Best Hampden County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

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 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.

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 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.

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.

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.

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 Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is offering approximately $12 million in grants to enhance the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. Managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. EPA and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), this initiative seeks innovative proposals to support environmental restoration efforts, leveraging major funding from various agencies and foundations.

ATI Physical Therapy is dedicated to enhancing community health and wellness through its sponsorship and donation initiatives. With a mission to exceed customer expectations, ATI actively engages in philanthropic efforts that improve lives and promote quality care beyond clinic walls. They encourage requests for support while emphasizing a review process that ensures timely responses. Partnering with local organizations, ATI aims to elevate awareness of health and wellness, impacting thousands of lives each year.

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.

Hampden County, Massachusetts nonprofits planning community-focused events can access funding through Liberty Bank Foundation for sponsorships supporting cultural, educational, health, human services, and community development activities. 501(c)(3) organizations hosting fundraisers, walks, concerts, tournaments, or similar events may receive more than US $1,000, with smaller branch sponsorships available for local youth and school events.

Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education

The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education provides leadership, oversight, funding, support, and accountability for the Commonwealth's approximately 400 school districts that educate close to 1 million public school children each year. We also oversees programs that serve 20,000 adult learners each year.

METCO Program

Purpose

The purpose of the state-funded Metropolitan Council for Educational Opportunity (METCO) Program is to expand educational opportunities by fostering the opportunity for children from Boston and Springfield to attend public schools in neighboring communities for students to develop a deeper understanding of one another in an integrated public school setting. The METCO program provides students of participating school districts the opportunity to experience the advantages of learning and working in a racially, ethnically, and linguistically diverse setting.

Priorities

The priorities of this fund source are to provide Boston and Springfield students further opportunities to achieve at high levels the learning standards of the state curriculum frameworks and enrich both the urban and suburban communities by providing opportunities and support for cross-cultural understanding and appreciation.

Applicants for this grant opportunity should be deliberate and intentional in the use of grant funds to support the Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DESE) standards and priorities. Specifically, this program may include, but not be limited to, the following priorities:

• Academic & mental health supports for METCO students, including: 1) Regular day and after-school tutoring and mentoring programs. 2) Initiatives that bridge opportunity gaps between and within METCO program students and in-district resident students. 3) Other programs and services that support family engagement and community engagement events.

• Hiring needs and professional development for METCO community members (all school and district-based staff and students), designed to support racial integration efforts, including: 1) Professional development geared towards building a culturally and linguistically responsive school culture that contributes to increased cross-cultural and racial understanding. 2) Professional development for new and current METCO staff, and 3) Memberships to and participation in professional organizations focused on diversity and reducing racial imbalance within METCO school communities.

• Transportation

Fund Use

Grant funds must be aligned to the purpose of this grant (see "Purpose" section) and priorities (see "Priorities" section). Funds may be used for local district costs incurred as a result of the participation of Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO students, Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO transportation costs, and for supplemental services that will contribute in a measurable way to enhanced educational opportunities and academic achievement, as well as enrichment.

Funds can be used to supplement but not supplant the costs of district participation in Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO. All budgets must be reviewed and approved by the district Metropolitan Council for Educational OpportunityMETCO leader. 

Public and charter schools in Hampden County, Massachusetts offering PLTW Launch can use this grant to expand STEM education, including adding modules, reaching more students, or training additional teachers. Project Lead The Way provides US $5,000 for allowable expenses such as PLTW participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.

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.

Qualified 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations providing sustainable community improvement in Hampden County, Massachusetts can apply for Eastman Foundation support. Funding focuses on economic success, social well-being, and environmental integrity. Community development, basic human needs, and revitalization programs in Eastman operating communities may be especially competitive.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community revitalization can use this grant to strengthen local programs in Hampden County, Massachusetts. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits within its geographic footprint build partnerships that improve economic wellbeing and quality of life in their communities.

