7 groups get grants from Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice

NORTHAMPTON — The Markham-Nathan Fund for Social Justice, serving grassroots social justice and peace groups in western Massachusetts since 2019, distributes awards of up to $4,000 to organizations that are dedicated to supporting the poor and powerless. The following seven organizations were awarded grants for the fall:

■The Compost Cooperative in Greenfield, which works to reduce food waste while also removing barriers to employment for people who were formerly incarcerated.

■Racial Justice Rising of Amherst, to support its Empowering Communities program.

■Demilitarize Western Mass to support its ongoing peacebuilding efforts and work related to local weapon manufacturers.

■The Sojourner Truth School for Social Change Leadership in Springfield, which offers classes that teach movement building and organizing skills to address challenges that oppressed communities face.

■The LAVA Center in Greenfield for its efforts to combine a variety of arts with that of social justice work.

■The arts collective Cloudgaze Productions, to help fund “A Happening IV: Leviathan,” an immersive, multidisciplinary arts festival at the Shea Theater Arts Center in Turners Falls.

■Eggtooth Productions of Greenfield, to help fund production of “Orlando” by Sarah Ruhl that will benefit the LGBTQIA+ Youth Program at the Academy of Music in Northampton.

Friends of Cooley Dickinson Hospital receives $210K in donations

NORTHAMPTON — The Friends of Cooley Dickinson, a volunteer organization that supports the hospital, has received two donations from the Richason family totaling more than $210,000.

The donations, which the organization will use to support the hospital’s childbirth center and new emergency department, come from the estate of Mark J. Richason ($32,500) and the Richason Living Trust ($178,000), established by George R. Richason Jr.

The Richason family’s connection to Cooley Dickinson stems from the care provided to Frances Richason, Mark’s mother and George’s wife. Frances volunteered at Cooley Dickinson for more than 30 years. She died in 2002 at age 84.

“For more than 120 years, Friends of CDH have been committed to advocating for and supporting Cooley Dickinson through volunteerism and fundraising,” JoAnne Finck, president of Friends of Cooley Dickinson, said in a statement. “Frances Richason exemplified this spirit with her 30 years of service, and it is heartwarming to see her family carry on her dedication. These gifts will make a lasting impact on our hospital, improving care from birth through end-of-life.”

To learn more about, or to join, the Friends of Cooley Dickinson, visit cooleydickinson.org/about-us/friends-of-cooley-dickinson.

Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts resuming student loan program

SPRINGFIELD — After a temporary pause that was initiated in July, the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts is resuming its student loan program, designed to support post-secondary education students needing financial assistance.

The pause was part of a larger initiative to evaluate how the loan program fits into the broader conversation of student loan debt, affordability, equity and long-term financial health for students.

“We took some time to carefully consider whether our loan program was helping students achieve their educational goals without leading to unmanageable debt after graduation,” Megan Burke, president and CEO of the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, said in a statement. “While the conversation around student loan debt is ongoing, we remain committed to supporting students and we are confident that resuming the program this fall is the right step as we continue to consider what the best strategies may be for our approach.”

While research on the program’s impact continues, the foundation has adjusted its timeline to ensure the program remains accessible and beneficial to students. Applications will open on Nov. 1 and close on Nov. 15, with awards expected to arrive to students in January 2025 in time to offer support for the spring semester.

For more information about the loan program, visit communityfoundation.org.

PVGrows Investment Fund holding virtual open house

The PVGrows Investment Fund (PVGIF) will host a virtual open house on Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 5:30 p.m. to introduce community members to the fund’s work to strengthen the regional food economy by providing financing to farms and local food businesses. PVGIF is funded by investments from community members, whose commitment to supporting local food is seen through their investments ranging from $500 to $250,000 each.

PVGIF is a program of the Franklin County Community Development Corporation. This event will provide more information about how others can be involved. Registration is available at pvgrows.net/annual-forum-and-events/upcoming-events.