Best School Health Grants in Massachusetts

RBC Foundation – USA aims to enhance community quality of life by supporting non-profit organizations that promote diversity and positive change. In 2023, it awarded over $2.8 million in grants, prioritizing youth programs for ages 15-29, arts access for diverse populations, and mental well-being initiatives. The foundation encourages sustainable projects that foster economic independence, providing critical support for education, mental health, and cultural enrichment, thereby making a significant impact across various communities.

Focused on nutrition education, the Ann B. Zekauskas Family Foundation invites Massachusetts school health and community-focused nonprofits to request support for programs teaching healthy eating, food origins, and cooking skills. 501(c)(3) organizations working with students and families on nutrition, food access, or culinary arts training may be eligible.

K-12 schools in Massachusetts participating in the National School Lunch Program can apply for equipment grants to expand access to nutritious school meals and support school health. Focused on school nutrition and wellness, National Dairy Council, through Fuel Up and GENYOUth, offers $2,000 nutrition equipment kits that increase students’ access to and consumption of dairy foods.

Graduating high school seniors pursuing nursing degrees and living in Independent School District #813 may be eligible for this academic scholarship, which supports further education in nursing. Grants from Greater Lake City Community Foundation help students with strong academics, school involvement, and community service who are interested in school health and nursing careers, including those studying in Massachusetts.

School food professionals working under the National School Lunch Program, including those in Massachusetts, can apply for the Healthy School Food Pathway Fellowship from the Chef Ann Foundation. This 13‑month professional development program builds leadership in school health and nutrition and includes a capstone project grant to support implementing healthy school food changes in home districts.

K-12 school districts in Massachusetts that self-operate their meal programs and participate in the National School Lunch Program can receive multi-year support to shift from heat-and-serve to scratch cooking. With a mission to improve school food, Chef Ann Foundation provides assessments, technical assistance, and system improvement grants to strengthen school health and nutrition services.

Schools in Massachusetts seeking to start or strengthen in-school food pantries for student nutrition and school health can receive support through the Stop & Shop School Food Pantry Program. Stop & Shop supports pre-K through college food pantry efforts across the U.S.; note that new applications are not accepted from Boston schools at this time.

Audiologists and speech-language pathologists employed by school systems who deliver exemplary school-based audiology or speech-language pathology services may be eligible for this recognition award. Focused on school health and communication disorders, the American Speech Language Hearing Foundation provides $2,500 total, including $500 to the recipient’s school system, which may benefit Massachusetts school health professionals.

Student health centers and American College Health Association members in Massachusetts can seek up to US $3,500 to develop innovative practices that improve college students’ access to quality health care. The American College Health Foundation supports projects on student needs, service awareness, delivery methods, technology integration, and campus partnerships that enhance school health services.

School nurses engaged in school health research in Massachusetts and nationwide can seek US $1,000 - US $25,000 to study school nursing practice and the health of school-aged children. With a mission to strengthen school nursing research, National Association of School Nurses provides funding for future projects led by current NASN members.

Massachusetts school districts and local educational agencies working on school health and COVID-19 prevention may be eligible for national Project SAFE grants supporting student safety and well-being. With a mission to improve school safety, the Office of Elementary & Secondary Education provides U.S. LEAs with resources when they are financially penalized for following CDC-aligned COVID-19 guidance.

K–8 nonprofit schools with established gardens or culinary education programs in Massachusetts can seek support to integrate gardening, nutrition, and culinary arts into school health curricula. Emeril Lagasse Foundation’s Culinary Garden & Teaching Kitchen helps schools expand experiential learning, provide dedicated culinary and garden instruction, and serve as mentors to other schools adopting similar programs.

School health and other 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on issues like the opiate epidemic, human trafficking, anti-bullying, suicide prevention, or pollinator conservation can apply for grants up to US $30,000. Grants from Levin Family Foundation may benefit school-based health and wellness initiatives that fit these priorities, though funding preference is for Ohio’s Greater Dayton Area.

With a mission to support community education and wellbeing, nonprofits and eligible public entities in Massachusetts can access US $2,500 - US $10,000 from International Paper Company Foundation for literacy, K–12 education, hunger relief, and health and wellness initiatives. School-based health and wellness programs that fit these priorities may be competitive, especially where International Paper has local operations.

Massachusetts school-focused 501(c)(3) or 501(c)(4) nonprofits can seek funding for education, health and wellness, environment, and arts programs that improve quality of life. Focused on community impact, McCormick & Company invites organizations serving local communities, including school health and wellness initiatives, to apply if they meet the company’s nondiscrimination and charitable-purpose requirements.

