family posing outside near river in autumn

WPF At MCS Grants

Helping families access life-changing products, programs, and supports when insurance falls short.

The WillPower Fund at MCS offers grants of up to $750 per family per year to individuals with diverse abilities residing in Western Massachusetts. These grants help fund essential items and services that are not typically covered by insurance, allowing families to enhance their independence, development, and overall quality of life.

Eligible Requests Include

Mobility or sensory equipment
Helping individuals move safely and interact with their environment more comfortably.
Summer camp or respite activities
Short-term, enriching experiences that provide rest and renewal for families.
Therapeutic recreation or social programs
Opportunities for skill-building, connection, and personal growth through recreation.
Specialized software or communication apps
Digital tools that enhance communication or learning.
Educational advocacy or tutoring
Support for learning, academic success, and individualized educational goals.
Assistive technology or adaptive learning tools
Devices that foster independence and accessibility at home, school, or in the community.

Eligibility Criteria

Eligibility for WillPower Fund grants is based on available funding and the following guidelines:

  1. The grant recipient must live in Hampshire, Hampden, Franklin, or Berkshire County. Priority is given to Holyoke and its bordering communities.
  2. Applicants should submit one application per family, indicating the number of family members supported.
  3. Funding is available only for items not covered by insurance or other resources.
  4. Applications must include a clear explanation of how the requested support will benefit the individual.
  1. A Letter of Support is required from a professional or provider familiar with the applicant’s needs.
  2. Families may apply once per calendar year. Priority is given to first-time applicants.
  3. Grants cannot be used for services already rendered or past balances.
  4. Applications for hardware (e.g., iPads, laptops) are not accepted, but specialized software (e.g., communication apps) is eligible.

Payment & Processing

Approved grants are paid in one of two ways:

  1. Directly to a vendor or service provider, or
  2. Reimbursed to the family or purchaser for approved expenses.

If approved, recipients will receive an Award Payment Confirmation Form via email. This form must be completed by the indicated deadline to secure funding.

All summer programming requests (e.g., camp) should be submitted by the Spring deadline for best consideration.

Before You Apply

To prepare your application, be sure to have:

Your detailed explanation of the need and expected benefits
The Letter of Support
The name and contact information for your vendor or provider

Join Us in Making an Impact

The online application is simple and straightforward — tell us how the grant will help, upload your letter of support, and submit your request.

Grant Cycle: March 1st–31st
Maximum Award: Up to $750 per family
Online Application Opening Soon
Download Letter of Support Template (PDF)