Health New England to award $250K in grants
SPRINGFIELD — Health New England, part of Baystate Health’s health care system, will award a total of $250,000 in Where Health Matters grants to help address health- or health care-related needs in Berkshire, Franklin, Hampden and Hampshire counties.
Eligible 501(c)(3) nonprofits may apply for grants of up to $50,000 per organization for programs that address diabetes, built environment (how someone’s surroundings shape their opportunities to be healthy), mental health or substance use disorder. The focus areas were identified as priority needs in Health New England’s Community Health Needs Assessment, a triennial report used to identify the health needs of the western Massachusetts community and develop strategies to address those needs.
“Across our integrated health care delivery system, we feel a profound responsibility to invest in programs where we live and work,” Katie Bruno, program manager of public health and wellness at Health New England, said in a statement. “These grants are our way of partnering with local nonprofits, listening to their insights, supporting their solutions and ensuring that resources flow back into western Massachusetts to build flourishing communities.”
The deadline to apply is 11:59 p.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 24. Applications must be submitted at healthnewengland.org/community/grantprogram and must be fully completed to be considered.
Health New England encourages proposals that demonstrate metrics for success, sustainability beyond the grant period and meaningful community engagement. Award decisions will prioritize programs that leverage collaboration among residents, local agencies and other nonprofits. The Health New England Community Benefits Committee will review and assess all applications. Successful applicants will be informed of receipt of a grant in November 2025.
With questions, email communitygiving@hne.com.
116 western Mass farms earn grants
AGAWAM — The Local Farmer Awards program is marking its 11th year with a record-breaking investment in the region’s agricultural sector. In 2025, 116 farms across Berkshire, Franklin, Hampshire and Hampden counties are receiving grants to support infrastructure, equipment and sustainable farming practices.
This year’s funding was made possible through the partnership of the Harold Grinspoon Foundation, Big Y, the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and the Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation, along with 15 community funders. In total, the Local Farmer Awards have invested more than $1.78 million in local farms since the program’s inception, helping 321 farms complete 788 capital improvement projects.
“These are not just one-time upgrades — they’re lasting improvements that help farms thrive, not just survive,” Harold Grinspoon, program founder and philanthropist, said in a statement. “It’s a shared commitment to keeping farms strong, protecting our environment and feeding our region.”
Farmers are using their 2025 grants to implement a wide variety of improvements, such as:
Infrastructure and Equipment: Storage, trailers and barns.
Water Systems: Irrigation pumps, tanks and solar-powered systems.
Greenhouse Automation: Climate control and ventilation.
Crop Production Tools: Planters, weeders and soil health tools.
Animal Care: Housing, fencing and handling systems.
Fruit and Perennials: Harvesting and pruning tools.
Maple Production: Sap extraction and processing.
Food Safety: Washing, processing and storage facilities.
Tech and Monitoring: Climate stations, sensors and smart systems.
Two hundred and seven farms applied for funding. Farm contribution averaged nearly 50% of total project costs and projects to receive funding are located across all four western Massachusetts counties, with 37% being located in Franklin County, 32% in Hampshire County, 21% in Berkshire County and 10% in Hampden County.
To learn more about this year’s grant recipients and their projects, visit tinyurl.com/LocalFarmerAwards2025.
DCR awards nearly $117K to rural and volunteer fire departments
The state Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) has awarded $117,000 to 43 rural, call or volunteer fire departments across Massachusetts through the Volunteer Fire Capacity Program. The funding will help smaller departments train personnel, prevent forest fires and enhance community safety.
“The VFC grants provide critical funding to rural fire departments across Massachusetts, enabling them to invest in the training and equipment they need to quickly and effectively respond to wildfires,” DCR Commissioner Nicole LaChapelle said in a statement. “As a former mayor, I know firsthand the importance of partnerships between federal, state and municipal entities. These grants are a great example of what we can accomplish when we work together, ensuring that we can protect our natural resources and continue to provide safe outdoor spaces.”
“The Healey-Driscoll administration leads in recognizing the dedication of our firefighters and I especially appreciate knowing that our rural communities are so well protected,” Director of Rural Affairs Anne Gobi said in a statement. “Congratulations to the towns and thank you firefighters.”
Volunteer Fire Capacity Program grants are only available to municipalities with a population of 10,000 or fewer residents that are home to volunteer fire departments responding to wildfires. Last fall, Massachusetts experienced an unprecedented level of wildfire activity, with the DCR Bureau of Forest Fire Control and Forestry reporting wildfire occurrence increased by roughly 1,200% during the months of October and November. To be considered for a grant, fire departments must be made up of at least 80% call or volunteer firefighters, be a state-recognized fire department and be National Incident Management System (NIMS)-compliant.
This year’s awards represented seven additional communities and nearly $30,000 in funding over last year’s program. The Franklin County and North Quabbin communities to receive funding are Colrain ($1,000), Hawley ($1,865), Leverett ($3,500), Petersham ($2,586), Royalston ($3,499), South Deerfield ($3,500), Sunderland ($1,707) and Whately ($3,500).