Massachusetts Community Development Grants

This funding opportunity provides financial support for programs that educate children and older adults about fire safety, helping to reduce fire-related risks in these vulnerable populations.

The City of Boston has launched the Third Annual Community Empowerment Grants, offering a total of $500,000 to strengthen capacity and expand programming for organizations supporting men and boys across Boston’s neighborhoods. Administered by the Mayor’s Office of Black Male Advancement (BMA), these grants provide up to $20,000 per organization to enhance programs aimed at empowering Black men and boys. Applications are open now and must be submitted by January 6, 2024, at 5:00 PM. The grants focus on seven key areas: Mentoring and Out-of-School Time, Youth and Young Adult Pathways, Housing Mobility, Economic Inclusion and Wealth Building, Workforce Training and Development, Fatherhood Engagement, and Mental Health and Wellness. Programs in these areas should foster social, economic, and emotional wellbeing for men and boys, providing pathways to success in education, housing, employment, and mental health. Building on the success of prior grant cycles, this year’s initiative introduces enhanced capacity-building support through the BMA Capacity Building and Impact Institute and mentoring opportunities in collaboration with Mass Mentoring. These programs offer personalized coaching, nonprofit training, and expert resources to help grantees amplify their impact and build long-term sustainability. To further promote collaboration, the BMA will facilitate a community of practice for grantees to share insights and strategies. Eligible applicants must be Boston-based organizations with a demonstrated history of positively impacting Black men and boys. Interested organizations can attend a virtual information session on December 11, 2024, at 12:00 PM via Zoom, with registration available on the BMA website. For further questions, applicants may contact the City of Boston grants team at [email protected]. In previous cycles, $1.5 million in Community Empowerment Grants has been awarded to 115 community-based organizations. This ongoing investment aligns with the BMA's mission to create equitable opportunities and lasting change for Black men and boys across Boston. For more details on this and other grant opportunities, visit www.boston.gov/grants.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to nonprofit organizations for the development and expansion of community gardens in Boston, particularly in areas with limited access to affordable, nutritious food.

The Assets for Artists' 2025 Capacity-Building Cohort is a 6-month program offering a $2,000 unrestricted grant and professional development resources to emerging or mid-career artists from under-resourced communities in Northern Berkshire County, Massachusetts, aiming to strengthen their creative practice and achieve long-term sustainability.

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

Open Door Grants are designed to support small to medium-size organizations by providing one-time $5,000 grants. These grants are available to organizations operating in Barnstable County, Massachusetts, which have operating budgets of $1 million or less as of 2023, and have been operational for at least one year. The grants can be used for either general operating support or specific project support. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) public charities, those with a fiscal sponsor that is a 501(c)(3), faith-based organizations providing secular services, and civic organizations engaged in charitable projects. Public, private schools, and government organizations are not eligible. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis from March 20, 2024, to July 12, 2024, with decisions announced no later than August 2, 2024.

The Mass Cultural Council is offering grants of less than $1000 under its Local Cultural Council Program to support public programs that enhance the creative and cultural sector in Massachusetts, with applications open to individuals, non-profit organizations, unincorporated associations, for-profit organizations, and government entities, provided they demonstrate a public benefit from their project.

This grant provides financial support to municipalities and nonprofit organizations for activities that prepare sites for commercial, industrial, or mixed-use development, promoting economic growth and geographic equity.

This program provides funding to municipalities, nonprofits, and private entities for the rehabilitation and redevelopment of blighted or underutilized properties to boost housing, economic development, and accessibility.

This program provides financial assistance to Massachusetts municipalities, state agencies, and federally recognized Indian tribes for projects that enhance public outdoor recreation and conservation efforts, with a focus on climate resilience.

This funding opportunity supports grassroots community groups with limited resources to launch new environmental projects or significantly shift existing ones, focusing on those that amplify diverse voices and address environmental justice issues.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to fire departments in Massachusetts to educate school-aged children and senior citizens about fire safety and prevention.

NBForward! is a small business assistance program administered by the New Bedford Economic Development Council (NBEDC). It aims to help businesses navigate the challenges of the pandemic recovery phase while preparing for future growth. The program offers grants of up to $20,000, which must be matched with an NBEDC loan ranging from $10,000 to $200,000 with deferred payments for three months. In addition to financial assistance, technical support such as business planning and resource guidance is provided. Eligible applicants are for-profit businesses that have a physical location in New Bedford, Massachusetts, and have been in operation since at least January 1, 2020. Businesses must demonstrate continued adverse effects from the COVID-19 pandemic. Chains, franchises, liquor stores, tobacco shops, pawn shops, adult entertainment establishments, passive real estate investments, and businesses not complying with all local, state, and federal laws are ineligible.

This grant provides funding to Boston residents and community groups to host neighborhood block parties that foster community engagement and connection during the summer.

This funding opportunity provides financial support to organizations in Massachusetts to develop training programs and improve equipment for residents pursuing careers in essential climate-related jobs.

This grant provides funding to support the development of prefabricated, all-electric Accessory Dwelling Units in the Pioneer Valley region of Massachusetts, helping property owners address housing shortages while promoting clean energy practices.

This grant provides funding to Cambridge-based businesses and nonprofit organizations to host free outdoor nighttime events that promote the city's nightlife and entertainment sector.

This funding opportunity supports non-profit organizations and public agencies in developing and sustaining small, community-focused agricultural projects, such as farmer's markets and urban gardens.

This funding opportunity supports Harvard faculty in launching new research initiatives aimed at solving urgent social issues through collaboration with non-academic partners.

The Brookline Community Foundation (BCF) is offering a Community Grant Program, providing funding between $10,000 to $100,000 for one year to programs that promote equity and address community needs such as health, wellness, climate sustainability, arts, culture, and more, with a preference for BIPOC-led organizations and those focusing on vulnerable populations.