Why This Plan Matters
The completion of the Mary Lyon Foundation's $5 million fundraising campaign marked an important milestone, but it was only the beginning.
As the Foundation grew, so did the needs of the communities we serve. Families continue to face financial hardship. Rural schools are navigating increasing challenges. Community partnerships have become more important than ever.
Rather than simply maintaining our programs, we chose to ask a bigger question:
How can we create even greater impact over the next five years?
This strategic plan is our answer.
It outlines how we'll strengthen educational opportunities, expand support for students and families, build lasting partnerships, advocate for rural communities, and ensure the Foundation remains a trusted resource for generations to come.
Our Strategic Priorities
Education & Programming
Investing in innovative programs, educator support, and wraparound services that help students and families succeed.
Development & Fundraising Initiative
Growing philanthropic support and long-term funding to ensure the Foundation can continue meeting the evolving needs of Western Massachusetts.
External & Charitable Initiatives
Expanding partnerships, advocacy, and collaborative initiatives that improve quality of life across our rural communities.
Financial Goals
Ensuring responsible financial management so every dollar entrusted to the Foundation creates lasting impact.
Internal Resources
Investing in our people, technology, governance, and organizational capacity to strengthen the Foundation for generations to come.
Measuring
success
Success isn't measured by a single milestone. It's measured by stronger schools, supported families, meaningful partnerships, and lasting opportunities for the communities we serve.
Over the next five years, we are committed to achieving measurable outcomes that strengthen the Foundation's impact across Western Massachusetts.
Key Goals
Grow the Educator Assistance Endowment
Building a sustainable source of funding to preserve and expand educator mini grants.
Strengthen Sustainable Funding
Increase unrestricted annual fundraising to provide the flexibility needed to respond to emerging community needs.
Expand Community Partnerships
Develop new collaborations with schools, nonprofits, businesses, and public agencies to address challenges facing students and families.
Increase Charitable Impact
Expand by the Mary Lyon Foundation, charitable giving and collaborative initiatives that improve access to education, essential services, and opportunities throughout Western Massachusetts.
Invest in Organizational Excellence
Continue strengthening our leadership, financial stewardship, governance, and technology to ensure long-term sustainability and community impact.
By the Numbers
And Expanded partnerships across education, housing, childcare, food security, workforce development, and community services
Our Story in Action
"This support from the Mary Lyon Foundation truly means the world to us, especially during this time of year. It’s a huge help and will undoubtedly bring so much joy and excitement to him. Your program’s generosity makes a significant difference in the lives of many, and we deeply appreciate everything you and the Foundation do for families in our community."
— Parent
Looking
ahead
Our strategic plan is more than a document. It is a promise to continue listening, growing, and investing in the people who make Western Massachusetts such a remarkable place to live.
Together with educators, families, donors, businesses, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders, we will continue creating opportunities that help students learn, succeed, and thrive.
Every partnership we build, every program we expand, and every investment we make brings us one step closer to a stronger, more connected community.
Download the Full Strategic Plan
Our printed strategic plan provides an overview of the Foundation's vision for the future. To explore each initiative, goal, and action step in greater detail, download the complete Mary Lyon Foundation Strategic Plan 2026–2031.