In its 15th year of dedicating critical resources to the frontlines of grassroots activism, the Carlos Vega Fund for Social Justice convened its annual grant ceremony at the historic Wistariahurst Museum on May 28, 2026.

This recording, captures the full 2026 awards program, highlighting the distribution of 14 impactful community grants totaling over $25,000 to local organizations fighting systemic injustice, oppression, and socioeconomic disparity.

As Advisory Board Chair Aaron Vega noted during the ceremony, the local need remains profound, but so does the community’s resilience. Whether expanding public access to the arts or reinforcing essential food security networks, these micro-grants directly empower the marginalized and foster self-help throughout Greater Holyoke. Since 2012, the Fund has channeled over $65,000 to more than 55 local organizations, preserving the enduring 40-year legacy of civil rights leader Carlos Vega.

The 2026 Social Justice Award:

A special look at this year’s lifetime champion, Manuel Frau-Ramos, recognized for his decades of tireless advocacy addressing inequities facing Latinx communities across Western Massachusetts and beyond.

Legacy Tributes:

The presentation of distinct grants named in memory of foundational board members who paved the way for local equity: Mary Birks, Jane Frey, Miguel Arce, Orlando Isaza, Tom Hidalgo, and Idalie Torres.

The 2026 Grant Recipients Featured:

Arts Integration Studio (2 Grants for 2 Programs) — $2,000 each

Artspace Community Arts Center — $2,000

Community Legal Aid (CLA) — $2,000 (In honor of Mary Birks)

CORE (Center for Opportunity, Resilience & Equity) — $2,000

Holyoke Food and Equity Collective — $2,000 (In honor of Jane Frey)

Holyoke Health Center Inc. — $350 (In honor of Tom Hidalgo)

Indian Orchard Citizens Council (Multiple Initiatives) — $2,000 (In honor of Idali Torres)

Eagle Eye (Virtual Space to Explore Nature) — $1,500

Lorraine’s Soup Kitchen & Pantry, Inc. — $1,500

Massachusetts Jobs with Justice — $2,000 (In honor of Miguel Arce)

Pa’lante Transformative Justice — $2,000 (In honor of Orlando Isaza)

Piti Theatre Company, Inc. — $2,000

The Men of Honor Youth Mentorship Program Inc. — $1,500

Wellspring Cooperative — $2,000

The Carlos Vega Fund is managed by the Community Foundation of Western Massachusetts.

To read more about the grantees you can visit: http://www.carlosvegafund.org