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
Our Vision
The Community Foundation is a catalyst for positive change in the region; engaging partners, leveraging resources, and contributing to the common good.
The Community Foundation envisions a Western Massachusetts that is thriving, collaborative, and generous, and where there is opportunity for all.
Our Values
Community Wisdom:
We trust in the collective knowledge of the community and create convenings and opportunities for all constituents across the Valley to:
- Co-lead the development of the work of the Community Foundation
- Guide the work through shared decision-making processes
- Hold each other accountable to our shared goals
- Live our values in action
Collaboration:
We are stronger working together, sharing power in order to leverage the resources of diverse partners to make progress towards shared goals.
Equity:
We use equitable giving practices that amplify the voices of communities that have historically been excluded. This creates greater access and opportunity through a philanthropic lens so that donors can prioritize elevating equity through their giving, and our grantmaking efforts.
Integrity:
We honor our commitments to each other, community partners, donors and potential donors, and all residents of the Valley by being honest, transparent, and accountable by following through on our agreements with our actions.
Justice:
We take a justice-focused approach in partnership with the community by identifying oppressive structures, disrupting those systems, and addressing harm across the region.