Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts Awards $130,000 for Community Resilience
SPRINGFIELD — The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts announced $130,000 in Community Resilience grant awards this year to 17 organizations serving women, girls, and gender-diverse people across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties.
These awards were directed to nonprofits working in priority areas such as domestic violence prevention and recovery, immigration, trans justice, and proximate leadership movement building.
“Due to federal, state, and local funding cuts, this unexpected money is a true gift at a very challenging time,” said Elizabeth Dineen, CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts.
This streamlined grant cycle bypassed the standard application process to strengthen organizations already leading critical work and reinforce community resilience.
“The fund’s steadfast commitment to creating a more just and equitable society strengthens our work every day — whether we are helping newcomers secure legal status, reunify with loved ones, or find safety and stability in their new communities,” according to a statement by the Ascentria Care Alliance Immigration Legal Assistance Program.
Point32Health Foundation made this rapid-response cycle possible. Its funding will elevate Women’s Fund grantmaking to support community-centered approaches addressing social, racial, and health inequities.
“In times like these, organizations thrive when resources are intentionally aligned with the areas of greatest need and impact,” Parent Villages CEO LaTonia Naylor said.
Grant recipients for this funding round include 413 Cares, Alianza DV Services, All Inclusive Support Services, Ascentria Care Alliance, Berkshire Dream Center, Berkshire Resources for Integration of Diverse Groups and Education, Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts, the Gray House, Parent Villages, Resilience Center of Franklin County, Roca Inc., Safe Passage, Springfield Housing Authority, Tapestry Health, Transhealth, Translate Gender, and YWCA of Western Massachusetts.
“Many organizations leading essential community resilience work lack the time or staff capacity for lengthy applications,” said Vanessa Pabón-Hernandez, CEO of the Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts. “This grant cycle reflects our commitment to gender equity, the power of collective action, and standing with others to advance gender equity.”