Best Water Grants in Massachusetts

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations with innovative human and social services programs, including those addressing water-related community needs in Massachusetts, may be eligible for support. Creag Foundation supports creative approaches to societal issues and considers proposals from smaller or evolving organizations that have held 501(c)(3) status for at least one year.

Nonprofit and nongovernmental organizations using technology to tackle crisis response, education access, or economic empowerment in Massachusetts and beyond can apply for Global Impact Cash Grants, with awards up to US $100,000. Grants from Cisco Systems Foundation help programs serving mostly economically underserved communities, including initiatives that incorporate climate resilience, green jobs, or clean water access within these focus areas.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3) cultural institutions with audited expenses over $2 million can apply for William Randolph Hearst Foundation’s Culture Grant, awarding more than US $100,000 for arts and culture programs. Massachusetts museums, performing arts organizations, and arts education programs may be eligible for program, capital, limited general operating, or endowment support.

Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) public charities and governmental units can apply for the Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts’ grants, awarding US $5,000 - US $50,000 for water-related safety education, rescue services, and research. Funding supports one-time projects, equipment purchases, start-up programs, and academic or health sciences research focused on preventing and treating injuries on the water.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working in health, education, or community services can seek support for programs such as food pantries, healthcare access, STEM education, and preventative health. Focused on community well-being, Labcorp Charitable Foundation invites U.S.-based charities to apply during its March and September review cycles.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts seeking support for charitable, educational, scientific, or medical programs may be eligible for this funding, which must be used in the U.S. Grants from Sidney Stern Memorial Trust help broadly focused, well-managed organizations that significantly benefit their communities, including those working on water resource or freshwater conservation initiatives.

U.S.-based 501(c)(3), (4), (6), or (19) nonprofits with at least $250K in annual revenue can seek US $50,000 - US $400,000 for sustainability projects from Green Mountain Energy. Focused on environmental initiatives, the Sun Club invites Massachusetts organizations working on freshwater conservation, water resource management, and related sustainability efforts to propose impactful community projects.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts can seek sponsorship support for community development, basic needs, workforce education, arts, environment, and inclusion initiatives. Bank of America Charitable Foundation supports programs that preserve neighborhoods, address hunger and emergency shelter, and strengthen local economic and social vitality; water-focused projects may be eligible when tied to these priorities.

Nonprofit organizations helping disadvantaged people become self-reliant, including those addressing poverty, disability, social exclusion, or disaster relief, can apply for Gupta Family Foundation grants of US $5,000 - US $250,000. Grants from Gupta Family Foundation help smaller organizations, including those in Massachusetts, that are non-sectarian and ensure at least 90% of funds reach beneficiaries.

Nonprofit organizations in Massachusetts improving primary care, preventive health, and related social determinants in Somerville can apply for Somerville Health Foundation’s US $10,000 - US $15,000 grants. Projects that enhance equitable access to clean water, address climate and environmental justice, or tackle housing, economic, or healthcare barriers may be especially competitive.

Rural public bodies, nonprofit organizations, and federally recognized tribes in Massachusetts can access funding through USDA Rural Development to address emergencies threatening safe, reliable drinking water. Grants up to US $1,000,000 support waterline extensions, repairs, new wells, reservoirs, transmission lines, and treatment plants in eligible low-income rural areas and towns of 10,000 or fewer residents.

State and local governments, private nonprofits, and federally recognized tribes in rural Massachusetts can apply for USDA: Rural Development’s Water & Waste Disposal funding to build or improve water and waste systems. Support covers drinking water, sewer, solid waste, and stormwater projects, plus related costs like engineering, land acquisition, and start-up operations.

Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Norfolk County, Massachusetts can apply for Penn National Gaming Foundation support to run community development, education, health, human services, cultural, or veteran and military support programs. Organizations may use funding for local projects that improve quality of life and address broad community needs where the company operates.

