About O’Dell Women’s Center

The O’Dell Women’s Center is a nonprofit philanthropic initiative inspired by lifelong Western Massachusetts resident Constance “Connie” O’Dell, who served for more than 40 years as a maternity nurse at Holyoke’s Providence Hospital. Connie dedicated her life to caring for women with dignity, compassion, and respect—values that continue to guide the Center today.   Founded in 2023, the O’Dell Women’s Center is a 10,000-square-foot facility in the heart of Springfield,  created to support low-income women who are committed to improving their lives through improvded access to educational and career opportunities.

Award Grants to Non-Profits That Serve Women

The O’Dell Women’s Center provides provides $10,000 - $75,000 grants to local nonprofits that advance educational, workforce, and career development opportunities for low-income women. Nonprofit organizations that address systemic barriers, such as food insecurity, childcare access, transportation, and housing instability, will also be eligible for funding.

In its second year of grantmaking, the O’Dell Women’s Center Foundation is proud to announce it has awarded $450,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations that support low-income women in Springfield. An estimated $750,000 in grants will be awarded in 2026.

To learn more about our annual grant application process, click here. To review the presentation from the O'Dell Women's Center grant information session held on July 8, 2025 click here, For additional information or questions email grants@odellwomenscenter.com

Connect women to community resources including education and career opportunities

 In 2026 we are launching the O'Dell Women's Center Bridging Navigator Peer to Peer mentorship program. This unique program pairs mentors with lived experience with low-income women to help connect women with resources and pathways that lead to educational and career advancement. If you are interested in serving as a mentor, or you are seeking a mentor or other assistance,

Offer free space for clients and community non-profits to use

We offer three free spaces for community use :

• A small private conference room with conference table and chairs available to host meetings for up to 6 people.  Please apply one week in advance.

• An office with several desks which can also be used for private meetings or collaborative work space for up to 6 people. Please apply one week in advance

• A large central area meeting or presentation space which can accommodate approximately 100 people. Please apply 30 days in advance.

  Use this LINK to reserve a space!

The O’Dell Women’s Center is a nonprofit philanthropic initiative dedicated to empowering low-income women in the Greater Springfield area to transform their lives through improved educational and career opportunities that lead to long-term financial security.

“Women are navigating increasingly complex barriers to stability,” said Margaret Tantillo, Executive Director of the O’Dell Women’s Center. “These investments reflect our commitment to meeting urgent needs for women in Springfield, MA, while also supporting the systems and programs that help women build sustainable futures.”