About this opportunity
AI summaryThe Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development seeks proposals for the FY2027 Social Enterprise Operating Grant Program. The program funds eligible Massachusetts nonprofit organizations operating employment social enterprises that produce and sell goods or services while providing paid employment, workforce development, and supportive services to individuals facing barriers to work. Applicants must be US-based nonprofit organizations that meet 11 eligibility requirements, including submitting an audited financial statement dated 2023 or later. Proposals must be submitted online through Submittable by December 7, 2026, at 11:59 p.m., following an informational webinar on November 16, 2026, at 12:00 p.m. Questions may be sent to [email protected]. Applications passing a pass/fail eligibility screen will be scored out of 100 points based on operational need (20), implementation feasibility (20), measurable outcomes (30), budget reasonableness (20), and economic and geographic equity (10). Awards provide up to $200,000 on a cost-reimbursement basis, featuring an initial 50% working capital advance, for performance between March 1, 2027, and June 30, 2027.
Buyer and opportunity details
- Client
- Commonwealth of Massachusetts Executive Office of Economic Development
Scope of work
- Marketing and promotional activities specifically intended to attract new customers and increase sales of social enterprise goods or services
- Advertising, digital marketing, and development of promotional materials for customer acquisition
- Purchase of raw materials, supplies, or consumable materials directly necessary to produce goods or deliver services for sale
- Staff training and professional development for personnel operating and supervising the social enterprise
- Training in trauma-informed supervision, effective communication, conflict resolution, performance coaching, and constructive feedback for supervisors of participants
- Quarterly progress and financial reporting
How proposals are evaluated
| Criterion | Weight / scoring |
|---|---|
| Eligibility Review | Yes/No |
| Demonstrated Operational Need and Proposed Use of Funds | 20 points |
| Implementation Feasibility and Organizational Readiness | 20 points |
| Measurable Outcomes and Anticipated Impact | 30 points |
| Budget Reasonableness and Cost Effectiveness | 20 points |
| Economic and Geographic Equity | 10 points |
Minimum qualifications
- Must be an IRS-recognized nonprofit organization
- Must operate a social enterprise business in Massachusetts whose mission includes employing people for teaching job skills
- Must submit an audited financial statement dated 2023 or later
- Must produce, advertise and sell goods or services as part of regular business operations
- Must have been in continuous operation for at least 12 months immediately preceding the application date
- Must directly employ people from target populations in paid positions and have employed at least 5 individuals during the previous year
- Must pay all employees and participants at least the Massachusetts minimum hourly wage
- Must offer employment opportunities designed to last at least 6 consecutive months and provide required training and supportive services
Documents to include with your response
- Online eligibility screening via Submittable
- Completed application in Submittable
- Most recent audited financial statement dated 2023 or later
- Evidence that the social enterprise advertises goods or services for sale
- Letters of support (optional)
Key dates
- Open Date / RFP Posting Date
- Wednesday, November 4, 2026
- Informational Webinar
- Monday, November 16, 2026 @ 12:00 p.m.
- Application Deadline
- Monday, December 7, 2026 @ 11:59 p.m.
- Earliest anticipated grant activities
- January 15, 2027
- Grant Performance Period
- March 1, 2027 (or contract effective date, if earlier) - June 30, 2027
- Funds expenditure deadline
- 30 June 2027
How to submit
- Method
- Electronic via Submittable
- Instructions
- Online application through Submittable, including an online eligibility screening, completed application form with all required fields, and required document uploads.
Contract details
- Term
- March 1, 2027 (or contract effective date, if earlier) - June 30, 2027
- Estimated value
- Up to $200,000 per organization
- Place of performance
- Massachusetts
- Funding
- FY27 state operating budget