The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts pools more than 160 scholarship funds and two interest-free education-loan programs for students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, with some exceptions for nearby counties. Students submit one scholarship application and the team identifies matching funds; awards generally cover one year and are not automatically renewed. This is a regional resource, not a statewide grant for every Massachusetts resident.
For 2026–27, the scholarship application opened January 1 and closed March 1. The foundation says students may receive up to $3,000 in scholarships, subject to eligible funds, and must reapply each year. A separate education loan application is currently open until noon on October 22, 2026; this near-term deadline is for the loan, not the closed scholarship cycle.
The loan program allows up to $3,000 per year, for as many as four years, with a $12,000 lifetime maximum. Although interest-free, it must be repaid; repayment begins 90 days after graduation or stopping attendance, and late fees may apply. The application requires the 2026–27 FAFSA and proof of enrollment or courses. Criteria differ between the James W. Colgan Loan for Massachusetts residents and the Sutton-Annen loan for students of Swiss descent.
For either route, calculate the remaining cost after Pell and other scholarships, confirm the institution is accredited, and ask which expenses qualify. A loan is not a grant and does not become a scholarship because it is interest-free. To apply for the current loan cycle, students upload FAFSA and a transcript, bill, or enrollment certificate; selected borrowers must also complete a promissory note and entrance counseling.
Before applying, confirm the current cycle, priority date, participating institution, enrollment load, and any missing records. Keep a copy of the FAFSA or state form, transcripts, and submission confirmation. Ask about renewal, covered expenses, and coordination with other aid. Do not budget money until you receive an official award.
Compare net cost and distinguish scholarships, grants, waivers, and loans; they are not all repaid or applied to the same charges. Verify current-cycle dates and requirements directly with the administrator.
Read the program profile and federal FAFSA guide; confirm with the administrator how the aid coordinates.
Scholarships — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Educational Loans — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Scholarship and Loan Program FAQ — Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.
Guide checked against official sources on October 13, 2026. Aid, funding, and deadlines can change by cycle. Confirm eligibility with the program administrator and your college financial-aid office before relying on an award.
Confirm current eligibility and application steps with the official source before relying on the aid for college costs.
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Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarship and Loan Program
The Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts pools more than 160 scholarship funds and two interest-free education-loan programs for students in Franklin, Hampden, and Hampshire counties, with some exceptions for nearby counties. Students submit one scholarship application and the team identifies matching funds; awards generally cover one year and are not automatically renewed. This is a regional resource, not a statewide grant for every Massachusetts resident.
College scholarship and financial-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 website of Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarship and Loan 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 website of Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarship and Loan 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 website of Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts Scholarship and Loan 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 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.