← Back to US Funders Directory

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

Annual Giving
$3.4M
Grant Range
$3K - $0.0M
Decision Time
2mo

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $3.4+ million (based on Flexible Funding 2026 program alone)
  • Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
  • Decision Time: 1-2 months typical
  • Grant Range: $2,500 - $30,000
  • Geographic Focus: Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties, MA

Contact Details

Overview

Founded in 1991, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts serves Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties, connecting generous donors with community needs across the region. The foundation manages multiple grant programs totaling millions in annual distributions, with a strategic focus on equity and opportunity for all. Their approach emphasizes collaborative problem-solving and supporting effective nonprofits, particularly those led by people of color. The foundation believes in creating a region with "access, opportunity, and a satisfying quality of life" for all residents, now and for generations to come.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Flexible Funding 2026: Up to $30,000

  • General operating support for nonprofits
  • Application window: August 4 - September 8, 2025
  • Minimum $3.4 million available, expecting to fund ~100 organizations

Loaves & Fishes Fund: $5,000 - $15,000

  • For liberal Protestant churches in Hampshire/Franklin counties
  • Application window: March 2025
  • Projects up to 24 months

ValleyCreates Capacity Grants: $2,500

  • For individual artists in the three-county region
  • Includes coaching and professional development
  • Application deadline: June 16, 2025

ValleyCreates Project Evolution Grants

  • For former ValleyCreates capital grant recipients
  • Application window: March/April 2025

Racial Equity & Social Justice Grants

  • Application deadline: June 11, 2025
  • Amount not specified

Priority Areas

  • Racial justice and equity initiatives
  • Effective nonprofits led by people of color
  • High-quality early childhood education and care
  • Accessible post-secondary education and training
  • Local arts and creativity ecosystem
  • Springfield: Building financial resilience
  • Franklin County: Family economic resiliency

What They Don't Fund

  • Endowments
  • Religious organizations (unless fiscally sponsored)
  • Higher education institutions
  • Academic research
  • K-12 schools
  • Government-supporting organizations
  • Start-ups without at least one year of financial history

Governance and Leadership

Contact:

The foundation emphasizes that "the meaning of 'philanthropy'—love of people—drives us all to join together in making our region a great place to live."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

  • Online application through Grantee Portal (www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=cfwm)
  • Eligibility quiz required for some programs
  • Virtual information sessions offered for major grant programs
  • Community reviewers participate in evaluation process

Decision Timeline

  • Flexible Funding: ~1 month from close to notification
  • Loaves & Fishes: 6 weeks from initial application to funding
  • ValleyCreates: Varies by program
  • Most programs: 4-8 weeks from deadline to decision

Success Rates

Not publicly disclosed, but Flexible Funding 2026 anticipates funding approximately 100 organizations from available applicants.

Reapplication Policy

Current grantees can reapply for most programs. Organizations can apply for multiple grant programs if eligible.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and requirements:

  • Demonstrate clear alignment with one of the foundation's focus areas, particularly racial equity and social justice
  • Organizations with BIPOC leadership receive preference in funding decisions
  • Operating budgets under $5 million have stronger chances (hard cap at $10 million for Flexible Funding)
  • Include community member involvement in your project design and implementation
  • Attend information sessions - the foundation offers multiple virtual sessions for major grants
  • Complete eligibility quizzes thoroughly before investing time in full applications
  • Be specific about geographic impact within Franklin, Hampshire, or Hampden counties
  • Consider requesting less than maximum - organizations can request amounts below the cap based on actual needs

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Strong preference for organizations led by people of color across all grant programs
  • Focus on collaborative approaches and community involvement strengthens applications
  • Multiple grant opportunities throughout the year - review the annual calendar for timing
  • Free resources available including legal advice through "Lawyer for a Day" program
  • Operating budget size matters - smaller organizations (under $5M) have advantages
  • Flexible funding can be used as match for other grants, increasing leverage potential
  • Foundation values transparency and provides multiple touchpoints for applicant support

References

← Back to US Funders Directory