Best Grants for International Development

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant Program in Indiana supports archaeological projects through matching grants ranging from $10,000 to $50,000. Administered by the DNR Division of Historic Preservation & Archaeology, this program focuses on enhancing cultural resource management and includes funding for archaeological surveys and National Register nominations. Eligible applicants include local governments, universities, and not-for-profit organizations, with a preference for Certified Local Governments. Approximately $500,000 to $600,000 is available annually.

The Teens About Serving the County (TASC) Youth Grant provides funding of up to $2,500 to non-profit organizations that support youth programs in Henry County, Indiana. Managed by a committee of students and foundation representatives, the grant encourages projects that directly address community needs and benefit the youth. Eligible applicants include youth organizations, community groups, and schools. The TASC Committee meets four times a year to review proposals, ensuring adherence to their mission and effective use of funds.

DIV Fund

Who we are: The DIV Fund is a tiered, evidence-based, open innovation fund that identifies and supports solutions with the potential to cost-effectively improve the lives of millions of people living in poverty around the world. We aim to serve as a discovery engine for global development, building a pipeline of evidence-driven innovations that drive impact at scale.

How we fund: Our goal is to maximize the expected social return on our investment. To enable this, we support innovators and researchers through three funding tiers, calibrating funding according to our three core principles: evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and potential for durable scale. At earlier stages of funding, we look for potential. At higher funding levels, we look for demonstrated results. This tiered approach balances measured risk-taking with progressively higher requirements, in order to discover new ideas, validate what works, and catalyze the scale-up of proven solutions.

Where we fund: The DIV Fund supports innovations addressing challenges in low- and middle-income countries (as classified by the World Bank). We prioritize proposals based on their expected social return (see section B for more information), and give more weight to improvements expected to benefit people with lower incomes.

What we fund: Our tiered criteria outline distinct requirements for three different stages, based on innovations’ proposed pathways to scale.

We offer three award tiers - Stage 1 (Piloting), Stage 2 (Testing), and Stage 3 (Scaling) - with requirements calibrated according to the strength of the evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and the potential for durable scale of the proposed innovation. Applicants should apply for the stage that best reflects the current state of development of the innovation and its readiness to generate stronger evidence and prepare for scale. While you do not need to start at Stage 1, if applying for later stage awards, your application should credibly demonstrate that you have already met the criteria for earlier stages.

Applicants should state explicitly why they are coming to DIV Fund now and how a grant will catalyze their innovation.

Stage 1: Piloting

Purpose

Stage 1 grants support real-world pilots of early-stage innovations. Stage 1 innovations are typically early in their development and use DIV funding for pilot testing to refine the basic model and establish real-world viability at a relatively small scale. The DIV Fund only supports innovations that are post-prototype and ready to be tested in a real-world setting. This means that if your innovation is still in development in a lab or is still at the idea stage, it is premature for DIV support. We typically support pilots that are being tested with at least hundreds or thousands of people.

DIV Fund

Who we are: The DIV Fund is a tiered, evidence-based, open innovation fund that identifies and supports solutions with the potential to cost-effectively improve the lives of millions of people living in poverty around the world. We aim to serve as a discovery engine for global development, building a pipeline of evidence-driven innovations that drive impact at scale.

How we fund: Our goal is to maximize the expected social return on our investment. To enable this, we support innovators and researchers through three funding tiers, calibrating funding according to our three core principles: evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and potential for durable scale. At earlier stages of funding, we look for potential. At higher funding levels, we look for demonstrated results. This tiered approach balances measured risk-taking with progressively higher requirements, in order to discover new ideas, validate what works, and catalyze the scale-up of proven solutions.

Where we fund: The DIV Fund supports innovations addressing challenges in low- and middle-income countries (as classified by the World Bank). We prioritize proposals based on their expected social return (see section B for more information), and give more weight to improvements expected to benefit people with lower incomes.

What we fund: Our tiered criteria outline distinct requirements for three different stages, based on innovations’ proposed pathways to scale.

