Flexible Funding

An Overview of Our Flexible Funding Opportunity

We are excited to announce 2022’s round of Flexible Funding, which will provide general operating support to nonprofits that benefit our region.

As part of the Foundation’s strategic vision, preference will be given to organizations, who missions are in the following areas:

• Diversity, equity and inclusion in workplaces and institutions, prioritizing racial equity.
• A strong start for all children though high-quality early education and care.
• Accessible and more affordable post-secondary education and training, providing pathways to completion and employment.
• A vibrant and local arts and creativity ecosystem to support self-expression, economic vitality and connection.

Preference will also be given to organizations where leadership is racially diverse.

Program Details:

There will be a minimum of $2,000,000 for this grant opportunity with a goal of awarding at least 75% of the funds to organizations aligned with the Foundation’s stated strategic focus areas. This opportunity will award grants of $30,000 to support organizations for the 2023 calendar year with the expectation that awarded funds will be expended by December 31, 2023. Organizations may choose how to apply the funds to their operations, i.e., programs, operating support, etc.

Eligible organizations must have IRS designated 501(c)(3) status or an established fiscal sponsorship and must substantially benefit residents in Franklin, Hampden and/or Hampshire counties.

Multiple sources of funding support this opportunity including some geographic or programmatic restrictions.

Funding cannot support the following:

• Expenses that occur outside the 12-month funding timeframe (January 1, 2023 – December 31, 2023)
• Endowments
• Grants to individuals
• Sectarian or religious organizations unless as a fiscal sponsor for a broad community benefit
• Activities directly or indirectly that influence legislation or election campaigns; activities related to influencing government policies, permitting or regulations will not be considered.
• Higher education scholarships
• Academic research

Grant Deadlines

• Grant application opens: August 1, 2022
• Grant submission closes:  September 16, 2022 at 11:59 p.m. EST
• Funding decisions will be sent via email to applicants on or before November 30, 2022.
• Funds for awarded organizations will be released no later than December 15, 2022.
• Funds must be expended by December 31, 2023

Apply

Click here to apply.
A copy of the application can be found here.

Connect with Community Foundation Staff

We’d like to be in touch with organizations that want guidance and support through the application process. You can reach us at grants@communityfoundation.org for both technical assistance and/or to talk about your application. You can also connect with us at the following times:

In-Person Community Gathering
Wednesday July 27^th 10:30am-12pm at
HCC MGM Culinary Arts Institute, Holyoke

In-Person Community Gathering
Wednesday July 27^th 3:30pm-5pm at
Double Edge Theatre, Ashfield

Online Information Session
Tuesday August 2^nd 12pm-1pm

In-Person Community Gathering
Thursday August 4^th 4:30pm-6pm at
Bombyx Center for Arts and Equity, Florence

Online Grant Writing Workshop
Tuesday August 9^th 12pm-1pm

Online Information Session
Wednesday August 24^th 9am-10am

Online Drop-In Hours
September 6^th-9^th 9am-12pm

Online Drop-In Hours
September 12^th-16^th 2pm-5pm

Questions? Comments?

Please reach out to Community Impact and Partnerships.