Best Hampden County Grants for Nonprofits in Massachusetts

Public and charter elementary schools starting new PLTW Launch STEM programs in Hampden County, Massachusetts can receive up to US $20,000 to cover participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and PLTW Core Training costs. Project Lead The Way supports schools in eligible counties serving at least 40% free or reduced-price lunch students, beginning in the 2027–2028 academic year.

The PLTW Computer Science program, supported by Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education in various communities by funding schools to implement PLTW courses. This partnership promotes student engagement with real-world challenges, preparing them for future careers in technology. With a total grant of $20,000, schools must offer multiple PLTW courses over two years, ensuring access to quality education for underserved populations.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations and schools in Hampden County, Massachusetts, can seek funding for STEM education, environmental sustainability, or community safety and wellness projects. Grants from Westinghouse help eligible groups within 50 miles of a Westinghouse site improve STEM literacy, protect land, air, and water, and enhance overall community safety and vitality.

Nonprofit organizations in Hampden County, Massachusetts seeking event-based or general operating support for education, workforce, and community development programs may be eligible for this community sponsorship. With a mission to prepare individuals for thriving futures, KeyBank provides support for fundraising events and other community-focused initiatives in areas where it operates.

The PLTW Engineering program, in partnership with Burns and McDonnell, aims to enhance STEM education by providing grants to public and charter schools in specific counties. This initiative empowers students to engage with real-world challenges through hands-on learning experiences. Eligible schools must offer PLTW Engineering courses, ensuring access to quality education for students from diverse backgrounds. With a total grant of $40,000 over two years, this program seeks to inspire the next generation of engineers and innovators.

The PLTW Engineering Program Expansion by Burns and McDonnell aims to enhance STEM education in eligible communities. This initiative supports schools in expanding their existing PLTW Engineering programs, providing students with hands-on experiences and essential skills. The program focuses on empowering students through new courses and teacher training, ensuring access for underrepresented populations. By fostering excitement around STEM, Burns and McDonnell is committed to shaping the future workforce and enhancing educational opportunities in critical areas.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation (HGF) offers Family Education Grants to support Jewish organizations in creating engaging educational programs for families. Grants can cover up to 70% of program costs, with a maximum of $10,000 available. Eligible organizations must serve the Jewish community in Western Massachusetts or Southern Vermont and provide innovative Jewish education experiences. The goal is to foster community engagement and enrich family connections to Jewish life through diverse programming.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers Jewish Community Grants aimed at enriching Jewish life in Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. These grants support innovative and engaging programs that connect under-engaged individuals and families to the Jewish community. Applications are competitive, with individuals eligible for up to $2,500 and organizations for up to $7,500. Collaborative proposals are encouraged to maximize resources and reach a diverse audience, fostering community engagement and meaningful experiences.

The Walter S. Barr Scholarship, provided by the Horace Smith Fund, supports Hampden County residents pursuing higher education. This scholarship is available for college students with at least two years left in their undergraduate studies, who have graduated from eligible local schools. Awards are based on academic performance, examination scores, recommendations, and financial need, ensuring continued support for qualified students throughout their studies.

The Walter S. Barr Fellowship, provided by the Horace Smith Fund, aims to support Hampden County residents pursuing full-time graduate degrees. Eligible applicants must be graduates of local high schools and demonstrate financial need alongside academic merit. The fellowship offers renewal for extended study periods, ensuring continued support for students. With a legacy of over a century, the fund remains dedicated to empowering local students in their higher education journeys.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers Professional Development Grants aimed at enhancing local Jewish schools and organizations. These grants support Jewish educators and employees in acquiring new skills and knowledge to improve their organizations. Eligible programs include training in outreach, fundraising, and marketing, hosted by approved Jewish institutions. HGF covers up to 50% of program costs, up to $2,500 annually, emphasizing competitive funding for qualified applicants.

The Harold Grinspoon Foundation offers the Rekindle Shabbat Grant, aimed at fostering community through Shabbat gatherings. This grant supports events that bring people together, whether in-person or remotely, to celebrate Shabbat with meaningful rituals. Eligible participants include residents of Western Massachusetts and Southern Vermont. Grants reimburse up to $18 per individual for meals, encouraging diverse groups to gather and connect over shared traditions. Applications must be submitted at least two weeks prior to the event.

Spectrum Digital Education Grants support nonprofit organizations in educating communities about broadband benefits and usage. These grants aim to bridge the digital divide, particularly for seniors and those with disabilities or ethnically diverse backgrounds. Applicants must demonstrate community partnership, address specific needs, and provide measurable impact metrics. With a focus on financial feasibility and meaningful outcomes, this initiative ensures that underrepresented urban and rural communities gain access to essential digital resources, fostering long-term improvement in their lives.

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

The Scholarship Program

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers over 160 scholarships. Some of the funds help students from a particular school or area; others provide financial assistance to those pursuing a specific field of study; still others assist students that are most in need. Students who apply to the Scholarship program may be eligible for many of these funds.

