Spotlighting the State of Massachusetts
Spotlighting the State of Massachusetts. Massachusetts has a unique blend of history, knowledge, innovation, and technology. Anyone who’s seen or heard about Paul Revere’s ‘ride’ knows how important events in Massachusetts were to the founding of the United States. But in addition to its unique Revolutionary War history, charming colonial towns and over 1,500 miles of coastal beaches, Massachusetts is home to some of the most prestigious universities in the entire country, if not the world. With schools like Harvard and MIT at it core, the State of Massachusetts is home to a significant technology sector, fueling cutting-edge research that is the basis for overwhelming accomplishments and achievement in shaping current technology advances.
GrantWatch wants to help shine a light by providing a list of some of the current treasure trove of grant funding resources available to aid in the state’s continued economic growth and development. In addition, there are also almost 1,900 grants in its Community and Economic Development grant listing category, including both national and international grant funding opportunities.
Fun Facts About Massachusetts
Massachusetts has so many interesting firsts, famous people, and wonderous sights! The first subway system in the U.S. was built here, and Boston’s Ted Williams Tunnel is the deepest in North America. Even better, the city also had the first U.S. post office. In Cambridge, you’ll find the world-renowned Harvard University, and it was in this city that the first computer was invented in 1928. The famous Fig Newton cookie is named after the town of Newton, and Plymouth is where the first Thanksgiving took place. Boston played a key role in communication history, as it’s where Alexander Graham Bell lived and made the first-ever telephone call. Finally, Massachusetts is affectionately known as the Baked Bean State. (wheninyourstate.com, “71 Fun, Quirky, and Interesting Things About Massachusetts That You Should Know”)
Interesting Facts About Massachusettes
- Paul Revere took his famous ride in Massachusetts.
- The chocolate chip cookie was invented by Ruth Wakefield in the 1930s.
- Dunkin’ Donuts was founded in Quincy, MA, in 1948.
- The first lighthouse in the country is located in Massachusetts.
- Pink plastic flamingos were first manufactured in Leominster, MA.
- Basketball and Volleyball (1891 and 1895) were both invented by physical education teachers who worked for the YMCA.
- Actor and comedian Steve Carell is from Marshfield and typically still spends summers there. (wheninyourstate.com, “71 Fun, Quirky, and Interesting Things About Massachusetts That You Should Know”)
Weird or Random Facts About Massachusetts
- In Lincoln, Massachusetts, there is a mysterious gathering of toy rocking horses called Ponyhenge.
- At 45 letters long, Massachusettes is home to Lake Chargoggagoggmanchauggagoggchaubunagungamaugg.
- The Paper House is a unique home made almost entirely out of newspapers.
- It’s against the law to take a lion to the movies or put a gorilla in your backseat.
- The use of tomatoes in clam chowder is strictly prohibited. (wheninyourstate.com, “71 Fun, Quirky, and Interesting Things About Massachusetts That You Should Know”)
Below are some grants and other funding currently available to assist in Community and Economic Development efforts throughout the State of Massachusetts.
Massachusetts Community and Economic Development Grants
- Grants to eligible Massachusetts nonprofits to address community needs. Funding supports organizations working in the focus areas of mental and behavioral health; safety and well-being; and economic opportunity and security.
- There are grants to eligible Massachusetts nonprofits to address local community needs. Funding supports programs and projects in the areas of economic development and community services. Funding is also for the areas of education, health and human services. Additionally, funding is for affordable housing, elderly services, special capital expenditures, and art, culture, and historic heritage.
- In addition, grants to eligible Massachusetts organizations to enhance local quality-of-life. Funding supports economic development and entrepreneurship, urban environmental sustainability, and violence reform. Grants also for special programs, unrestricted use, and capital support.
- Grants to eligible Massachusetts nonprofits for projects to address significant community needs. Applicants must contact program staff and submit a Letter of Intent (LOI) before applying. Funding is for large-scale capital improvements to promote discreet, identifiable projects that meet specific needs and will be a ‘game-changing asset’ for an organization.
- There are grants to eligible Massachusetts nonprofits, government agencies, schools, and faith-based organizations to benefit residents. Funding is to address a wide range of opportunities and needs within the community. While the initial focus of the Fund was to support health and human services for youth, families, and seniors. Fund grantmaking will now also address historic, cultural, and environmental needs.
- Also, grants of up to $5,000 to eligible Massachusetts organizations to respond to needs and opportunities within communities. Funding is to enhance the local quality of life. Priority will be for proposals addressing children’s needs, hunger, the environment, and other social needs. Also included will be the areas of housing, healthy aging, transportation, and economic security.
Additional Community and Economic Development Grants for Massachusetts
- Grants of up to $5,000 to eligible Massachusetts nonprofits to enhance the quality of life in eligible communities. Funding supports programs directly benefiting local residents focusing in the areas of affordable housing, human services, and community development.
- There are grants to Massachusetts nonprofits to enhance the welfare of residents. Funding supports programs in the areas of health, education, youth, and community building. Priority will be for underrepresented populations and communities. In addition, a percentage of annual giving will be for discretionary projects of interest to the board.
- In addition, grants of up to $4,000 to eligible Massachusetts grassroots nonprofits for social activism projects. Funding supports initiatives addressing the root cause of poverty and injustice, as well as projects encouraging local leadership development and community building.
- Grants to eligible Massachusetts nonprofits for projects addressing community needs. New applicants must fill out a preliminary application prior to submitting a full proposal. Areas of interest include housing, economic development, education, and financial literacy.
- There are grants of up to $25,000 to eligible Massachusetts nonprofits for programs promoting self-sufficiency for economically disadvantaged families. Funding priority is for programs from the following fields of interest: family partnering in early education, employment and self-sufficiency, and active learning for preteens and teens.
- Lastly, grants of up to $25,000 to eligible Massachusetts nonprofits to support activities that have a community impact. Funding supports the focus areas of economic development, education, arts and culture, health and wellness, and social and civic services. Awards will include support for program development, as well as for new and expanded facilities and equipment. Smaller grants up to $5,000 will be to cover general operating expenses.
The Bottom Line
To conclude, we hope this has given you a lot to consider when thinking about visiting the State of Massachusetts!
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Please note: There is no guarantee of grant awards as a result of this information.