Holyoke, Massachusetts – A collaborative spirit is blossoming in Western Massachusetts, as the Resilient Valley coalition recently celebrated a significant milestone in its “Match My DAF” campaign. The initiative, designed to unlock philanthropic dollars for local nonprofits, culminated in a community lunch on February 11th at De la Luz in Holyoke, bringing together over 70 leaders, donors, and advocates.
The core idea behind Resilient Valley is simple yet powerful: organizations achieve greater impact through collaboration than through competition, particularly when resources are limited. The coalition, comprised of climate, food system, and farm justice organizations, recognized the potential of donor-advised funds (DAFs) – currently holding over $251 billion nationally – to address pressing needs within the Connecticut River Valley. The “Match My DAF” campaign, inspired by the national “Half My DAF” movement, aims to inspire increased giving by offering matching funds to incentivize donations from these accounts.
The campaign, which ran from Giving Tuesday, December 2nd, 2025, through May 1, 2026 (May Day), received 73 grant submissions totaling $228,810. Of that amount, $91,610 was eligible for matching grants. To date, over $100,000 has been raised for the matching pool through contributions from individual donors, Greenfield Savings Bank, and PeoplesBank, demonstrating a strong commitment from the community to support local initiatives. This collective effort underscores a growing recognition of the importance of regional cooperation in addressing shared challenges.
Unlocking Philanthropic Potential Through Collaboration
Julia Riseman, director of Philanthropy for CET, a Resilient Valley member organization, described the coalition’s origins as stemming from a shared concern over potential federal funding cuts. “Resilient Valley grew out of a potluck lunch and a shared fear of losing federal funding, but it has turned into a powerful statement of community resilience,” she said. “Today wasn’t just about the numbers; it was about the energy in the room and the firm belief that we can keep our Valley’s communities, landscapes, and shared future thriving if we act together.” This sentiment highlights the proactive approach taken by local organizations to secure their future and build a more sustainable community.
The first lottery, held on February 2nd, distributed just under $75,000 in matching funds to a diverse range of organizations working across Franklin, Hampshire, and Hampden counties. These recipients represent a broad spectrum of community needs, encompassing environmental conservation, food justice, education, the arts, and social services. The impact of the matching funds is already being felt, with organizations like the Amherst Survival Center experiencing a significant boost to their resources.
Amherst Survival Center: A Case Study in Impact
The Amherst Survival Center, a vital resource for individuals and families facing food insecurity and other challenges, exemplified the power of the matching program. Through the lottery, a $1,000 gift was leveraged into a $6,000 contribution, significantly expanding the center’s capacity to serve its clients. Bianca Walker, Development director at Amherst Survival Center, emphasized the importance of this collective generosity. “This kind of collective generosity strengthens our entire community,” Walker stated. “It allows us to meet growing needs with dignity and consistency, and it reminds us that, when people come together, the impact is far greater than any one gift alone.”
The success of the Amherst Survival Center illustrates how strategic matching funds can amplify the impact of individual donations, creating a ripple effect of positive change throughout the community. This model demonstrates the potential for similar initiatives to address critical needs in other regions facing similar challenges.
A Diverse Network of Beneficiaries
The organizations that benefited from the initial matching funds represent the breadth and depth of community work in Western Massachusetts. The list includes Abortion Rights Fund of Western Massachusetts, All Out Adventures, Amherst Survival Center, CET, Center for New Americans, Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts, Community Legal Aid, Conway School of Landscape Design, Downtown Amherst Foundation, Family Diversity Project, Franklin County DIAL SELF, Friends of Forbes, Grow Food Northampton, Hampshire County United Way, Hampshire Support Alliance, Historic Northampton, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Jewish Family Services of Western Massachusetts, Kestrel Land Trust, the Literacy Project, Manna Soup Kitchen Inc., Massachusetts Audubon Society, New England Public Media, Northampton Center for the Arts, Northampton Community Arts Trust, Northampton Community Music Center, Northampton Education Foundation, Northampton Musical Booster, Northampton Survival Center, Perugia Press, Pioneer Valley Workers Center, Red Gate Farm, Scarlet Sock Foundation, Tapestry Health, Transhealth, Western Massachusetts Asylum Support Network, Young at Heart Chorus, and Young Scholars Fund.
Looking Ahead: Continued Momentum and Future Opportunities
Resilient Valley is maintaining its momentum as it approaches the final matching lottery, scheduled to grab place after May 1, 2026. All remaining matching funds will be distributed through a random selection process, providing organizations with the opportunity to receive dollar-for-dollar matches of up to $5,000. The organization is actively encouraging individuals to support local nonprofits through their DAFs and nominate those gifts for a match. Gifts made to Valley organizations between December 2, 2025, and May 1, 2026, are eligible for consideration.
The coalition is also continuing its fundraising efforts to expand the matching pool, ensuring that even more organizations can benefit from this innovative approach to philanthropy. The success of the “Match My DAF” campaign demonstrates the power of collective action and the potential for collaborative initiatives to address critical community needs.
The Resilient Valley Coalition: A Network of Support
The Resilient Valley coalition itself is a diverse network of organizations committed to building a more resilient and equitable future for Western Massachusetts. The coalition includes All Farmers, Amherst Survival Center, Cancer Connection, CET, CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture), Grow Food Northampton, Hilltown Land Trust, Hitchcock Center for the Environment, Kestrel Land Trust, Northampton Survival Center, Nuestras Raices, Peace Development Fund, and Stone Soup Café. This collaborative structure allows for the sharing of resources, expertise, and best practices, maximizing the impact of each member organization.
The De la Luz soundstage in Holyoke, where the community lunch was held, serves as a vibrant hub for performing arts and community gatherings. De La Luz Soundstage, formerly known as Gateway City Arts/Race Street Live, provides a space for artists and community members to connect and celebrate the cultural richness of the region.
The “Match My DAF” campaign represents a significant step forward in unlocking the potential of philanthropic resources to address critical needs in Western Massachusetts. By fostering collaboration and incentivizing giving, Resilient Valley is building a stronger, more resilient community for all.
The next checkpoint for the campaign is the final matching lottery after May 1, 2026. Organizations are encouraged to continue submitting eligible gifts, and individuals are invited to support their favorite local nonprofits through their donor-advised funds. We encourage readers to share this story and engage in the conversation about collaborative philanthropy in their own communities.
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