Nonprofit organizations supporting military service members, veterans, and their families with mental, physical, or educational needs in Hampden County, Massachusetts can apply for ES Veterans Association grants. Focused on veterans services across New England, this fund supports programs that help veterans successfully live, work, and transition back to civilian life.

Nonprofit, neighborhood-based organizations in Hampden County, Massachusetts can seek capital funding to create or rehabilitate local football fields through the NFL Foundation Grassroots Program, administered by Local Initiatives Support. Focused on safe recreation spaces, this program offers up to US $250,000 plus technical assistance for field improvement projects in eligible communities and schools.

Nonprofit organizations in Hampden County, Massachusetts can seek support for programs in health, financial security, community services, education, and environmental resilience. With a mission to improve quality of life, TD Charitable Foundation provides regional grants of more than US $5,000, prioritizing inclusive initiatives serving diverse, historically underserved, and low-to-moderate income communities.

International Paper Grants focus on community engagement, emphasizing education, hunger relief, health & wellness, and disaster relief. They support nonprofit organizations that demonstrate good financial standing and effective management. Eligible organizations must operate in areas where International Paper has facilities. The foundation prioritizes local needs, particularly critical and environmental issues, while encouraging employee involvement. Ineligible entities include private foundations and those without a local presence. Applications are accepted through mid-September in the U.S. and Canada.

Community Event Sponsorships

Each year, we devote a small portion of our operating budget to support area nonprofit organizations’ events. We know these events are vital to your organization’s fiscal health, that they help you more deeply connect with community partners, and that they offer opportunities to celebrate and elevate your organization’s impact, milestones, and mission. Event sponsorships also offer our staff and volunteers the opportunity to engage and partner with your team, and to learn more about your organization.

How can my organization apply for an Event Sponsorship?

We review and decline / award sponsorship requests on a first come, first serve basis beginning each fiscal year start of April 1, so the earlier you apply, the better! Our easy-to-use form captures all of information needed for us to make a funding decision. Once a request has been submitted, you’ll receive a confirmation email, and we will notify you of our funding decision within 5-7 business days after submission.

Strategic priority areas:

Diversity, equity, and inclusion—events that celebrate, uplift, or advance equitable opportunities and representation for all communities.

Post-secondary education and economic mobility—events that promote access to, success in, or awareness of higher education and training pathways.

A strong start for all children—events that support early childhood development, education, and the well-being of young children.

Arts and creativity—events that foster creativity, support artists, and contribute to a vibrant local arts culture.

How much money can my organization receive?

You can apply for any amount, but our awards are typically between $500 and $1,500.

How do you decide which requests to fund?

We strive to fund Community Event Sponsorships in a fair and equitable way. We carefully consider each request to ensure that we are funding a wide variety of events who represent some or all of the following criteria:

• Donor audiences
• A variety of nonprofit sectors
• Our broad geographic region
• Underserved / underrepresented groups and populations

Flexible Funding provides unrestricted financial support to organizations, allowing them to focus on their mission. The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts prioritizes smaller, community-rooted organizations, especially in Springfield and Franklin County. Grants up to $30,000 are available, with a total of $3.4 million planned for distribution. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship and an operating budget under $10 million, ensuring support for those who truly benefit the local community.

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.

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 Eversource Energy Foundation Grants support community initiatives by providing funding to organizations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Grants typically range from $1,000 to $10,000 and require annual reapplication. Organizations must be based within the service territory and hold a 501(c)(3) designation. The Foundation prioritizes projects focused on community wellness, education, clean energy, and economic development while avoiding support for political, fraternal, or discriminatory activities.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and qualified public entities providing community development programs in Hampden County, Massachusetts may be eligible for charitable sponsorship supporting low- to moderate-income communities. With a mission to advance educational, physical, and economic mobility, Santander Bank Foundation funds efforts like affordable housing, small business and job creation, financial education, workforce development, youth development, and neighborhood revitalization within its Northeast footprint.

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.