We offer three award tiers - Stage 1 (Piloting), Stage 2 (Testing), and Stage 3 (Scaling) - with requirements calibrated according to the strength of the evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and the potential for durable scale of the proposed innovation. Applicants should apply for the stage that best reflects the current state of development of the innovation and its readiness to generate stronger evidence and prepare for scale. While you do not need to start at Stage 1, if applying for later stage awards, your application should credibly demonstrate that you have already met the criteria for earlier stages.

Applicants should state explicitly why they are coming to DIV Fund now and how a grant will catalyze their innovation.

Stage 2: Testing & Positioning for Scale

Purpose

Stage 2 grants are designed to determine if an innovation measurably and meaningfully improves people’s lives and has a viable path toward scale. Applicants should have already conducted successful pilot testing - with or without the DIV Fund’s support - and be ready to rigorously test their innovation’s impact or market viability. Where such evidence is needed, Stage 2 awards may support a rigorous evaluation of the impact of the innovation.

Applicants may also use DIV funds to expand operations in ways that position the innovation for scale, e.g., by testing alternative implementation approaches, by conducting further market testing, or by exploring ways to satisfy requirements for scaling that are likely to be imposed by long-term funders. 

DIV Fund

Who we are: The DIV Fund is a tiered, evidence-based, open innovation fund that identifies and supports solutions with the potential to cost-effectively improve the lives of millions of people living in poverty around the world. We aim to serve as a discovery engine for global development, building a pipeline of evidence-driven innovations that drive impact at scale.

How we fund: Our goal is to maximize the expected social return on our investment. To enable this, we support innovators and researchers through three funding tiers, calibrating funding according to our three core principles: evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and potential for durable scale. At earlier stages of funding, we look for potential. At higher funding levels, we look for demonstrated results. This tiered approach balances measured risk-taking with progressively higher requirements, in order to discover new ideas, validate what works, and catalyze the scale-up of proven solutions.

Where we fund: The DIV Fund supports innovations addressing challenges in low- and middle-income countries (as classified by the World Bank). We prioritize proposals based on their expected social return (see section B for more information), and give more weight to improvements expected to benefit people with lower incomes.

What we fund: Our tiered criteria outline distinct requirements for three different stages, based on innovations’ proposed pathways to scale.

We offer three award tiers - Stage 1 (Piloting), Stage 2 (Testing), and Stage 3 (Scaling) - with requirements calibrated according to the strength of the evidence of impact, cost-effectiveness, and the potential for durable scale of the proposed innovation. Applicants should apply for the stage that best reflects the current state of development of the innovation and its readiness to generate stronger evidence and prepare for scale. While you do not need to start at Stage 1, if applying for later stage awards, your application should credibly demonstrate that you have already met the criteria for earlier stages.

Applicants should state explicitly why they are coming to DIV Fund now and how a grant will catalyze their innovation.

Stage 3: Transitioning to Scale

Purpose

Stage 3 grants support the transition of proven innovations from piloting and testing to widespread scale. Applicants should have satisfied the criteria for Stage 2 - with or without prior DIV Fund support - and be ready to address the operational challenges of scaling. Specifically, applicants should have already demonstrated either: (1) rigorous evidence of causal impact and a convincing case based on this impact measurement that the intervention would be cost-effective at scale (for public scaling); (2) market viability (for commercial scaling) at the time of their Stage 3 application; or (3) a combination of these for hybrid scaling.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Virginillo-Falvo Scholarship Fund

To support low-income youth of western Massachusetts to attend college.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Urban League of Springfield Scholarship Fund

To support African American residents of Springfield.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

United Way of Holyoke, South Hadley, and Granby, Inc./YWCA Scholarship Fund for Women

To support women, age 18 or older, from Granby, Holyoke and South Hadley.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Elaine Nicpon Marieb Scholarship Fund

To support women residents of Franklin, Hampden or Hampshire counties attending college.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The Community Foundation of Shelby County offers Arts Grants to support educational programs in the arts for K-12 students in Shelby County, Ohio. Grants, totaling $2,000, can be awarded in smaller amounts to various projects, including visual, literary, musical, and performing arts. All schools in the area are eligible to apply, with a preference for requests related to classroom materials or programming. This initiative aims to enrich the cultural landscape and provide valuable opportunities for young artists.

