Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers more than 160 funds for residents of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties, with some opportunities for Berkshire County and Hartford County, Connecticut. The 2026–27 application opened January 1 and closed March 1, 2026; the next cycle’s dates should be checked when the annual calendar is posted. Students do not apply to a single named scholarship: the portal compares their information with multiple funds and identifies matching criteria.
The Foundation accepts applications from students pursuing undergraduate or graduate study at accredited U.S. institutions and allows full- or part-time enrollment. Funds vary by high school, residence, study level, major, and financial need, and the list includes both broad and highly specific awards. Scholarships cover one academic year and are not automatically renewed; students must reapply each year to seek continued support.
Applicants should gather a FAFSA Submission Summary, recent transcript, and program information before January; the Foundation may request additional documents and pays awards directly to the school after confirming enrollment. Its education team offers application help before the deadline, so ask early. Do not confuse the scholarship with the separate interest-free education loan program: the loan has its own application, deadlines, amounts, and repayment obligation.
Before accepting aid, verify in writing who may apply, what costs it covers, whether it renews, and how it interacts with FAFSA and other scholarships. Confirm dates in the official portal and ask the college for your remaining net cost.
Read the program profile and FAFSA guide; ask for an individual review before committing.
Scholarships: Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
FAQs: scholarships and loans — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Scholarship funds list — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Information checked against official pages on October 13, 2026. Dates and award availability refer to the stated cycle and may change; confirm requirements in the current application. Promise awards are last-dollar funds and may not cover housing, food, transport, or other costs; loans must be repaid.
Verify the current cycle, remaining net cost, and any renewal or repayment obligations before accepting.
Options to compare
These options relate to the question. Read each profile and check current details before deciding.
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarship Program
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts administers more than 160 funds for residents of Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire Counties, with some opportunities for Berkshire County and Hartford County, Connecticut. The 2026–27 application opened January 1 and closed March 1, 2026; the next cycle’s dates should be checked when the annual calendar is posted. Students do not apply to a single named scholarship: the portal compares their information with multiple funds and iden
Local scholarship and college-aid program
Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education
The agency sets rates, eligibility, and caps; the college certifies need, cost, and the individual amount within those limits.
Public student-aid administering office
Sources & references
Sources for the information and reporting discussed in this guide.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarship Program ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official application and program information ↗
Primary source
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.
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Official website of Federal Student Aid — U.S. Department of Education ↗
Primary source
Federal Student Aid · Accessed October 13, 2026
Primary source for identity, concept, menu, and contact details.