Davis Foundation Makes Major Gift to Local Farmer Awards

AGAWAM — The Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation has become the newest lead funding partner with a contribution to the Local Farmer Awards, a program in its 11th year providing annual grants of up to $2,500 to Western Mass. farmers, helping them purchase capital equipment used as an ongoing part of farm operations.

Harold Grinspoon — whose foundation, in partnership with Big Y and the Massachusetts Society for Promoting Agriculture, and in collaboration with 15 other community funders, makes these awards possible — described the Davis Foundation gift as “a pivotal moment in our ability to help more deserving farmers.”

Founded in 1970, the Davis Foundation has a rich legacy of local support. Kiley O’Meara, executive director, stated that “the Davis Foundation is thrilled to join this program that supports and empowers the local community.”

The 2025 Local Farmer Awards application is open until Friday, Jan. 31. To qualify to receive an award, project applications must be related to growing, harvesting, or processing of farm products. Past award winners have used the grants to expand planting areas, improve fencing to keep their animals healthy and safe, acquire machinery to produce items for market, and put in place a host of other efficiencies. A full list of eligibility criteria can be found at farmerawards.org. This year’s winners will be announced in April.

“Our generous community funders are fundamental to the program’s success,” said Mark Gold, director of the Harold Grinspoon Charitable Foundation. “We will have a complete list of 2025 funders available soon.”