ADECA Highway Traffic Safety Program

The Highway Traffic Safety area of the division administers grant funding focused on behavioral programs to reduce traffic-related injuries and fatalities. Grants helps fund enforcement campaigns that focus on speed, impaired driving and promote the use of seat belts and proper child restraints. Funding is also available for State Traffic Safety Information System Improvements for integrated data collection across multiple state agencies.

ADECA partners with many entities to promote highway traffic safety around the state. The website www.SafeHomeAlabama.gov compiles data and information from many sources to give an overview of traffic safety in Alabama. The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration has posted a “High Visibility Enforcement Toolkit” designed to assist law enforcement agencies, communities and states in implementing and enhancing their enforcement efforts. 

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

United Personnel Future Scholars Fund

To support scholarships for residents from Holyoke, Chicopee, Springfield, Westfield, or Pittsfield; preference for first generation college students

The EGLS Student Travel Scholarship, offered by the American Physical Society, provides financial support for eligible undergraduate students attending APS EGLS meetings. Limited to one scholarship per institution, it covers up to $100 of travel costs for students traveling from outside the local area. Applications are reviewed by the Executive Committee based on need, encouraging collaboration among attendees for travel and lodging. Awards are presented in person at the meeting.

Substance Abuse Prevention and Treatment Block Grant

The Alabama Department of Mental Health is the Single State Agency responsible for receipt and expenditure of the Substance Abuse Block Grant (SABG) in accordance with Federal Regulations promulgated by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). The SABG is a major source of funding for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery support services provided throughout the state by agencies under contract with ADMH. SAMHSA requires each state to maintain an up-to-date plan for the expenditure of SABG funds and to submit an annual report of activities conducted specifically to these expenditures. In addition, SAMHSA oversees the implementation of the Synar Amendment, which requires states to have laws prohibiting the sale and distribution of tobacco products to minors. ADMH provides an ongoing opportunity for the public to review and submit comments on the development and implementation of Alabama’s SABG annual plan and report, as well as the annual SYNAR report.

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds. 

Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Franklin County Education Fund

Supporting students from Franklin County.

Additional Guidelines

• Students can receive up to $3,000 in scholarships from the Community Foundation.
• Scholarship awards could impact the financial aid offered by a college, and students are advised to check with their college financial aid offices about this.
• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. Some part and/or all the award could be considered taxable income. It is advisable students check with the college or tax accountant regarding this matter.

The South Dakota Community Development Block Grants for Urgent Need provide essential funding for local governments to address pressing community issues. This rolling application program, managed by the Governor's Office of Economic Development, focuses on enhancing infrastructure and services that benefit low- and moderate-income residents. Eligible projects aim to improve public health and safety, while fostering economic opportunities through job creation. Applications are continually accepted until funds are fully allocated or the year ends.

The Hazardous Materials Training and Planning Grant, offered by the Ohio Public Utilities Commission, aims to enhance public safety by funding training for emergency services personnel on managing hazardous materials spills during transportation. Eligible applicants include educational institutions and local governments, with grants covering various training types. Activities must be completed by May 31, 2026, with reimbursement requests due by June 30, 2026. Joint applications for collaborative training programs are encouraged, promoting cost-effective training solutions.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Mary Volanakis Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support students of the Greek Orthodox faith, preference for members of St. George Greek Orthodox Cathedral in Springfield.

The AGRI Good Agricultural Practices (GAP) Certification Cost Share Grant Program assists Minnesota growers and handlers in implementing essential food safety measures. Funded by the Agricultural Growth, Research, and Innovation Fund, this program offers reimbursement of up to 75% of GAP/GHP certification costs, with a maximum of $2,500. Eligible applicants must be certified by an accredited body between May 16, 2023, and May 15, 2024, and located in Minnesota.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Charles F. Warner Scholarship Fund

To support residents of Springfield.