501(c)(3) organizations active over three years and serving the Southern U.S. can seek funding for nature and wildlife conservation, environmental work, and related community services. Robinson Foundation supports projects with tangible, meaningful impact; Massachusetts-based groups may be eligible if their freshwater or water-resource efforts serve communities below the Mason-Dixon line.

Massachusetts 501(c)(3) nonprofits within 15 miles of a TJX store, distribution center, or office can seek funding for basic needs, at-risk youth enrichment, workforce readiness, or domestic violence safety programs. The TJX Foundation supports organizations aligned with its mission that have not received TJX funding in the past 12 months.

Massachusetts nonprofits focused on environmental conservation and coastal ecosystems can access funding through New England Biolabs Foundation for community-based projects that protect water, soil, and related ecosystem services. Eligible projects along the North Shore may also incorporate arts, education, or civic engagement to promote environmental protection and community inclusion.

Municipal water utilities in Massachusetts can receive US $75,000 - US $350,000 to implement energy efficiency and clean energy generation projects that lower energy use and operating costs. The Massachusetts Department of Energy Resources, working with MassDEP and the Clean Energy Center, helps utilities upgrade infrastructure that supports both water resource management and green infrastructure goals.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on basic needs, community development, cultural enrichment, or volunteer-driven programs can seek support for hunger relief, housing, financial literacy, workforce readiness, and arts access. With a mission to strengthen communities, Ameriprise Financial provides U.S. nonprofits with grants that prioritize strong volunteer engagement and measurable outcomes.

Agricultural producers in Massachusetts seeking support for water management, irrigation improvements, or conservation practices can apply for funding from USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service of Massachusetts. This program helps manage financial risk through resource conservation, including water-related projects, and may benefit farms working on water conservation or broader water resource management efforts.

Agricultural producers, non-industrial private forest owners, Tribes, and water management entities in Massachusetts can receive financial assistance to implement conservation practices that improve water quality, conserve water resources, and enhance soil health. With a mission to address natural resource concerns, USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service provides support for projects that reduce agricultural pollution, protect drinking water, and restore wildlife habitat through the Environmental Quality Incentives Program.

Tax-exempt nonprofit child care providers in Massachusetts can receive capital funding to develop or improve facilities serving predominantly low-income families. MassDevelopment’s Early Education and Out of School Time Small Grant Program supports rehabilitation projects such as outdoor play spaces, HVAC upgrades, indoor reconfiguration, safety and accessibility improvements, and security enhancements, with awards ranging from US $200,000 - US $499,999.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) conservation and community organizations, municipalities, Tribal Nations, and agencies in Massachusetts and other Appalachian states can seek up to US $100,000 for land acquisition and related project costs. With a mission to conserve lands and waters, The Nature Conservancy supports fee and easement purchases that enhance resilience, connectivity, and community water and nature access benefits.

Massachusetts water-focused nonprofits, public agencies, schools, and civic groups in Berkshire County can access funding through Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation for projects addressing water quality and related land issues. Eligible freshwater and land conservation initiatives, including those by unincorporated community groups using a fiscal agent, must provide a 1:1 cash or in-kind match.

Massachusetts commercial, industrial, institutional, nonprofit, and public entities planning hydropower upgrades or new conduit facilities in Massachusetts can access funding through the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center for feasibility studies and construction projects. Awards up to US $300,000 support projects that boost MA RPS-qualified hydropower output, are cost-effective, and provide economic benefits to Massachusetts entities or workers.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations in Massachusetts working on youth development, family services, housing, food security, or environmental stewardship can apply for Chick Fil A Foundation’s True Inspiration Awards, with grants of US $30,000 - US $350,000. Programs that touch water, gardens, or outdoor environmental education may be especially relevant for this page’s visitors.

Urban agriculture organizations and municipal or nonprofit partners in Massachusetts can receive capital funding for commercial food production, processing, and marketing projects that expand access to fresh, local produce in low- and moderate-income urban neighborhoods. Focused on urban farming infrastructure and systems, the Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources supports projects that may include water-efficient technologies and climate-resilient growing practices.