The Humane Society Of The Commonwealth
Official website for The Humane Society of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts describing its history, lifesaving awards program, and a grants program focused on preventing accidents and injury on the water.
Source: Website · Mar 2026
Ideal Applicant
A Massachusetts-based 501(c)(3) or governmental unit focused on water-safety, rescue/training, coastal community volunteer services, or health/medical research related to lifesaving.
Good Fit
- • Organization is based in Massachusetts.
- • Project relates to safety on the waters, rescue training, or lifesaving equipment and research.
- • Can describe the request in a one-page concept paper.
- • Seeks a small-to-midsize grant (typical awards are often $1K–$25K).
- • Community or volunteer-run maritime groups, museums, or local emergency services.
- • Ability to show concrete local impact or training outcomes.
Geography
Giving is heavily Massachusetts-focused across the observed history (e.g., very high in-state shares in 2022 and 2023), but the latest year included grants across five states and a large out-of-state DAF payment that materially changed the dollars distribution.
Recipient Variety
The foundation funds many distinct recipients each year (about 50 in 2022, 46 in 2023, 37 in 2024) and the most recent year shows 35 new recipients, indicating a broad and varied recipient set despite one large-dollar outlier.
New Applicants
A public application route exists (one-page concept paper, rolling deadline, named contact) and observed behavior shows a high rate of new recipients in recent years, so unfamiliar applicants appear plausibly able to enter the portfolio.
Source: Zeffy Agent · Mar 2026
