GREENFIELD & NORTHAMPTON, MA - Following 12+ months of thorough vetting and exploration, United Way of Hampshire County and United Way of Franklin County come together to form a new organization, effective July 1, 2021.

United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region (UWFH) will continue to provide the support and services our communities have come to rely on from United Way. As a single entity, the unified United Way will be better positioned to meet the changing needs of our communities, having greater resources to utilize in our ongoing work to create a strong, equitable and inclusive community, especially for our neediest.

Why are we doing this?

As evidenced by our experiences through the COVID pandemic, we need to be more responsive to evolving regional needs, we need to be more agile when faced with unexpected challenges, and we need to adapt to changes in donor interests and habits. A larger, more consistently staffed organization will allow for greater flexibility and resources in the areas of programming and fundraising. As a merged organization, we can build our capacity to have a larger collective impact on our greater community, and provide the stability needed to best support service agencies and remain relevant.

Leadership

The United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region will be led by John Bidwell (Executive Director) and a Board of Directors that are represented equally by the original entities. The full board will include:

· Amanda Abramson

· Rosemary Bache

· Lindsay Barron LaBonte

· Stuart Beckley

· Bennett Bishop

· Kevin Day

· Brianna Drohen

· Molly Feinstein

· Max Fripp

· Michael Gove

· Timberly Grout

· Lori Grover

· Jeff Harness

· Clare Higgins

· John Howland

· Sheryl Koyama

· Jane Lyons

· Tony Maroulis

· Sam Masinter

· Molly Mead

· Leah Phillips

· Melanie Reneris

· Irv Rhodes

· Andrea Sell

· Nathaniel Tripp

· Jessica Wales

· Phoebe Walker

· Heather Wood

· Anthony Worden

Office Locations

Offices in Greenfield and Northampton will continue to operate as they were pre-merger. The United Way Diaper Bank will remain housed in the Greenfield location, and staff will share time between the two offices to maintain open access to the public.

Northampton Office: 71 King Street, Northampton, MA 01061, 413-584-3962
Greenfield Office: 51 Davis Street, Suite 2, Greenfield, MA 01301, 413-772-2168

Our Grants Program

Following a strategic planning period this summer, an updated Community Investment and Grant Program will be released for all eligible non-profits later in 2021. The goal is to launch a new funding program that aligns with the community’s priority needs. In the meantime, all current and active Partner Agencies (see end of article for full list) of the original UW organizations will continue to receive funding through June 2022.

Our Fundraising & Campaign

United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region will fundraise as a single organization and will implement a Community Campaign that spans Franklin and Hampshire Counties. As has always been the case, donors will have the option and flexibility to designate their giving as they see fit. However, our focus will be securing unrestricted funding to support the needs and programming of all of our partner agencies across Franklin and Hampshire counties, and the North Quabbin region.

Perennial United Way events, such as Ski United and Supper for Six, will go on! With an expanded network of supporters, our hope is that the events will continue to grow and provide increased resources to benefit our community partners and service providers

Mission

United Way of the Franklin and Hampshire Region is dedicated to improving the quality of life throughout Franklin County, Hampshire County, and the North Quabbin region. We engage and inspire people as individuals, employers, and organizations to give, advocate and volunteer to address the greatest challenges facing our community.

Vision

Our vision is that all individuals and families have the tools and resources to support their basic needs and future successes with equitable access to education, economic security, and wellness. In doing so, we are building a strong, vibrant, and inclusive community.

For more information