The Historic Preservation Fund Grant (HPF) offers matching grants to support projects that provide public benefits, reimbursing up to 60% of eligible costs. Applications open from December 1, 2025, to February 1, 2026. Grants typically range from $15,000 to $65,000, focusing on architectural surveys, preservation plans, and restoration of historically significant buildings. The program prioritizes non-profit, municipal, and civic organization projects that demonstrate public use and align with the State Historic Preservation Plan.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover Scholarship Fund

To support graduating seniors from Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire Counties in western Massachusetts. The fund was set up in memory of Carl Joseph Walker-Hoover and recognizes the importance of combatting bullying in schools and our community.

The McElhattan Foundation focuses on innovative solutions to end workplace fatalities by 2050. It invites proposals that develop new technologies, particularly those that eliminate dangerous tasks at work. The foundation partners with the National Safety Council’s Work to Zero program to enhance safety practices. Organizations seeking funding should be established non-profits with a history of successful collaboration, and grants typically start at $50,000. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis, fostering impactful initiatives.

Crime Victim Compensation Commission

The Crime Victim Compensation Commission (Commission) was created in 1967 by the Hawai‘i Legislature to alleviate the physical, mental and financial hardships suffered by victims of violent crime. The Commission provides compensation to victims of violent crimes for their crime-related injuries and losses, and to “Good Samaritans” for injuries or property damage suffered in the prevention of a crime or apprehension of a criminal. 

Crime Victim Compensation Program

Benefits

The Commission is a payor of last resort and provides compensation for the following unreimbursed expenses:

• Medical and mental health counseling expenses that are not covered by other sources.
• Lost earnings or support that is not covered by other sources.
• Funeral and burial expenses that are not covered by other sources.
• Acknowledgement award for victims only. Acknowledgement awards are symbolic in nature and are awarded to acknowledge a victim’s suffering. Such awards are not intended to quantify physical and/or emotional losses suffered as the result of a crime.
• Pecuniary loss directly resulting from the injury or death of the victim.
• Property damage (“Good Samaritans” only).

The Commission is a payor of last resort. The Commission may pay compensation only after all other sources have been exhausted. An award may be reduced by amounts received from Workers’ Compensation, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Civil Suits, Temporary Disability Insurance or Restitution from the offender. You must file timely claims with Workers’ Compensation, Motor Vehicle Insurance, Temporary Disability Insurance and your medical insurance carrier. You must reimburse the Commission if you receive moneys from these sources.

How do I apply for compensation?

Report the crime to law enforcement officials (police, naval investigative service, military police or Federal Bureau of Investigation) without undue delay. Obtain an application by downloading the document, or by contacting the Crime Victim Compensation Commission (Commission) office. Submit your application to the Commission within 18 months of the crime date. Applications will only be accepted after 18 months if there is a good cause letter from a physician or therapist.

Our Mission

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts seeks to enrich the quality of life of the people of our region by:

• Encouraging philanthropy
• Developing a perpetual, flexible endowment
• Assessing and responding to emerging and changing needs
• Serving as a resource, catalyst, and coordinator for charitable activities
• Promoting efficiency in the management of charitable funds

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Arthur and Helen Watson Scholarship Fund

To support graduating seniors of a Springfield Public School, with a preference for students from Central High School, and with demonstrated participation in extracurricular activities

Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teachers Classroom Grants

The family of Judi Chandlee, a longtime Dubuque Community School District teacher, has established an endowed (permanent) fund in her memory, with the Foundation for Dubuque Public Schools. This fund supports annual classroom grants to teachers across the district. A minimum of $5,000 will be distributed each year to fund equipment, supplies, or innovative educational experiences in Dubuque’s public schools.  

Gifts to the Judi Chandlee Tribute to Teachers Endowment are permanently invested with our partner, the Community Foundation of Greater Dubuque, where they are eligible for Endow Iowa 25% Tax Credits. Current donors include anyone who wishes to support Dubuque’s public school teachers.

The 1772 Foundation Connecticut Matching Grant for Historic Preservation offers up to $10,000 annually for 501(c)(3) non-profits in Connecticut to support preservation projects. Qualifying projects include exterior painting, restoration of finishes, fire detection, and security systems, among others. Funding requires a one-to-one match, and grants are not available for churches, schools, or municipalities. This initiative promotes the preservation of historic sites, contributing to community identity and local economies.