Community Resilience Grants 2026

The Community Foundation is launching a one-time $1,000,000 Community Resilience grant process to provide urgent, flexible support to frontline community organizations across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. 

This initiative is intended to help nonprofits meet the moment and ameliorate the impact of reductions in federal and state funding that are affecting residents and the organizations that serve them. The program will enable community organizations to continue providing essential support to help individuals and families remain safe and stable during this challenging funding landscape. 

One-time grants of up to $50,000 will be awarded to organizations providing direct services that ensure people can access essential daily needs. 

Organizations may apply for grants of up to $50,000 and are encouraged to request the amount that most accurately reflects their current needs. Requesting the maximum amount will not disadvantage an applicant, as proposals will be evaluated on the specifics of the individual request; however, applicants are asked to carefully consider the level of support necessary to address the need described. 

Given that overall funding decisions must balance requests across many organizations and overall community needs, award amounts may ultimately vary based on organizational size, scope of need, and the range of requests received. 

What the Funding Supports 

Grants will support organizations addressing critical and urgent needs such as: 

• Food access and distribution 
• Housing stability and shelter supports 
• Utility, fuel, and rental assistance 
• Essential supplies and clothing 
• Physical and behavioral health supports 
• Immigrant support  
• Childcare and family stabilization services 
• Legal support related to safety and discrimination 
• Transportation to essential services 
• Other urgent supports that help households function safely 

Funding may be used for general operating support necessary to sustain these services, allowing organizations the flexibility to respond to current community conditions. 

Organizations do not need basic needs to be their primary mission; however, the funded services must be a significant and ongoing part of their direct service delivery. 

Who Should Apply 

This opportunity is intended for organizations that: 

• Have IRS designated 501(c)(3) status or an established fiscal sponsor 
• Serve individuals or communities experiencing challenges due to reductions in public funding and/or federal policy changes
• Are serving individuals or families within one or more of the following counties: Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin 
• Are experiencing increased demand or operational pressure 
• Provide direct services to individuals or households 

Farming & Food System Eligibility 
Local farms and food producers are eligible if they are a non-profit or fiscally sponsored organization and when they play a direct role in community food access (for example: hunger relief distribution, subsidized CSA shares, mobile markets, culturally responsive food distribution, or partnerships with food access organizations). General agricultural production alone is not eligible. 

Current grantees are eligible to apply.

Grant Details 

• Award Amount: up to $50,000 
• Funding Type: Flexible, general operating support tied to active service delivery 
• Total Initiative: $1,000,000 
• Geographic Focus: Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties 
• Goal: Rapid deployment of funds to address urgent community needs 

Organizations are encouraged to begin preparing a brief description of their current services (1000 characters or fewer), a brief description of how the organization has been impacted by a reduction in public funding (1000 characters or fewer), and a summary of how they anticipate utilizing the requested funds (1500 characters or fewer). 

Timeline  

• Application Opens:  March 12, 2026 
• Application Closes: April 9, 2026 at noon (12 pm)
• Awards Announced: mid-May 2026 
• Funds Distributed: by June 1, 2026 

Connect with Us

Join the Community Impact Team for a virtual information session to learn more about the Community Resilience 2026 grant process, application, and criteria, and to ask questions.

April 7 from 9:30 – 10:45 am