West Springfield’s United Bank Foundation has awarded a total of $53,120 to not-for-profit organizations in the Greater Springfield and Worcester areas during the foundation’s most recent round of funding.

This cycle marked the first time that the foundation has awarded grants in the Worcester region since United Bank expanded its franchise last year with the acquisition of Commonwealth National Bank. Funds allocated to the Worcester area organizations were in addition to the foundation’s traditional grant-making efforts in Springfield, according to a statement.

"United Bank has a long history of charitable and community giving," Hall said. "We are pleased that we could increase our overall grant-making capacity to fund the grants made in Worcester County."

A total of $37,620 was awarded to Springfield area organizations:

• The American Red Cross Pioneer Valley Chapter received $5,000 toward the purchase of a new Emergency Response Vehicle and related equipment for the disaster services department.
• Bay Path College received $25,000 to support the renovation of Elliott House as part of the Charting New Paths Capital Campaign. The grant will be paid over three years.
• Brightside Inc. in West Springfield received $5,320 from the foundation for the purchase of four laptop computers for its Family Stabilization Team and Community Support program.
• The Southwick Tolland Regional School District received $2,300 to purchase new technology and equipment for the Math Department for the high school.

A total of $15,500 was awarded to organizations in Worcester County:

• Children’s Friend received $3,500 to support the School Age Mothers program, a partnership with the Worcester Public Schools.
• The Abby Kelley Foster House Inc. received $3,500 to support operating costs for affordable housing units for homeless and battered women.
• The Boy Scouts of America, Mohegan Council Inc. received $3,500 to support Scoutreach Initiatives and the Learning For Life Program in Greater Worcester.
• Youth Opportunities Upheld Inc. received $5,000 to support its Upward Bound college access program for participants in the Worcester high school program.