• Scholarships may be used to offset tuition, fees, room and board, and other items included as part of the cost for attending the institution. 
• Most scholarships are for students who live in Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden Counties. However, some are also available to students who live in Berkshire County and Hartford County in Connecticut.
• We offer scholarships to those who attend on either a full-time or part-time basis. 
• Any student who plans to enroll for the upcoming fall semester, in any year of college as an undergraduate or graduate student and who will attend an accredited post-secondary school in the United States may apply.
• Scholarships are provided for one academic year and are not automatically renewed each year. You can reapply to our program every year you are going to attend college, and the application you submit that year will be considered for all scholarships for which you are eligible.

Anthony A. Renaud Memorial Scholarship Fund

To support graduating high school seniors from Hampden County or students enrolled at Mount Carmel School in Springfield who have a parent who is deceased; preference for those who have had a parent die from heart disease.

The Annual Community Impact Grants program by Fallon Health provides funding between $5,000 and $45,000 to support new or existing programs addressing critical community needs. Focus areas include food security, support for older adults, and early intervention for children and youth. Emphasizing collaboration and sustainability, the program aims to enhance access to essential services, particularly in Massachusetts, ensuring the well-being of underserved populations.

The Housing for Everyone Grant Competition, part of the 2026 Initiative, aims to support eviction prevention in low-to moderate-income communities. This 20th annual initiative recognizes the destabilizing impact of eviction and displacement on families, which leads to job loss, school disruptions, and health issues. By funding innovative organizations, the competition seeks to provide stability for renters, enabling them to stay in their homes and communities.

Nonprofit organizations in Hampden County, Massachusetts seeking support for one-year community health projects can apply for $50,000 - $125,000 through the Activation Fund. Focused on strengthening health initiatives, The Health Foundation of Central Massachusetts supports innovative programs, new partnerships, exploration of emerging health challenges, and facility improvements that enhance or expand service delivery capacity.

Nonprofit 501(c)(3) organizations working on affordable housing, skilled trades, clean water, sanitation, or community revitalization can use this grant to strengthen local programs in Hampden County, Massachusetts. Grants from Ferguson help U.S.-based nonprofits within its geographic footprint build partnerships that improve economic wellbeing and quality of life in their communities.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Single-Year Grants to support projects in arts and general education for preschool through high school. With an annual budget of about $300,000, grants can reach up to $10,000. Priority is given to hands-on arts education projects, with 75% of the budget allocated to this area. Organizations must wait one year after receiving three consecutive grants before reapplying. Eligibility is limited to projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers Trilogy Grants to organizations that have received at least three Single-Year grants. Each grant totals $25,000 over three years, with $10,000 in the first year and $7,500 in the following years. Limited to a 50-mile radius from MetroWest Boston, the Foundation prioritizes measurable projects in arts and general education. Only four Trilogy Grants are awarded annually, encouraging sustained educational engagement through hands-on experiences.

The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation offers grants to support arts and general education projects within a 50-mile radius of MetroWest Boston. Annually, they distribute approximately $300,000, funding 15-20 Single Year Grants up to $10,000, 3-4 Scholarship Fund Grants of $2,500, and Trilogy Grants totaling $35,000 over three years. Organizations seeking funds are encouraged to submit a Letter of Inquiry to initiate the application process.

The Brinker International Charitable Giving Program focuses on giving back to communities through support for kids, hunger, and education. Organizations eligible for funding must be 501c(3) non-profits and submit requests at least six weeks prior to events. The program does not support individuals, political or religious organizations, or explicit discrimination policies. Funding is provided through monetary donations or in-kind contributions like dining certificates.

The Nellie Mae Event Sponsorship Fund supports one-time events that promote education justice and racial equity in New England. Organizations targeting local communities, with annual budgets under $2 million, can apply for funding for events scheduled in 2025 or early 2026. The foundation prioritizes public entities and 501(c)3 educational organizations, ensuring equitable access to educational opportunities for all students. Note that operational costs and online fundraising are not eligible for funding.

The Long Island Sound Futures Fund (LISFF) is offering approximately $12 million in grants to enhance the health and living resources of Long Island Sound. Managed by the National Fish and Wildlife Foundation (NFWF) in collaboration with the U.S. EPA and the Long Island Sound Study (LISS), this initiative seeks innovative proposals to support environmental restoration efforts, leveraging major funding from various agencies and foundations.

Women age 25 or older returning to the workforce and attending accredited colleges in Hampden or Hampshire Counties can receive up to US $3,000 to continue their education. Grants from Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts help Hampden County, Massachusetts adult and higher education students through the Professional Women’s Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Fund for Women.

Public and charter schools in Hampden County, Massachusetts offering PLTW Launch can use this grant to expand STEM education, including adding modules, reaching more students, or training additional teachers. Project Lead The Way provides US $5,000 for allowable expenses such as PLTW participation fees, required devices, equipment, supplies, and core training costs.

The USTA Western Massachusetts Junior Learn-to-Play Tennis Education Scholarship offers financial assistance to juniors aged 8-18 who wish to learn tennis. With scholarships up to $250, the program aims to support young athletes in Western Massachusetts, ensuring they can access lessons and programs regardless of their financial situation. Applicants must work with approved providers and submit accountability forms to confirm their participation and commitment to the sport.