Human Services & Relief Grants in Massachusetts

Explore verified institutional foundations, typical award distributions, and active grantmakers supporting human services programs across Massachusetts.

Total Capital Deployed
$1.16B

Across 25,596 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$45,489

Median award for human services in Massachusetts

Open to New Applicants
80%

Of active human services foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Human Services & Relief Grant Funding Landscape in Massachusetts

Nonprofits focused on Human Services & Relief in Massachusetts received $1.16B across 25,596 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) human services grant in Massachusetts is $45,489, though awards range from smaller $5,000–$25,000 community programming grants up to multi-million-dollar institutional and endowment commitments.

Major Massachusetts funders actively supporting human services initiatives include Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston INC, Boston Foundation INC, United Way of Massachusetts Bay INC, alongside national foundations funding Massachusetts organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding human services in Massachusetts, 80% accept unsolicited grant proposals from new applicants, offering immediate funding opportunities for growing 501(c)(3) organizations.

Top Funded Cities in MassachusettsBy Total Capital
Boston48,917 grants awarded
$8.12B
Cambridge10,553 grants awarded
$1.71B
Various84 grants awarded
$523.9M
Worcester7,022 grants awarded
$329M
See Attached13 grants awarded
$173.2M
Grant Size Distribution TiersBy Grant Count
Grassroots & Seed (<$25,000)76%
Ideal for emerging nonprofits, project pilots, and local programming
Mid-Tier & Capacity ($25K – $100K)16%
Core operational funding, staff expansion, and multi-year programs
Major Endowments ($100,000+)9%
Capital campaigns, statewide initiatives, and major institutional grants
Top Institutional Foundations Funding Human Services & Relief in MassachusettsRanked by annual charitable capital distribution • Form 990-PF & Community Foundations
FoundationHeadquartersAnnual GivingTypical GrantApplication StatusAction
Combined Jewish Philanthropies of Greater Boston INC
EIN: 042103559
Boston, MA$273.6M$27KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Boston Foundation INC
EIN: 042104021
Boston, MA$228.4M$25KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
United Way of Massachusetts Bay INC
EIN: 042382233
Boston, MA$30M$50KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Health Resources in Action INC
EIN: 042229839
Boston, MA$26.2M$120KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Third Sector New England INC
EIN: 042261109
Boston, MA$12.5M$84KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Metrowest Health Foundation INC
EIN: 042121342
Framingham, MA$4.1M$13KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
United Way of North Central Mass INC
EIN: 042233021
Fitchburg, MA$3.3M$24KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Community Action Pioneer Valley
EIN: 042384972
Greenfield, MA$2.7M$83KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Philanthropy Massachusettsinc
EIN: 042457605
Boston, MA$1.4M$10KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Franklin Square House Foundation INC
EIN: 042103780
Belmont, MA$1.2M$50KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
United Way of Central Massachusetts INC
EIN: 042104017
Worcester, MA$1.1M$13KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Anne and Paul Marcus Family Foundation
EIN: 016220476
Boston, MA$937K$6KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Springfield Day Nursery Corporation
EIN: 042103855
Springfield, MA$784K$784KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
United Way of Tri County INC
EIN: 042104231
Framingham, MA$670K$16KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Parmenter Foundation INC
EIN: 042176769
Wayland, MA$386K$20KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in Massachusetts directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Human Services & Relief Grants in Massachusetts

How much grant funding is available for human services in Massachusetts?

Over $1.16B has been deployed across 25,596 verified foundation grants in Massachusetts according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical human services grant size in Massachusetts?

The median grant award is approximately $45,489. However, local grassroots initiatives often receive $5,000–$25,000, while regional endowments can exceed $250,000+.

Which foundations in Massachusetts accept unsolicited proposals?

Approximately 80% of verified institutional grantmakers funding human services in Massachusetts accept unsolicited applications without a pre-existing relationship.

How can my nonprofit find foundations that match our mission?

Use NPO Grant to analyze peer award ledgers in Massachusetts, identify foundations with active giving history in your city, and contact verified program officers directly.