GRANTS

Criteria for Grant Applications

  • All proposals that show promise of making a significant contribution to the welfare of the community and its citizens are given careful consideration. Because funds available for distribution are limited, the Foundation favors awarding grants for community needs not capable of being met from other sources, and does not generally fund repetitive or ongoing programs.

  • Grant requests are evaluated on their plans for implementation. The Foundation is supportive of organizations that seek funding from other sources and demonstrate the ability to continue programs after a Foundation grant expires.

  • Foundation grants are available for definite programs and for projects covering a specified time. Grantees are expected to strictly adhere to the stipulated terms of the grant.

  • At the conclusion of the grants period, grantees are expected, upon request, to submit an accounting of all disbursements and a narrative report comparing accomplishments with objectives. Any unexpended funds must be returned to the Foundation.

  • Grant recipients are expected to publicly acknowledge the Foundation’s contribution in any publicity or printed material generated.

The Foundation favors grants to programs and projects that:
  • Focus primarily on Westfield and its surrounding communities
  • Provide innovative responses to recognized community needs
  • Focus on education, the arts and cultural activities, civic, health, and human activities, community development, and historic resources
  • Enable agencies and institutions to improve their services to the local community
  • Improve the managerial and fundraising capabilities of agencies and institutions, including increasing volunteer involvement
  • Address and support positive community change
The Foundation does not favor grants for:
  • Operating support such as rent, salaries, or any expensive that is repetitive or continuing
  • Financing deficits
  • Travel expenses
  • Private or parochial schools
  • Religious activities
  • Legislative activities or political campaigns
  • Hospitals, except for programs with a strong Westfield orientation
  • Reimbursement or retro-funding for projects substantially or already completed, or to replenish agency resources used to pay for such purposes
  • No grants are made to individuals, to religious organizations for religious activities, or to other organizations for legislative activities or political campaigns

Past Grant Recipients

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