October 22, 2025 Press Releases

Working Toward a More Just Future in the Valley

Community Foundation invests in local efforts to advance racial equity and social justice.

Across Western Massachusetts, organizations large and small are helping their communities navigate challenging conversations, expand opportunities, and build more equitable systems. To support this ongoing work, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has announced an investment of $155,000 in grants dedicated to addressing inequities in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. Funded by its Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund (RESJ), these grants will be awarded to seven community-based organizations actively leading, organizing, educating, advocating, and building transformative models for change.

As nonprofits navigate uncertainty due to federal funding cuts, the investment provides crucial support at a moment when local organizations need it most. Leveraging a participatory grantmaking process, the Community Foundation not only directs resources to where they can have the most significant impact but also creates a space for collaboration, idea-sharing, and solutions shaped by those close to the work. This approach ensures that community voices remain at the center of the discussion.

“We knew we wanted to utilize a participatory grantmaking process for this fund, where community members themselves helped determine where these funds could have the greatest impact,” said Jeffery Markham, Senior Program Officer for Equity. “Their insights reinforced what the Community Foundation already knows: the people closest to the work understand best what their communities need. By sharing decision-making power, we hope to strengthen both trust and results.”

In March, as part of its ongoing commitment to advance equity, the Community Foundation reaffirmed its commitment through an updated equity statement. Each grant represents a tangible commitment to the people living and working in the communities it serves, their leadership, creativity, and determination to make Western Massachusetts a place where everyone can thrive.

“The Community Foundation has an important role to play,” added Megan Burke, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “A role in bringing people together and supporting ideas that strengthen communities. This investment affirms our trust in community leaders and our belief that lasting progress comes when we support all residents of the Valley to be a voice for change.”

To learn more about the Racial Equity and Social Justice Fund, or to make a gift that supports a more just and equitable future for the Valley, visit communityfoundation.org/RESJ.

The organizations receiving grants from the Racial Equity Social Justice Initiative are: 

Our Fire Collective
With funding, this BIPOC- and women-led healing justice organization seeks to support frontline educators and healthcare workers, especially people of color, facing workplace trauma.

International Language Institute (ILI)
With funding, ILI seeks to support its Student Leadership Initiative, which elevates the voices of immigrants and refugees in our region.

Boys & Girls Club Family Center
With funding, Boys & Girls Club Family Center seeks to support their Parent Advocacy Program, which strengthens the leadership and advocacy skills of local parents.

Pioneer Valley Workers Center and Neighbor to Neighbor
With funding for the LUCE Project, both organizations will hold key roles in advancing leadership and advocacy.

Pa’lante Transformative Justice 
With funding, Pa’Lante seeks to hire youth staff for a new research and action project.

Springfield No One Leaves
With funding, Springfield No One Leaves seeks to expand tenants’ rights work and support the creation of new tenant unions in communities across the Valley.