Flexible Funding Grant

Flexible Funding provides unrestricted financial support to organizations, allowing them to focus on their mission. The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts prioritizes smaller, community-rooted organizations, especially in Springfield and Franklin County. Grants up to $30,000 are available, with a total of $3.4 million planned for distribution. Eligible organizations must have IRS 501(c)(3) status or fiscal sponsorship and an operating budget under $10 million, ensuring support for those who truly benefit the local community.

Flexible Funding aims to provide unrestricted financial support to sustain day-to-day operations of organizations, enabling you to focus on your mission. We especially welcome applications from smaller, newer, non-traditional, or fiscally sponsored organizations that have not yet received substantial institutional philanthropy. We also prioritize organizations deeply rooted in their communities.This year, we were thrilled to announce a partnership with the MassMutual Foundation, offering an expansion of Flexible Funding grants specifically for Springfield-serving organizations. In January 2025, we were proud to share that additional funding had been made available and that we awarded our first 109 grants. Additionally, we have expanded funding available in Franklin County. With a single application, organizations can apply for funding; our staff will decide which of the criteria your organization best meets.
Program Details
Flexible Funding grants provide general operating support to local organizations aligned with our strategic focus areas. More details on these areas are available here, helping you determine if your organization qualifies. Grants of up to $30,000 are available. Funds must be spent by December 31, 2026.  CFWM plans to award a minimum of $3.4 million in total.

Eligibility

Eligible organizations must have IRS designated 501(c)(3) status or an established fiscal sponsorship and must substantially benefit residents in Franklin, Hampden and/or Hampshire counties.Organizations working in our additional focus areas are limited to Springfield or Franklin County.If you also have locations outside of the region, you must demonstrate local presence through indicators such as having locally based staff, regional offices, or programs exclusively serving our region’s residents. An operating budget less than $10 million.

Ineligibility

Organizations with operating budgets larger than $10 million are not eligible. Funding cannot support the following:Endowments or capital campaigns  Sectarian or religious organizations unless as a fiscal sponsor for a broad community benefit  Institutions of higher education—including for scholarships  Academic research  K-12 schools—public, private, or charter schools Organizations whose mission is to support municipalities/government agencies such as friends of libraries or school districtsStart-ups or organizations that do not have a year of financial data as of September 1, 2025.