Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts
Springfield, Massachusetts
Founded in 1990, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts (CFWM) is based in Springfield and serves Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties in the Pioneer Valley. The Foundation stewards assets in excess of $140 million. CFWM’s vision is to be a catalyst for positive change in the region by engaging partners, raising a flexible endowment, and leveraging resources to solve problems and contribute to the common good. The Foundation envisions a Western Massachusetts that is thriving, collaborative, and generous, where there is opportunity for all. With a $500,000 Creative Commonwealth grant, CFWM will pilot Advancing Arts & Creativity in the Pioneer Valley and Hilltowns Program. This pilot seeks to create a more vibrant and better connected arts and creative community, focused on four opportunities:
- Extend and deepen support of arts organizations.
- Strengthen relationships and coordination among local arts and cultural organizations.
- Provide funding that sparks innovation and game-changing ideas.
- Develop and integrate authentic and meaningful strategies around diversity, equity, and inclusion that bring changes in practice to arts organizations across the region.
"We will be able to further advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in our community."–Katie Allan Zobel, President & CEO
