2026-2027 COMMUNITY INVESTMENT PORTFOLIO

How we invest in the community

At UWFH, we believe long-lasting change starts with focused, local investment.

That’s why we fund local nonprofits through a multi-year Community Investment strategy aligned with the most pressing needs in Franklin and Hampshire counties, including youth mental health, food security, and isolation.

Each year, we distribute funding to programs and partners that demonstrate impact and a commitment to collaboration. These investments are guided by community voice, data, and shared goals.

What makes our model unique?

Local priorities drive our funding. Community needs assessments, direct feedback, and local experts shape our strategy.
Multi-year commitments give nonprofits the stability to grow and innovate.
Impact and outcomes are at the center. We fund what works and reaches those most in need.

2026-2027 Impact Priority Areas

Youth Wellbeing and Mental Health: Aligned Impact
Multi-agency approach promoting social activities, mental health, mentoring, and skill-building programs in order to nurture the mental health and wellness of youth in our region. Read more about this Aligned Impact initiative here.

Brick House Community Resource Center: Mind/Body Art Project (MAP)
- Supporting agencies: The Heartwing Center, Center for Human Development, Montague Public Libraries
Children's Advocacy Center of Hampshire County: Mental Health
Community Health Center of Franklin County: Portable Youth Mental Health
- Supporting agencies: DIAL/SELF Youth & Community Services, Mary Lyon Foundation, Franklin County’s YMCA, Brick House, Community Action Youth Programs, Community Action Family Center, Franklin Regional School Nurses, Center for Human Development, and Communities That Care Coalition
Hilltown Youth Performing Arts Program: Youth Recovery Theatre

Food Security: Aligned Impact
Multi-agency approach supporting increased access to healthy and nutritious food, allowing our region’s residents to direct their resources and energy to other critical basic needs. Read more about this Aligned Impact initiative here.

Amherst Survival Center
Hilltown Community Development Corporation: Hilltown Market
Montague Food Security & Sustainability Coalition
- Supporting agencies: Brick House Community Resource Center, Drawdown Montague, Dynamics Ecological Design, 4th Street Community Kitchen, Franklin County Community Meals Program/Our Lady of Peace, The Heartwing Center, Montague Public Libraries, Red Fire Farm, Town of Montague
Northampton Survival Center & Grow Food Northampton: Collaborative Partnership

Health & Social Connectedness: Aligned Impact
Multi-agency approach supporting improved health outcomes for residents of our region by intentionally incorporating opportunities for social connectedness within local programming, such as mutual supports and shared experiences. [More detail about this initiative coming soon!]

Craig’s Doors: Resource Center
It Takes a Village: Village 360
LaunchSpace: Social RX

Children, Youth, & Their Families
Nurturing the healthy growth, development and general well-being of children, youth, and families.

Center for Human Development, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampshire County
Children’s Advocacy Center of Franklin County and North Quabbin Area: Trauma-Focused Therapy for Child Victims of Sexual Abuse
Cutchins Programs for Children & Families: Children’s Clinic
Friends of Children
It Takes a Village: Parent Support and Education
Just Roots: Farm Education and Food Access
Mary Lyon Foundation: Student and Family Assistance Program
Northampton Parents Center: Programs for Young Children and their Families
Resilient Community Arts: Community Building through Intergenerational Art
ServiceNet: Whole Children
The United Arc: Independent Parenting

Economic Security
Ensuring that individuals and communities have the ability and resources to meet their basic needs sustainably and with dignity.