CFWM Flexible Funding 2026

The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) is a private philanthropic organization dedicated to strengthening communities across Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties through grantmaking, partnerships, and resource sharing. With equity as a guiding principle, the foundation provides opportunities for organizations to pursue funding that enhances social justice, community well-being, and local resiliency. In partnership with MassMutual Foundation and other regional partners, CFWM has expanded its support to organizations that may be newer, smaller, or traditionally underrepresented in institutional philanthropy, with a focus on deep local engagement. The Flexible Funding 2026 grant program provides general operating support to nonprofits and fiscally sponsored organizations. This initiative aims to sustain daily operations so that organizations can focus more effectively on their core missions. The program was created to reduce barriers to funding by offering unrestricted grants of up to $30,000. CFWM plans to award at least $3.4 million through this opportunity, with funds required to be expended by December 31, 2026. The program builds upon prior rounds of Flexible Funding, which awarded 109 grants in January 2025, and continues to expand resources into Springfield and Franklin County. Funding decisions are aligned with CFWM’s strategic vision and its four primary focus areas: racial justice, post-secondary education and training, early childhood development, and a vibrant arts and creativity ecosystem. Additional focus areas include financial resilience in Springfield communities, covering initiatives such as network building, financial health, basic needs, and employment opportunities, as well as family economic resiliency efforts in Franklin County focused on food security, housing stability, and access to essential services. Applicants submit a single application, and CFWM staff determine which focus area the organization best aligns with. Eligible applicants must hold IRS 501(c)(3) designation or be fiscally sponsored by an eligible organization. They must have at least one year of financial records as of September 1, 2025, and an operating budget under $10 million, with preference for budgets under $5 million. Applicants must serve Franklin, Hampden, and/or Hampshire counties, and demonstrate regional presence if also working outside the region. Exclusions apply to capital campaigns, endowments, higher education institutions, K-12 schools, research, sectarian programs unless broadly beneficial, municipal support organizations, and start-ups lacking financial history. Preference is given to organizations with BIPOC leadership or leadership reflective of the community served. The application process begins with an eligibility quiz, due September 2, 2025, which provides feedback before submission of the full application. Applications are due September 8, 2025, by noon Eastern Time. All applications must be submitted online. Grant recipients will be expected to report on their use of funds, but the grant structure emphasizes organizational flexibility. CFWM staff also host virtual information sessions and in-person community gatherings across the region to answer questions and provide guidance. Applicants and interested organizations are encouraged to attend open office hours and information sessions held virtually and in community spaces throughout August and early September 2025. These sessions provide opportunities to clarify application requirements, understand eligibility, and connect with peers in the nonprofit sector. For further assistance, applicants can contact CFWM’s Community Impact and Partnerships team at grants@communityfoundation.org or by phone at 413-732-2858. The foundation is located at 333 Bridge Street, Springfield, Massachusetts 01103.

Attend information sessions and office hours. Connect with staff for feedback.