Foundations
4,234
Total Assets
$40.4B
Total Giving
$14.0B
Active Grants
913
National Rank
#10
Massachusetts Grants: Comprehensive Funding for Innovation, Clean Energy, and Community Growth
Massachusetts stands out as one of the most proactive states in the nation when it comes to grant funding, offering an expansive portfolio of programs that span economic development, life sciences, clean energy, arts and culture, and municipal infrastructure. The Commonwealth channels billions of dollars through agencies such as the Executive Office of Economic Development (EOED), MassDevelopment, the Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC), and the Massachusetts Life Sciences Center, creating a funding ecosystem that supports organizations of every size. Whether you are a startup founder in Cambridge, a nonprofit director in Springfield, or a municipal planner in a rural Berkshire town, the state has structured its grant programs to reach communities across every region and sector. One of the hallmarks of Massachusetts grant funding is the Community One Stop for Growth portal, a single application system that consolidates multiple economic development grant programs into one streamlined process.
Through this portal, municipalities and nonprofits can access programs like the MassWorks Infrastructure Program, which provides flexible capital funds for public infrastructure projects that accelerate housing production and spur private investment. MassDevelopment further strengthens local economies by empowering certified Community Development Corporations and Community Development Financial Institutions to increase access to loan products for small and microbusinesses with fewer than 20 employees and revenues under $2.5 million. The Small Business Technical Assistance Program alone awarded over $6.7 million to 73 nonprofit organizations that deliver training, technical assistance, and capital access to entrepreneurs across the state. Beyond traditional economic development, Massachusetts invests heavily in forward-looking sectors.
The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center funds programs including Biobank initiatives for Alzheimer's and cancer research, Bits to Bytes grants for large-dataset scientific analysis, and Research Infrastructure awards ranging from $1.5 million to $5 million. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center offers innovation and capacity-building grants to seed new clean energy projects. For arts and cultural organizations, the Mass Cultural Council provides unrestricted grants of $5,000 through the Creative Experiences program and substantial facility funding through the Cultural Facilities Fund. This breadth of programming makes Massachusetts one of the most grant-rich environments in the country for organizations willing to invest the time in applications.
Key State Programs
MassWorks Infrastructure Program
The largest and most flexible source of state capital funds for municipalities and public entities, supporting public infrastructure projects that accelerate housing production, spur private development, and create jobs across the Commonwealth. Administered through the Community One Stop for Growth application portal.
Small Business Technical Assistance Program (SBTA)
Administered by EOED and MassDevelopment, this program awards millions annually to nonprofit organizations that deliver technical assistance, training, and access to capital to Massachusetts small businesses, with a focus on women-owned, minority-owned, and veteran-owned enterprises.
Massachusetts Life Sciences Center Funding Programs
Supports innovation, research, and health equity through programs including Biobank grants ($1M), Bits to Bytes scientific data analysis grants ($750K), and Research Infrastructure and Equipment grants ($1.5M-$5M) for institutions across the state.
MassCEC Innovation and Capacity Building Grants
The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center provides seed funding for exploring innovative clean energy ideas and potential grant projects, supporting the state's ambitious climate and sustainability goals.
Mass Cultural Council Creative Experiences and Cultural Facilities Fund
Creative Experiences provides $5,000 unrestricted grants to Massachusetts artists and culture bearers. The Cultural Facilities Fund supports acquisition, design, repair, rehabilitation, renovation, or construction of nonprofit cultural facilities throughout the state.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Community One Stop for Growth and how do I apply for Massachusetts grants through it?
The Community One Stop for Growth is Massachusetts' single application portal that consolidates multiple economic development grant programs into one collaborative review process. It streamlines the experience for applicants by allowing municipalities and eligible organizations to apply to programs like MassWorks, Site Readiness, and other community development grants through one unified submission. Applications are reviewed based on a Development Continuum, coordinating program staff and resources for more efficient grant-making.
Are Massachusetts small businesses eligible for state grant funding?
Yes, Massachusetts offers several grant programs specifically for small businesses. MassDevelopment works through certified Community Development Corporations and CDFIs to provide loan products to businesses with fewer than 20 employees and under $2.5 million in revenue. The Massachusetts Growth Capital Corporation runs the Biz-M-Power crowdfunding matching grant program for capital needs, and the Small Business Technical Assistance Program funds 73+ nonprofits that provide training and technical assistance to entrepreneurs statewide.
What grants are available for Massachusetts nonprofits focused on arts and culture?
The Mass Cultural Council is the primary state funder for arts and culture, offering the Creative Experiences program with $5,000 unrestricted grants for artists and culture bearers, and the Cultural Facilities Fund for nonprofit cultural facility projects including acquisition, design, repair, and construction. Additional grants are available through regional cultural councils and the Community Foundation sector for project-specific arts programming.
Does Massachusetts offer grant funding for clean energy and life sciences research?
Massachusetts is a national leader in both sectors. The Massachusetts Clean Energy Center (MassCEC) offers innovation grants and capacity-building seed funding for clean energy projects. The Massachusetts Life Sciences Center provides substantial research grants including the Biobank program ($1M), Bits to Bytes for data science projects ($750K), and Research Infrastructure grants ($1.5M-$5M). These programs support institutions, startups, and research organizations advancing innovation in the Commonwealth.
How can Massachusetts municipalities find and apply for infrastructure grants?
Municipalities should start with the Community One Stop for Growth portal, which provides access to MassWorks Infrastructure Program funding and other capital programs. The Metropolitan Area Planning Council (MAPC) maintains an updated list of state grant opportunities for municipalities. Additional programs include Planning Assistance Grants, Landscape Partnership Grants for conservation, and various transportation and environmental infrastructure programs administered through state agencies.
Explore
Massachusetts Funding Resources
Top Foundations
Largest Foundations in Massachusetts
| # | Foundation | Assets |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Fidelity Foundation | $5B |
| 2 | Cummings Foundation Inc. | $2.2B |
| 3 | Barr Foundation | $1.9B |
| 4 | The Patrick J Mcgovern Foundation Inc. | $1.5B |
| 5 | Klarman Family Foundation | $713.2M |
Active Grants