Best Hampden County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

The Beveridge Family Foundation Grant supports initiatives in youth development, health, education, religion, art, and the environment, primarily in Hampden and Hampshire counties, Massachusetts. With two funding cycles each year, applications are due by February 1 and August 1. The Foundation prioritizes organizations that enhance the quality of life and promote self-sufficiency among underserved populations, although it avoids supporting certain areas such as international affairs and awards.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations, public schools, and qualified local governments serving low- to moderate-income and historically underserved communities can receive up to US $1,000 for job-related staff classes and courses. Grants from TD Charitable Foundation help Hampden County, Massachusetts organizations in TD Bank market areas strengthen employee skills while advancing missions like financial literacy, education, housing, and business development.

The Comcast NBCUniversal Foundation offers Local Impact Grants to nonprofit organizations in 11 markets, providing $225,000 to support local programs addressing community issues. Eligible organizations must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits with a revenue exceeding $100,000 and must operate in one of the specified television markets. The grants aim to empower youth through education, promote diverse storytelling, and enhance community engagement. This initiative underscores Comcast's commitment to fostering inclusion and equitable opportunities for underserved communities.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Single-Year Grants to support projects in arts and general education for preschool through high school. With an annual budget of about $300,000, grants can reach up to $10,000. Priority is given to hands-on arts education projects, with 75% of the budget allocated to this area. Organizations must wait one year after receiving three consecutive grants before reapplying. Eligibility is limited to projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Trilogy Grants to organizations that have received at least three Single-Year grants. Each grant totals $25,000 over three years, with $10,000 in the first year and $7,500 in the following years. Limited to a 50-mile radius from MetroWest Boston, the Foundation prioritizes measurable projects in arts and general education. Only four Trilogy Grants are awarded annually, encouraging sustained educational engagement through hands-on experiences.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers grants to support arts and general education projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston. Annually, they distribute approximately $300,000, funding 15-20 Single Year Grants up to $10,000, 3-4 Scholarship Fund Grants of $2,500, and Trilogy Grants totaling $35,000 over three years. Organizations seeking funds are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry to initiate the application process.

The TD Bank Community Sponsorships Program, supported by the TD Charitable Foundation, provides funding for events and activities that positively impact communities from Maine to Florida. This initiative aims to enhance community awareness and foster partnerships among diverse groups, promoting economic development, cultural enrichment, and social responsibility. Organizations can apply for funding to support community-oriented programs, with applications reviewed quarterly. It's essential to submit applications at least 90 days before the event deadlines.

The Charles H. Hall Foundation Grant supports educational, health, and cultural programs for underserved populations in Massachusetts, with a focus on preventing cruelty to children and animals. Grants range from $5,000 to $20,000, and are typically awarded for one year. Organizations providing direct services are prioritized. The foundation seeks to address the needs of communities in Berkshire, Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties, ensuring impactful support for local initiatives.

Nonprofit organizations in Hampden County, Massachusetts seeking support for one-year community health projects can apply for $50,000 - $125,000 through the Activation Fund. Focused on strengthening health initiatives, The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts supports innovative programs, new partnerships, exploration of emerging health challenges, and facility improvements that enhance or expand service delivery capacity.

The Horace A. Moses Charitable Trust, established in 1923, focuses on enhancing educational, health care, and human services for underserved populations in Massachusetts. The Trust supports diverse programs including academic enrichment for all ages, health initiatives, and community assistance. They prioritize requests that align closely with their mission, particularly in Springfield, MA. Grants are typically one year in duration, with multi-year support available occasionally. Organizations are encouraged to seek general operating support to strengthen their capacity.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

Nonprofit organizations providing direct services to people in Hampden County, Massachusetts can seek one-year grants for community programs through the MGM Resorts Foundation. Focus areas include affordable housing, homelessness, food insecurity, health and wellness, K–12 education, workforce development, family services, senior services, and support for veterans and military families.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

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.

Anthony A. Renaud Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support graduating high school seniors from Hampden County or students enrolled at Mount Carmel School in Springfield who have a parent who is deceased; preference for those who have had a parent die from heart disease.

Burns and McDonnell, a 100% employee-owned firm, partners with Project Lead The Way (PLTW) to enhance access to STEM education. By expanding PLTW Computer Science programs in local schools, they aim to engage students in real-world challenges and equip them with essential skills. Eligible schools must be located in specific counties and serve a majority of students from low-income backgrounds. This initiative supports the growth of STEM education, fostering a brighter future for communities through enhanced learning opportunities.

