups. Their mission focuses on providing essential services, enhancing quality of life, and fostering relationships with customers. They prioritize funding programs that align with their philanthropic goals, specifically in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, and Rhode Island. Capital projects are not eligible for support, ensuring funds are directed towards impactful community services.

Grants from Cape and Islands United Way help Dukes County, Massachusetts nonprofits and community groups run local volunteer projects, with awards up to US $5,000. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3)s, schools, councils on aging, and parent/youth organizations on Martha’s Vineyard whose projects engage volunteers to address local concerns and improve community life.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations providing social services to fishermen, their families, or low-income elders in coastal Massachusetts communities can seek multi-year support for operating, program, start-up, or special projects. Sailors Snug Harbor of Boston provides Dukes County, Massachusetts nonprofits with flexible funding, with preferences for homelessness prevention and traditional fishing communities like Gloucester, New Bedford, and Cape Cod.

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 PEMV Emergency Response Fund Grants, established in March 2020, address urgent needs arising from the COVID-19 pandemic. This fund supports Island nonprofits that assist vulnerable populations, particularly those affected by the crisis. Notably, it has provided essential resources to Venezuelan migrants and other community members, ensuring access to food, shelter, and legal assistance. The fund continues to adapt to evolving challenges, reinforcing the community's commitment to helping those in need.

501(c)(3) public charities hosting date-specific community events in Dukes County, Massachusetts can seek event sponsorship funding for galas, golf tournaments, walks/runs, cultural performances, and similar activities. Rockland Trust Charitable Foundation supports nonprofits based in or serving select Massachusetts counties and Rhode Island that can provide required financial and organizational documentation.