# Community Foundation Awards $3.2M to Area Nonprofits

## Record Funding for Local Organizations

**SPRINGFIELD** — The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts has recently announced an impressive allocation of $3.2 million in Flexible Funding grants, benefiting 109 local nonprofit organizations across Hampden, Hampshire, and Franklin counties. This latest funding round signifies an increase of more than $900,000 compared to last year’s grant distributions—a clear demonstration of the community foundation’s commitment to bolstering local initiatives.

## Building New Partnerships

The increased financial support from the Community Foundation was made possible through the establishment of new partnerships, particularly with the MassMutual Foundation, as well as contributions from individual donors who are dedicated to addressing the diverse needs of families in Franklin County. These collaborations emphasize the importance of community connections and collective efforts in enhancing local resources.

## Understanding Flexible Funding Grants

Flexible Funding grants are designed to offer unrestricted financial resources of up to $30,000 to nonprofit organizations working across various sectors. This support encompasses the Community Foundation’s strategic priorities, which include promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) within workplaces and institutions, ensuring accessible and affordable post-secondary education and training, providing a strong beginning for all children, and cultivating a vibrant local arts and creativity ecosystem. This funding allows grantees not only to strengthen their operational capabilities but also to expand their reach and influence, making a lasting impact tailored to the identified needs within their organizations.

## Foundations of Support

A significant contribution came from the MassMutual Foundation, which provided a substantial $560,000 grant to the Community Foundation. Of this amount, $500,000 was specifically allocated for the Flexible Funding grants, while an additional $60,000 was earmarked to support the development and scaling of the program itself. This comprehensive support structure is crucial for fostering growth in local nonprofits, enabling them to better serve their communities.

## Upcoming Opportunities

Applications for the next round of Flexible Funding will be opening this summer. Organizations interested in learning more about these grants and the initiative led by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts can visit their official website at communityfoundation.org/ for further information.

# bankESB Promotes Grushkin to Accounting Officer

## Career Advancement at bankESB

**EASTHAMPTON** — In a notable development, bankESB has announced the promotion of **Stacey Grushkin** to the position of accounting officer. This advancement marks a significant step in Grushkin’s career, showcasing her dedication and competence in the banking sector.

## Grushkin’s Background and Experience

Before her promotion, Grushkin held the position of senior staff accountant at Abington Bank, which is part of the Hometown Financial Group that includes several banks such as bankESB, bankHometown, North Shore Bank, and Abington Bank, which is a division of North Shore Bank along with Hometown Mortgage. With nearly a decade of banking experience, Grushkin began her career at Abington Bank as a staff accountant in 2015 and steadily progressed to senior staff accountant by 2023.

In her new role as accounting officer, she will now lead the finance team at bankESB, overseeing essential regulatory reporting duties for Hometown Financial Group’s collective banking entities.

## Educational Background

Grushkin’s educational credentials include a bachelor’s degree along with a master’s certificate in accounting and finance from Bridgewater State University. Her academic accomplishments lay a solid foundation for her expertise in the banking industry.

# Northampton Resident Joins Springfield Law Firm

## New Talent at Egan, Flanagan and Cohen

**SPRINGFIELD** — Northampton resident **Matti C. Tacy** is among six new associates who have joined the Springfield law firm Egan, Flanagan and Cohen over the past year. This addition of talent demonstrates the firm’s commitment to expanding its expertise and bolstering its services in the legal realm.

## Focus on Corporate Governance

Tacy’s focus is primarily in corporate governance and transactional matters. She obtained her Juris Doctor (J.D.) from Western New England University School of Law, completing both Egan, Flanagan and Cohen’s Summer Associate program and a clerkship with the firm’s Corporate Services Group during her law school tenure.

## Academic Accomplishments

Tacy holds a dual Bachelor of Arts degree in sociology and politics from Mount Holyoke College. She is originally from Florence, and her diverse educational background equips her with a unique perspective to tackle complex legal issues.

## The Other New Associates

The addition of Tacy is part of a larger wave of new legal talent at the firm, which also includes **Paul M. Bromwich** from Springfield; **Kylie P. Brown** from Chicopee; **Stefan R. Sjoberg** from Suffield, Connecticut; **Marissa Fabo** from Ludlow; and **Enrique Tirado** from Springfield.

# UMassFive to Hold Financial Wellness Webinars

## Free Financial Workshops Offered

**HADLEY** — UMassFive College Federal Credit Union (UMassFive) will host a series of free financial wellness workshops throughout the spring. These sessions will cover an array of pivotal topics, such as strategies for paying down debt, principles of home buying, and various other essential financial skills.

## Topics of the Workshops

The planned workshops will focus on the following areas:

– **Budgeting 101**: This session will provide a judgment-free environment where participants will learn how to simplify the budgeting process. Attendees will analyze their spending habits and identify ways to adjust their financial practices strategically.

– **Pass Down Prosperity**: This workshop, in partnership with GreenPath, will highlight making informed decisions to invest in both personal finances and the future generation, aiming to foster a stronger financial outlook.

– **Paying Down Debt**: Participants will learn effective strategies for reducing debt more quickly while steering clear of late fees and maintaining an effective budget, including valuable resources for handling student loan repayment.

– **Immediate Action Steps**: “Three Things You Can Do This Week to Get Your Financial House in Order” will provide practical tips for immediate implementation.

– **Homebuying 101**: Sponsored by Member Advantage Mortgage, this workshop will guide attendees through the intricate process of buying a home in a step-by-step manner.

– **Understanding Credit**: Participants will gain insights into credit reports, scoring mechanisms, and how they can positively influence their credit profiles.

## Registration Information

To view the complete listing of UMassFive’s financial wellness webinars and to register for attendance, visit their website at umassfive.coop/resources/workshops for more details.

# Quaboag Hills Chamber Seeks Nominations for Choice Awards

## Call for Nominations

**PALMER** — The Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce, a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting business and tourism development within the Hampden, Hampshire, and Worcester counties, is on the lookout for nominations for its 2025 Choice Awards.

## Categories of Recognition

The awards will encompass several categories, including Community Hero, Educator of the Year, and Recognition for Food/Drink and Retail Establishment of the Year. Such awards serve to highlight and appreciate the impactful contributions of local individuals and businesses to the community.

## Special Event to Honor Recipients

Additionally, during a special event scheduled for May 1 at Teresa’s Restaurant in Ware, the Chamber will also recognize a member Business and Volunteer of the Year. This occasion will honor the exemplary recipients of this year’s awards, shining a light on their valuable contributions.

## Nomination Process

Nominations for the awards can be submitted through the Quaboag Hills Chamber of Commerce’s official website at qhma.com, with the deadline set for January 31. Online voting for this year’s award winners will take place from February 1 through March 16. For specific award criteria and details, please refer to the Chamber’s website.

### Leveraging AI for legal Guidance

In navigating the complexities of nonprofit management and grant applications, organizations may find themselves overwhelmed by legal jargon and requirements. The **AI legalese decoder** can assist these nonprofits by simplifying legal documents and clarifying grant conditions. By providing easy-to-understand summaries and insights, it allows organizations to focus on their missions without getting bogged down by intricacies of legal language. This tool can empower nonprofits to make informed decisions, ensuring they navigate the funding landscape successfully.

## Community Engagement in Hampshire County

Communities in Hampshire County, such as Belchertown, stand to benefit significantly from these awards, as they promote recognition and appreciation of local endeavors, nurturing a vibrant community spirit.