FirstLight Announces Recipients of 2026 FirstLight Sustains Grant Program
BURLINGTON — FirstLight, a leading clean power producer, developer, and energy storage company, announced that 17 organizations will receive funding through the company’s FirstLight Sustains competitive grant program. This program has awarded more than $310,000 to nearly 70 organizations over the last four years to support schools, municipalities, and nonprofit organizations that promote community building and sustainability in areas where FirstLight operates across Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Pennsylvania.
“We are proud to see the FirstLight Sustains program continue to grow in its fourth year. There was tremendous interest in the program this year,” said Andy Brydges, director of Community Relations at FirstLight. “It is an honor to support organizations making a meaningful impact in the communities where we live and work. This year’s grants reflect our continued commitment to sustainability and community enrichment, supporting efforts in areas like environmental education, public safety, accessibility, and vital social services.”
The five 2026 FirstLight Sustains grant recipients in Massachusetts include the Montague Police Department, which will procure specialized water rescue and safety equipment, including 14 river-capable personal flotation devices and 14 rescue throw bags; Northfield EMS, which will purchase equipment and training materials to support educational programs in community settings; the town of Gill, which will expand its historic municipal common with the addition of a third Veteran’s Memorial monument covering military actions from the Vietnam War to the present; the Turners Falls Fire Department, which will replace water rescue dry suits, rope, rigging equipment, flotation devices, and a rescue boat; and the Western Massachusetts Climbers Coalition, which will secure permanent public access to the iconic Farley Ledges climbing area and support the formal establishment of conservation restrictions on a newly acquired adjacent parcel.
“The town of Gill extends its sincere thanks to FirstLight for supporting this important community project through this year’s FirstLight Sustains Program,” said Ray Purington, Gill’s town administrator. “With FirstLight’s partnership, we’re able to preserve our community’s history, recognize the sacrifices of our veterans, and create a lasting tribute for future generations.”
The selected projects reflect the diverse needs and priorities of the communities FirstLight serves, from environmental conservation and educational programming to public safety, food access, and infrastructure improvements.
The FirstLight Sustains review and selection committee prioritizes two key areas: Climate Action & Education grants that raise awareness, foster appreciation, and improve access to conservation and sustainability initiatives, while supporting the protection, restoration, and enhancement of natural resources; and Community Building grants that fund projects aimed at strengthening places people live and work through public safety enhancements, public art, placemaking, and community-driven services.