Wegmans Family Foundation Inc focuses on cultivating healthy communities through support for hunger relief, health initiatives, education, and youth programs. They prioritize collaborations with local nonprofits to enhance community well-being, offering assistance in key areas like economic mobility and youth engagement. Despite their wide-ranging support, they have specific ineligibility criteria, such as not accommodating personal requests or solicitation on their property, aiming to direct resources effectively where they are needed most.

Massachusetts cultural and arts-focused 501(c)(3) nonprofits with audited expenses over $2 million can access funding through the William Randolph Hearst Foundation for impactful culture programs in the U.S. The Culture Grant supports arts and science institutions, especially those engaging young people, including arts schools, museums, theaters, symphonies, ballets, and STEAM education initiatives that may complement school health efforts.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits supporting basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or safety from domestic violence can seek program funding through The TJX Foundation, provided they are within 15 miles of a TJX location. Organizations offering school-based or out-of-school health and wellness support for vulnerable children and teens may be eligible.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations running programs for women, children, addiction, or animal-assisted therapy in school or community settings in Massachusetts can apply for Scaife Family Foundation support. Grants provide general operating or program funding, with priority historically given to South Florida and Western Pennsylvania but available across the U.S.

The Hearst Foundation's Social Service Grant focuses on tackling chronic poverty by funding direct-service organizations that implement effective solutions for economic independence and family strengthening. With a mission to support diverse nonprofits in the U.S., the Foundation allocates approximately 15% of its total funding to social services, prioritizing scalable programs that serve significant populations. The minimum grant size is $100,000, and special consideration is given to organizations addressing affordable housing, domestic violence, and youth development.

The Hearst Foundation: Education Grant aims to support outstanding nonprofits that promote education across various levels, focusing primarily on higher education. With a minimum grant size of $100,000, the foundation prioritizes organizations demonstrating significant impact and sustainability. They support innovative educational models, professional development, and scholarships, specifically targeting underserved populations. Since the 1940s, the foundation has evolved while maintaining its commitment to fostering healthy and productive lives for all individuals in the United States.

The Hearst Foundation's Health Grant aims to support nonprofits that enhance healthcare access for underserved populations in the U.S. Focused on improving skills and increasing healthcare practitioners, the grant also emphasizes public health and medical research. With a history of funding significant projects, the foundation prioritizes programs that address the complex needs of low-income, rural, and elderly communities. This commitment ensures a sustainable impact on national health outcomes while supporting innovative healthcare delivery systems.

The Sachs Family Foundation Grant aims to enhance the quality of life for economically and educationally disadvantaged individuals and families. The Foundation supports self-sustaining charitable organizations focusing on economic and educational opportunities, particularly in low-income communities in the U.S. and developing countries. Grants are available for various initiatives, including education, housing, and job training, with a keen interest in programs that demonstrate clear potential for sustainability.

J.B. Hunt Transport Services offers financial support for various community projects through its Company Giving program. Focused on four key areas—Health Care, Veterans' Support, Education, and Crisis Management—this initiative aims to enhance the well-being of local communities. Eligible applicants include 501(c)(3) organizations, schools, and civic groups, while organizations that primarily benefit their members or have high management overhead may be excluded. The program underscores J.B. Hunt's commitment to corporate social responsibility.

The Stranahan Foundation’s Early Childhood Education grant program aims to enhance access to high-quality early education for low-income children. Funding up to $1.5 million is available for innovative proposals that improve professional development for early educators. Key priorities include scalable coaching models, leadership development for under-resourced communities, and community-wide substitute teacher pools. This initiative is designed to tackle significant gaps identified in early childhood education and support effective learning environments.

The Imagine Learning Foundation's Signature Grant Program aims to enhance the well-being of learners by supporting social and emotional learning (SEL) initiatives. By bridging classroom and community efforts, it fosters healthier environments for youth, families, and educators. The program prioritizes funding for organizations addressing critical issues like chronic absenteeism and housing insecurity. In 2024, the foundation will allocate over $400,000 to impactful projects, furthering its mission to cultivate supportive learning experiences both in and out of the classroom.

The HDR Foundation Grant Cycle supports community organizations aligned with HDR's values, focusing on education, healthy communities, and environmental stewardship. This employee-funded initiative emphasizes the importance of employee engagement in grant proposals, requiring a clear scope of work and completion within a year. Eligible applicants include U.S.-based nonprofits, educational institutions, and tribal governments, while grants are not provided for faith-based organizations or individual support.