Liberty Bank Foundation

Established in 1997, Liberty Bank Foundation extends Liberty Bank’s long-standing commitment to strengthening the communities we’ve proudly served for over 200 years.

Grants

We support 501(c)(3) organizations whose work aligns with our funding priorities and creates meaningful local impact. We encourage applicants to review our Grant Guidelines to learn more about eligibility, focus areas, and the application process.

Our Focus Areas and Intended Impact

Our grantmaking is rooted in Liberty Bank’s mission to improve the lives of our customers, teammates, and communities for generations to come. Through the Foundation, we invest in nonprofit partners working to strengthen local communities and expand opportunity for the people and places we serve.

Our funding priorities focus on areas where community investment can create lasting, measurable impact:

• Education, Workforce Readiness, and Support for Small Business: Supporting programs that help students and adults build the skills, confidence, and pathways needed for future success.
• Affordable Housing: Supporting efforts that increase housing stability and help individuals and families access safe, affordable places to live.
• Food Security: We offer a limited number of grants to support the primary food pantry or soup kitchen in communities where we operate. Our primary means for addressing food security is through our Liberty Bank Rotary Club Thanksgiving Drive. 

Across these focus areas, we look for clear community need, strong nonprofit partners, practical plans, and outcomes that help individuals and families become stronger, more stable, and better positioned for the future.

Strategic Impact Grants

Nonprofits interested in Strategic Impact Grants should begin by completing a Letter of Interest (LOI). The LOI should provide a brief overview of the organization, the proposed project or initiative, the community need addressed, expected outcomes, alignment with the Foundation’s funding priorities, and the amount of funding requested.

Public and charter elementary schools starting new PLTW Launch STEM programs in Hampden County, Massachusetts can receive up to US $20,000 to cover participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. Project Lead The Way supports schools in eligible counties serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students, beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) offers Family Education Grants to support Jewish organizations in creating engaging educational programs for families. Grants can cover up to 70% of program costs, with a maximum of $10,000 available. Eligible organizations must serve the Jewish community in Western Massachusetts or Southern Vermont and provide innovative Jewish education experiences. The goal is to foster community engagement and enrich family connections to Jewish life through diverse programming.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers Jewish Community Grants aimed at enriching Jewish life in Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. These grants support innovative and engaging programs that connect under-engaged individuals and families to the Jewish community. Applications are competitive, with individuals eligible for up to $2,500 and organizations for up to $7,500. Collaborative proposals are encouraged to maximize resources and reach a diverse audience, fostering community engagement and meaningful experiences.

The METCO Supplemental Special Education Grant aims to provide crucial support to districts serving Boston and Springfield students with significant special education needs. This competitive grant enhances educational access and fosters diversity by allowing these students to attend schools in participating communities. With approximately $325,375 available, the funding can cover costs like specialized transportation and one-on-one support as outlined in students' IEPs, ensuring equitable educational opportunities.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers Professional Development Grants aimed at enhancing local Jewish schools and organizations. These grants support Jewish educators and employees in acquiring new skills and knowledge to improve their organizations. Eligible programs include training in outreach, fundraising, and marketing, hosted by approved Jewish institutions. HGF covers up to 50% of program costs, up to $2,500 annually, emphasizing competitive funding for qualified applicants.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers the Rekindle Shabbat Grant, aimed at fostering community through Shabbat gatherings. This grant supports events that bring people together, whether in-person or remotely, to celebrate Shabbat with meaningful rituals. Eligible participants include residents of Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. Grants reimburse up to $18 per individual for meals, encouraging diverse groups to gather and connect over shared traditions. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

Webster Bank Corporate Giving focuses on supporting underserved communities through essential programs in workforce development, community development, financial empowerment, and basic human services. The bank prioritizes registered nonprofit organizations that align with its strategic goals, encouraging initiatives that promote economic inclusion and address racial equity. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofits operating within Webster's footprint, demonstrating a history of success and a commitment to community enhancement.

Hampden County, Massachusetts community development nonprofits and other eligible 501(c)(3), 501(c)(4), and 501(c)(6) public charities can access funding over US $10,000 for programs serving low- and moderate-income and underserved communities. The Santander Consumer USA Foundation supports efforts in affordable housing, homeownership, small business development, workforce training, financial education, neighborhood revitalization, disaster relief, and human services.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.