The Community Foundation of North Central MA was founded in 2001 and serves 33 communities from Erving to Littleton. Visit the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts website, CLICK HERE.
$750,000 Donated Anonymously Aiding 16 Organizations in North Central Massachusetts
The Chair Man and the Chair Lady discuss the grants in this podcast. Listen on any device, CLICK PLAY.
As federal and state funding reductions place increasing pressure on nonprofit organizations, an anonymous donor partnered with the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts to provide $750,000 in emergency support. The grants were distributed to 16 organizations delivering essential services in healthcare, housing, food security, behavioral health, education, and economic stability across the region.
“This kind of responsive grantmaking shows how a community foundation can partner with donors to quickly and effectively direct philanthropy where it can do the most good.” — Stephen J. Adams, President, Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. “We are grateful to this donor for their trust and their urgency, and to the organizations doing the hard work on the ground every day.”
Heywood Hospital received $150,000 to expand diagnostic ultrasound capacity, increasing access to critical imaging services for patients who rely on the hospital as a community safety-net provider.
Community Health Connections was awarded $100,000 to expand behavioral health services at a time when demand for mental health care continues to rise while public funding remains uncertain.
Several organizations received funding to help families experiencing financial hardship. Making Opportunity Count, the Spanish American Center, and Valuing Our Children each received grants to support housing stability, food access, utility assistance, and other critical services that help individuals and families remain secure during challenging times.
Food security and education also received significant investments. Growing Places was awarded $50,000 to continue its Fresh Box program, connecting residents with fresh, locally grown produce. Literacy Volunteers of the Montachusett Area received $20,000 to sustain adult literacy and English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programming, helping adults build the skills needed to participate fully in the workforce and community.
Organizations serving survivors of domestic and sexual violence also benefited from the initiative. YWCA Central Massachusetts, Pathways for Change, and Voices of Truth received a combined $85,000 to ensure crisis intervention, advocacy, and support services remain available to those who need them most.
Behavioral health and recovery services were strengthened through grants of $50,000 to RFK Community Allianceand $15,000 to Restoration Recovery Center. Community Legal Aid received $20,000 to provide legal assistance to low-income residents, while the Polus Center was awarded $5,000 to support its small business incubator, helping entrepreneurs build economic independence.
