Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts Awards $130,000
for Community Resilience
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Kelley Bryant, Director of Research and Advocacy
Email: kbryant@mywomensfund.org
Phone: 413-206-7722
Springfield, MA – The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts has 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.
The Women’s Fund mobilized the Community Resilience grant funds to organizations providing essential support in response to the needs of vulnerable communities in Western Massachusetts. CEO of the YWCA of Western Massachusetts, Elizabeth Dineen J.D. adds, “Due to federal, state, and local funding cuts, this unexpected money is a true gift at a very challenging time.”
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.
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.” adds Ascentria Care Alliance Immigration Legal Assistance Program team.
Point32Health Foundation made this rapid-response cycle possible. Their funding will elevate Women’s Fund grantmaking to support community-centered approaches addressing social, racial, and health inequities. Parent Villages CEO, LaTonia Naylor posits, “In times like these, organizations thrive when resources are intentionally aligned with the areas of greatest need and impact.”
“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.”
Grant recipients for this funding round include: 413 Cares, Alianza DV Services, All Inclusive Support Services, Ascentria Care Alliance, Berkshire Dream Center, Bridge (Berkshire Resources for Integration of Diverse Groups and Education), Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts, Parent Villages, Resilience Center of Franklin County, Roca, Inc., Safe Passage, Springfield Housing Authority, Tapestry Health, The Gray House, Transhealth, Translate Gender, and YWCA of Western Massachusetts.
Support organizations like these by donating to the Women’s Fund mission before the end of the year at mywomensfund.org/give-now/.
The Women’s Fund will highlight grant recipients online throughout the year. Learn more by following the organization on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and mywomensfund.org.
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About The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts
The Women’s Fund of Western Massachusetts fuels progress toward gender equity by funding the most promising solutions, collaborating with results-oriented partners, and elevating the collective power of local women to take charge and lead with purpose.
About Point32 Health Foundation
Point32Health Foundation builds on values of giving and service that were central to both Harvard Pilgrim Health Care Foundation and Tufts Health Plan Foundation. We work with communities to support, advocate and advance healthier lives for everyone. The Foundation supports work to advance equity in aging—prioritizing efforts that address systemic inequities. Follow us on Twitter and Facebook.
