Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts offers interest-free education loans to students living in the region. Unlike a scholarship, the money must be repaid. As of October 13, 2026, the official page says applications are open through noon Eastern on October 22—a short window that makes it important to confirm documents and portal access immediately. The Foundation offers $3,000 per year, up to four loans, with a $12,000 cumulative maximum.
Loans are available for undergraduate and graduate study, including medicine, law, and doctoral programs, subject to each loan fund’s criteria. The application requests a 2026–27 FAFSA Submission Summary and proof of current or upcoming enrollment, such as a transcript, term bill, or registrar verification. Applications are reviewed as received, and the Foundation recommends applying at least a week before the deadline; an incomplete file may not be considered even if an account was created.
The FAQ says repayment begins 90 days after graduation or stopping attendance. Before accepting, calculate how much you actually need and include potential payments in your post-college budget; “interest-free” does not mean “forgivable.” Scholarship and loan applications are separate and have different deadlines. If the October window closes, check the official page for its next cycle and do not treat a prior year’s date as a guarantee.
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.
Educational Loans: open cycle — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Educational loan FAQs — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Scholarship and Loan Program — 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.
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Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Interest-Free Educational Loans
Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts offers interest-free education loans to students living in the region. Unlike a scholarship, the money must be repaid. As of October 13, 2026, the official page says applications are open through noon Eastern on October 22—a short window that makes it important to confirm documents and portal access immediately. The Foundation offers $3,000 per year, up to four loans, with a $12,000 cumulative maximum. Loans are available for unde
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 Interest-Free Educational Loans ↗
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 Interest-Free Educational Loans ↗
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.