What is the ACF?

The Amherst Community Foundation exists for a simple reason: to help make good things happen in Amherst.

Sometimes that means taking on a project ourselves. Sometimes it means helping a group of residents turn an idea into reality. And sometimes it simply means providing the nonprofit structure, fundraising tools and financial support that allow people to raise money for something our community needs.

ACF is an independent, volunteer-led 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization. Because of that, we can accept tax-deductible donations, manage charitable funds and provide a trusted home for community projects without every good idea needing to create a new nonprofit organization from scratch.

Over the years, that flexibility has allowed us to support projects large and small, from traditions that bring the community together to improvements that make Amherst an even better place to live.

Our federal tax-exempt status dates to 2014. Our IRS determination letter, Form 990 filings and other public records are available through the IRS site. (search for EIN 46-4083832 to pull up Amherst Community Foundation Inc.)

Our Vision

We believe some of the best ideas for Amherst come from the people who live here.

Our job is to help those ideas get moving.

We can raise funds, provide fiscal sponsorship, manage donations, bring people together and, when needed, roll up our sleeves and lead a project ourselves. We try to stay flexible because every community need is a little different.

At its heart, ACF is a way for people who care about Amherst to work together, pool resources and turn good ideas into something real.

Have an idea that could make Amherst better?

We’d love to hear it.