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PeoplesBank – Community Care Program (2026)

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Program Grants & Sponsorships Supporting Academic Excellence, Community Vibrancy & Environmental Sustainability

Organization: PeoplesBank
Support Type: Program grants, program and event sponsorships, and select in-kind contributions
Geographic Focus: Hampden & Hampshire Counties (MA) and Hartford County (CT), specifically communities where PeoplesBank offices are located
Application Status: Open year-round (online application)
Review Timeline: Allow up to 30 days for review

About the Funder

PeoplesBank’s Community Care Program invests in local nonprofits that strengthen education, community well-being, and environmental outcomes across Western Massachusetts and North-Central Connecticut. Funding is directed to specific programs and projects (rather than general operating support) that deliver measurable community benefit—particularly for low- and moderate-income and under-served populations.

Focus Areas & What This Program Supports

Academic Excellence

Programs and initiatives that support:

  • Academic achievement and success of youth
  • Cultural enrichment
  • Skill development
  • Financial education

Community Vibrancy

Programs and initiatives that support:

  • Home ownership
  • Affordable housing development and retention
  • Community revitalization
  • Economic self-sufficiency

Environmental Sustainability

Programs and initiatives that support:

  • Conservation and preservation efforts
  • Environmental education
  • Renewable energy

Types of Support

  • Program grants
  • Program and event sponsorships
  • In-kind contributions (equipment, facilities, technical resources) when appropriate

Note: Support is generally not intended for annual operating expenses.

Eligibility & Key Guidelines

Eligible applicants must:

  • Be a 501(c)(3) organization
  • Be located in Hampden or Hampshire Counties (MA) or Hartford County (CT)
  • Serve communities where PeoplesBank offices are located

Additional guidelines:

  • Preference for programs benefiting low- and moderate-income and under-served populations
  • One proposal per organization per calendar year
  • Typically one grant or sponsorship per organization per year
  • Apply at least 90 days in advance of program/project start or event date
  • Funding in one year does not guarantee future support

Ineligible Requests

PeoplesBank generally does not fund:

  • National organizations
  • Individuals
  • Labor, political, lobbying, or fraternal organizations
  • Annual operating support
  • Conferences, seminars, trips, or transportation costs
  • Endowment funds

Application / Request Process

All requests must be submitted through PeoplesBank’s online Community Care application, which includes:

  1. Organization & Contact Information (legal name, address, website, tax ID, primary contact)
  2. Grant Application (program summary, budget, request amount, sponsorship benefits/materials, and supporting information)

Applicants may review and edit prior to submission. Please allow up to 30 days for review.

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://www.bankatpeoples.com/home/community/care-guidelines-application

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This program is a strong fit for nonprofits that:

  • Operate locally in Western MA or Hartford County, CT
  • Are proposing programmatic or event-based initiatives
  • Align with education, housing/community revitalization, or environmental sustainability goals
  • Can demonstrate clear community impact for under-served populations

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

  • Review Type: Rolling
  • Recommended Lead Time: 90+ days before program/event
  • Best Suited For: Local nonprofits seeking program or event support (not general operating)

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