Partnering with the Community

Throughout its 150-year history, Smith College has been a dedicated neighbor and partner to the City of Northampton and its community, collaborating with local nonprofits and supporting initiatives that advance education, equity, and institutional citizenship. Sophia Smith’s vision of doing the most good for the greatest number continues to inspire the college’s efforts to support and uplift its neighbors.

Sponsorships

Each year, Smith College receives numerous requests for funding, volunteers, and partnerships. In considering these requests, Smith looks for requests that are aligned with Smith’s interests.

Education

As an educational institution and because founder Sophia Smith believed that knowledge is the beginning of incalculable good, the college may support organizations that improve access to quality education or that offer knowledge-building opportunities to the public and/or Smith community.

Equity

Smith was founded to address the inequities women face regarding educational opportunities. Over the years, equity has become a central focus of the college, which has implemented various policies to equalize the experiences of its students. Likewise, we seek to support efforts that address social inequities.

Institutional Citizenship

As a partner in Northampton’s success and because Northampton’s success improves the Smith community’s living and working experiences, Smith supports organizations that benefit both the city and the campus community. Opportunities may include safety, event sponsorship, community building, and more.

Apply for Funding

Requests may be submitted at any time. They are reviewed twice a year, in August and January.

Submit a Request

Working Together

Local organizations have numerous opportunities to collaborate with Smith College, combining efforts to make a meaningful impact on the community. Here are some of the centers at Smith that work with the community.

Jandon Center for Community Engagement

The Jandon Center for Community Engagement works with faculty, students, and community partners on social-change projects that tackle community-driven goals. Through experiential learning and scholarship, students build essential capacities in critical thinking while providing significant leadership on urgent, complex issues facing communities and society. Please connect with the Jandon Center for Community Engagement to collaborate on partnerships and volunteer opportunities.

Smith student doing community service and hugging a child in school

Botanic Garden of Smith College

The Botanic Garden of Smith College fosters environmental and social justice through education about plants, people, and place. By curating plant collections that highlight plant and human diversity, training students to be informed leaders and change agents, assisting teachers in creating integrative, learner-centered experiences, welcoming visitors to explore and share knowledge, and cultivating spaces that inspire thought, creativity, and well-being, the Botanic Garden creates a better community. Each year after the Spring Bulb Show, bulbs are donated to organizations in the Pioneer Valley.

Smith College Museum of Art

The Smith College Museum of Art (SCMA) cultivates inquiry and reflection by connecting people to art, ideas, and each other. Thanks to a generous gift from Smith College alumnae Jan Fullgraf Golann ’71 and Jane Timken ’64, the museum offers free admission to the public, welcoming members of the community to enjoy a diverse collection of more than 27,000 objects that represent a wide array of art and material culture across different periods and regions.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is my project or organization eligible for financial support?
Smith College funds non-profits and organizations in good standing and whose project aligns with the college’s strategic priorities of education, equity, and institutional citizenship.

Who should I email to request funding support?
Please complete the application form during one of the two application periods in fall and spring.

How can I make my application more likely to be funded?
The best way to receive funding is to request money for projects that align with Smith College’s goals, mission, and values.

I am having trouble with the application. How can I get help?
For application issues, email contributions@soongshinkid.com.

I missed the deadline to apply for support. What should I do?
Smith College receives numerous requests for funding and may not be able to accept a late submission. You may apply for the next round of support or email contributions@soongshinkid.com for more information.