HGCF remains deeply committed to its long-standing mission of enhancing the quality of life in the Pioneer Valley and other parts of Western Massachusetts, with a focus on improving the quality of education, encouraging entrepreneurship among the young, and helping inner city youth in Springfield reach their academic potential.

HGCF is firmly convinced that a bright tomorrow requires investment in youth today, not only in the area of formal education but also in informal spheres, such as scouts and camps.

Helping Inner City Youth Reach Their Potential:

In addition to the Lumin Society, which provides a supportive and rewards-for-achievement environment to encourage inner city youth to excel in school and continue to college, HGCF seeks to reach out to inner city youth in other ways. Increasingly, HGCF is becoming involved in informal forums that provide safe and nurturing frameworks for young people.

HGCF in 2003-2004, provided a $100,000 grant and $100,000 challenge grant to the YMCA’s Growing Together Capital Campaign to convert a former church in Springfield into a youth center for inner city children and to build a wellness center with athletic facilities at the new YMCA in Wilbraham, as part of the YMCA Scantic Valley Branch. Impressed by the spectacular leadership of Stephen Clay, president of the Greater Springfield YMCA, HGCF became involved in this campaign through Harold Grinspoon’s late partner, Thomas Garvey, whose family – particularly his son, real estate entrepreneur Glenn Garvey -- have been committed to this project.

HGCF recognizes the importance of partnership to leverage its giving.The foundation constantly seeks to identify and encourage others to provide matching or supporting funds in creating and enhancing community life.