Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation doles out more than $439,000 in grants

Date: 1/22/2014

SPRINGFIELD – Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation based in Springfield is a private charitable foundation celebrating another successful year of community giving and involvement – in which over $439,000 in grants provided in 2013 to 109 organizations and programs serving the families of Western Massachusetts.

The Foundation has also made multi-year grant commitments totaling $145,000 to 13 area organizations.

Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation is dedicated to supporting a wide variety of organizations and initiatives that work to improve the welfare and quality of life of people, families and communities in greater Springfield area. The Foundation’s 109 grant recipients include Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation, Girl Scouts of Central Western Massachusetts, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Hampden County, Homework House, ROCA, STCC Foundation, Open Pantry Community Services, Springfield Day Nursery, United Way and YMCA of Greater Springfield.

“We congratulate these groups and their dedicated staff for the work they do,” Robert A. Massey, president of the Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation, chief financial officer and treasurer of Hampden Bank, said. “Collectively, they are making a profound difference by greatly enriching our communities and providing critical support and assistance to those in need.”

Glenn S. Welch, president and chief executive officer of Hampden Bank, said, “The Foundation’s financial support to area organizations reinforces the spirit of community and service that is so much a part of Hampden Bank and our dedicated employees.”

The bank also have an active school-business partnership with the Balliet Elementary School in Springfield, which involves bank employees volunteering with the school’s successful after-school reading, Savings Makes “Cents” and other programs.

Hampden Bank Charitable Foundation operates with a $3,785,660 endowment from Hampden Bancorp Inc. and operates with an independent Board of Directors. The foundation’s grant policy guidelines and application can be obtained by emailing Robert A. Massey at rmassey@hampdenbank.com.