Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) has launched the Racial Equity and Social Justice Grant Opportunity as part of its broader mission to invest in community-led systemic change across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. This initiative aligns with the foundation's longstanding commitment to promoting equity, community leadership, and sustainable impact throughout Western Massachusetts. Recognizing the enduring effects of systemic inequities and historical disinvestment, CFWM seeks to support grassroots and community-based efforts led by those most impacted by racial, economic, and social injustice. This funding opportunity offers two grant tracks—Learning Grants and Emerging Grants—tailored to meet organizations at different stages in their power-building and systems change journeys. Learning Grants, capped at $15,000, are intended for organizations in the early stages of exploring racial equity and systems change. These grants aim to enhance leadership development, organizational learning, and internal capacity building. Conversely, Emerging Grants, with awards up to $30,000, are designed for organizations that have been active in systems change work for at least one to three years and are seeking to deepen their advocacy efforts, expand reach, and contribute to broader coalition work. To qualify for either track, applicants must be nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status or have a fiscal sponsor, and their operating budgets must be under $5 million. Preference is given to organizations with budgets under $1 million. All proposed work must be situated within the three Western Massachusetts counties and led by or meaningfully guided by communities most affected by racial and economic injustice. Projects must be grounded in racial justice principles and committed to systemic change through activities such as grassroots organizing, civic engagement, policy advocacy, coalition building, and leadership development. Funding is not permitted for endowments, capital campaigns, sectarian religious organizations (unless serving broader community benefit), institutions of higher education (including scholarships), academic research, or K–12 schools. Organizations focused on supporting municipalities or government agencies are also ineligible. Selected grantees in both tracks will be required to participate in up to two learning sessions hosted by CFWM, fostering relationship-building, skill development, and strategy alignment among peers. Applications must be submitted via the CFWM online portal by 12:00 p.m. on July 14, 2025. An informational webinar was held on June 16, 2025, and open office hours are available on June 25 and July 8 to assist prospective applicants. A PDF version of the application is available for review. The grant is currently open and accepting applications, with indications that the opportunity may recur annually thereafter. Contact information for CFWM includes a mailing address at 333 Bridge Street, Springfield, MA 01103, and a general phone number: 413-732-2858. This grant opportunity presents a critical resource for organizations in Western Massachusetts seeking to build lasting community power and address systemic inequities through locally driven, equity-centered approaches.