February 14, 2019 Press Releases

CFWM establishes 2019 grantmaking opportunities

$2M slated to support and respond to regional needs

February 14, 2019

SPRINGFIELD, MA – The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts’ (CFWM) has set forward its grantmaking priorities for its 2019 Competitive Grant Program, which supports the vital work of nonprofit organizations in Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties. Approximately $2M has been designated to fund CFWM’s four competitive grant programs: Mission Grants, Capacity Grants, Capital Grants and continuation of the Foundation’s multiyear Innovation Grants. In addition, CFWM will continue to support a range of other important community needs through a mix of discretionary grants and multi-year grant commitments that are supporting efforts to advance sustainable transportation, ensure a correct count for the 2020 Census, expand public arts in Springfield and showcase cutting edge approaches to early care and education.

This year, CFWM’s grant opportunities were shaped and informed by input from over 200 nonprofit organizations in the region via an anonymous survey. “As we strive to better understand and address the issues and needs facing our region, it has been essential that we listen carefully to the nonprofits who are on the front lines and know our communities so well,” says Jim Ayres, Vice President for Programs and Strategy. “Their feedback and insight has been invaluable as we continue to sharpen our grantmaking and endeavor to become the strongest possible leader in improving life for all in our region.”

CFWM’s Competitive Grant Program is made possible by hundreds of donors’ deep and ongoing generosity. Final funding decisions were made by CFWM’s volunteer leadership including the foundation’s Distribution Committee, who represent a broad range of communities from up and down the Valley.