MassMutual Foundation Announces $1 Million Gift to Square One

SPRINGFIELD — Joined by Springfield Mayor Domenic Sarno and members of the Western Mass. legislative delegation, MassMutual Foundation President Dennis Duquette announced a major boost to Square One’s “Back to Square One” capital campaign on Sept. 27.

“The MassMutual Foundation has always been committed to supporting the communities where we live and work,” Duquette said. “Our partnership with Square One reflects this commitment, and we are thrilled to support their mission of empowering local families, not only with resources for early learning, but also critical support services for the entire family. We look forward to continuing our work together and are excited to play a small part in helping Square One grow its presence in the Greater Springfield area.”

The announcement comes as Square One works to build a $15.5 million center at the location where its building was destroyed by a tornado in 2011. Slated to open in the spring of 2025, the new, 26,000-square-foot facility will include four preschool classrooms, an outdoor learning and play area, a full-service family-support center, and administrative offices.

“Over the years, Square One and many other community organizations have greatly benefited from the MassMutual Foundation’s commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for the children and families in our region,” said Dawn DiStefano, president and CEO of Square One. “This $1 million gift not only positions our project for financial success, it also sends a crucial message to others about the importance of our work in early learning and family services. We could not be more grateful for their extremely generous support and validation of our work.”

Currently, the campaign is approximately $2 million shy of its $15.5 million goal. Early support for the project came from the Davis Foundation, PeoplesBank, the city of Springfield, and the state of Massachusetts. Sarno awarded nearly $1 million in funding, while state Rep. Carlos Gonzalez and state Sen. Adam Gomez sponsored and secured a $2 million earmark in the state budget to support Square One’s expansion of services. In June, Balise Auto, another organization with deep roots in Springfield’s South End neighborhood, announced a $1 million gift to the project.

These funds and gifts, paired with a $6 million bond issued by MassDevelopment and the cash equivalent of $4 million in New Market Tax Credits, have positioned the campaign for success.