COVID-19 Response Fund for the Pioneer Valley

Geographic Scope: Western Massachusetts (Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin Counties - the Pioneer Valley region)

Lead Gift: $1 million from MassMutual (March 2020)

Total Raised: Over $7.6 million from:

• 25+ businesses and foundations
• 600+ individual donors
• Massachusetts COVID-19 Relief Fund ($4.3+ million)

Focus Areas:

• Emergency relief for vulnerable populations affected by COVID-19 pandemic
• Food insecurity and meals
• Shelter and homelessness
• Mental health services
• Youth and family services
• Employment assistance
• Survivors of domestic violence assistance
• Personal protective equipment (PPE)
• Basic needs assistance (utilities, housing, diapers, personal care items)
• Summer programming
• Services for those with disabilities
• Support for essential workers
• Immigration-related services and support

Eligibility: Community nonprofit organizations serving vulnerable populations

Key Features:

• 100% of donations go directly to community needs (Community Foundation covers administrative costs)
• Simple online application process
• Grants awarded weekly in some periods
• Some grants awarded within one week of application

Contact:

• Website: communityfoundation.org/covid19
• Email: donorservices@communityfoundation.org
• Address: 333 Bridge Street, Springfield, MA 01103
• Phone: 413-732-2858

Overview:
Emergency response fund established during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide flexible resources to nonprofit organizations serving the most vulnerable populations in Western Massachusetts. Multiple rounds of grants were distributed throughout 2020 targeting immediate needs created by the pandemic crisis.

Application Process

Early Rounds (March-May 2020):

• No formal application required for initial grants
• Community Foundation reached out to existing organizations
• Organizations could self-nominate or be nominated

Subsequent Rounds (June 2020 onward):

• Short online application required
• Available at: communityfoundation.org/request-for-information
• Organizations encouraged to complete and submit application
• Grants awarded on rolling basis (new grants awarded weekly)
• Many grants awarded within one week of application

Special Initiative (2019):

• Community call for nominations process
• Online nomination submissions accepted
• Residents, guests, and volunteers could nominate deserving nonprofits
• 1,100 nominations received

Required Information:

• Organization details
• Description of how grant would address COVID-19 pandemic impacts
• Target populations served
• Specific needs to be addressed with funding