Public & Societal Benefit Grants in Massachusetts

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

Total Capital Deployed
$79.7M

Across 1,379 verified foundation awards

Typical Grant Size
$57,825

Median award for public benefit in Massachusetts

Open to New Applicants
80%

Of active public benefit foundations accept unsolicited proposals

Public & Societal Benefit Grant Funding Landscape in Massachusetts

Nonprofits focused on Public & Societal Benefit in Massachusetts received $79.7M across 1,379 verified foundation grants over recent tax filings. The typical (median) public benefit grant in Massachusetts is $57,825, 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 public benefit initiatives include Boston Foundation INC, The San Francisco Foundation, United Way of Massachusetts Bay INC, alongside national foundations funding Massachusetts organizations, youth initiatives, and community programs. Of the active institutional grantmakers funding public benefit 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
Boston44,449 grants awarded
$7.75B
Cambridge9,362 grants awarded
$1.64B
Various84 grants awarded
$523.9M
Worcester6,134 grants awarded
$292.1M
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)15%
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 Public & Societal Benefit in MassachusettsRanked by annual charitable capital distribution • Form 990-PF & Community Foundations
FoundationHeadquartersAnnual GivingTypical GrantApplication StatusAction
Boston Foundation INC
EIN: 042104021
Boston, MA$228.4M$25KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The San Francisco Foundation
EIN: 010679337
San Francisco, CA$218.4M$26KAccepts 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 →
Elmina B Sewall Foundation
EIN: 010387404
Freeport, ME$14.4M$32KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Third Sector New England INC
EIN: 042261109
Boston, MA$12.5M$84KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
EIN: 042572276
Worcester, MA$8.6M$16KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
United Way of North Central Mass INC
EIN: 042233021
Fitchburg, MA$3.3M$24KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
The Health Foundation of Central
EIN: 042633274
Worcester, MA$2.8M$109KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Island Foundation INC
EIN: 042670567
Marion, MA$2.1M$10KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
United Way of Central Massachusetts INC
EIN: 042104017
Worcester, MA$1.1M$13KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Norfolk Charitable Trust
EIN: 042294937
Boston, MA$500K$500KInvitation OnlyView Profile →
Communities for People INC
EIN: 042573248
Boston, MA$349K$349KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Fii - National
EIN: 020784790
Concord, CA$100K$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Veterans of Foreign Wars Dept Vfw Mass
EIN: 041242419
Boston, MA$100K$100KAccepts New ApplicantsView Profile →
Showing verified grantmakers • Commercial DAFs & university endowments excludedView all in Massachusetts directory →

Frequently Asked Questions About Public & Societal Benefit Grants in Massachusetts

How much grant funding is available for public benefit in Massachusetts?

Over $79.7M has been deployed across 1,379 verified foundation grants in Massachusetts according to recent Form 990-PF and 990 filings.

What is the typical public benefit grant size in Massachusetts?

The median grant award is approximately $57,825. 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 public benefit 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.