Hilltown CDC

What Hilltown CDC does

Hilltown Community Development Corporation (Hilltown CDC) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community development corporation founded in 1981 and headquartered at 387 Main Road in Chesterfield, Massachusetts. It is the only CDC serving the Hilltowns region of Western Massachusetts, operating across 11+ rural towns including Blandford, Chester, Chesterfield, Cummington, Goshen, Huntington, Middlefield, Montgomery, Plainfield, Russell, and Worthington. The organization delivers an integrated portfolio of community programs: affordable housing development and rehabilitation (68 rental apartments across seven municipalities, plus a deferred-payment Housing Rehab loan program with 500+ completed projects), elder services (Hilltown Elder Network with 45+ caregivers and the HOPE program serving 80-100 elders), food access (Hilltown Market brick-and-mortar store plus Mobile Market with 300+ weekly customers and $46K+ in 2022 farm revenue), rural transportation (Hilltown Easy Ride van service), small business development (Hilltown Business Directory with nearly 5,000 monthly users plus counseling and workshops), arts and culture programming (Hilltown Open Studio Tour, Cummington Cultural District), and healthy aging initiatives (walking maps across 9 towns).

The organization's core technology is a service-delivery platform rather than a software product: it operates a Shopify-based e-commerce site for Hilltown Market online ordering and pickup, an online Business Directory at hilltowndirectory.com, digital mapping tools (Hilltown Food Access Map), and dispatch systems for senior transportation scheduling. Partnerships span federal, state, and municipal agencies (HUD, CDBG, MassDOT, Massachusetts Cultural Council, MDAR, FRTA) plus healthcare, social service, and community organizations. Staffing is intentionally lean at 9-13 personnel including Executive Director Dave Christopolis, Director of Community Food Resilience Jake Russell, Director of Community Programs Joan Griswold, Social Services Program Manager Charlie Hayes, and Housing Rehab Manager Ann Marie Perrone.

Revenue is sourced from government grants and CDBG funding (primary), Massachusetts Community Investment Tax Credit-eligible donations ($1,000+ donations qualify for a 50% refundable state tax credit, with $1M+ leveraged since 2013), Hilltown Market product sales, general private contributions (many at $100 annually), and nominal transportation fares ($1.25-$2.25 per trip). The go-to-market is community-led and relationship-driven: programs reach residents through trusted local partnerships with Councils on Aging, health centers, social service organizations, and municipalities, supplemented by community events (Hilltown Spring Festival, Open Studio Tour, workshops) and digital channels (newsletter, social media, Business Directory). Since 1981, the organization has leveraged and invested over $50 million in housing, economic development, public facilities, farming, and cultural programming across the region.

Name

Hilltown CDC

Legal name

Hilltown Community Development Corporation

Website

https://hilltowncdc.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1981

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Hilltown CDC is a nonprofit community development corporation founded in 1981 serving 11+ rural Western Massachusetts towns with affordable housing, elder care, food access, transportation, business development, and arts programming. It maintains 68 affordable rental apartments, a brick-and-mortar farmers market, and a senior van service.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Development Services

NAICS

Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (624120), Services for the Elderly and Persons with Disabilities (62412), Community Food Services (624210)

SIC

Services-Home Health Care Services (8082)

akta.pro primary industry

Community Centers & Neighborhood Support Services (BPAGAEAL)

akta.pro secondary industries

Affordable/Subsidized Independent Living (HUD/LIHTC) Communities (HLADAAAB), Independent Living with Supportive Services (Light ADL/IADL Support) (HLADAAAE), Housing & Neighborhood Services (Local Housing Programs) (BPAIACAJ)

Keywords

• Community development
• Affordable housing
• Senior transportation
• Food access programs
• Small business support

Headquarters

HQ city

Chesterfield

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices6 records

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Infrastructure, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain

Revenue model

1. Government Grants and CDBG Funding: Primary revenue source through Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds administered via the Town of Chesterfield, federal grants, and state funding programs. CDBG funding supports housing rehabilitation, social services, and community development programs.
2. Community Investment Tax Credit Program: Massachusetts state tax credit program that matches private donations to CDCs with a 50% state tax credit. Donations of $1,000+ qualify, with the credit being refundable. Since 2013, leveraged over $1 million in additional funding through this program.
3. Hilltown Market Sales Revenue: Revenue from sales at the brick-and-mortar store and online ordering system. Market sources products from local farmers and producers, generating income for both the organization and regional agricultural economy ($46,000+ in farm revenue in 2022).
4. Donations and Private Contributions: General donations at various levels, with many supporters contributing $100 annually. Donations provide flexible working capital for seeding new programs and filling funding gaps.
5. Transportation Fares: Nominal fares collected for senior van transportation services: $1.25 within same town, $1.75 to adjacent towns, $2.25 beyond. Senior Center trips are half fare. Minor revenue source supporting transportation program.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels6 records

Marketing channels10 records

Core offering

Hilltown CDC is a nonprofit community development corporation that delivers affordable housing, home rehabilitation loans, senior in-home and transportation services, food access through a retail market and food pantry, small business counseling, agricultural support, and arts and culture programming to residents of the rural Hilltowns in Western Massachusetts. It develops and manages 68 affordable rental apartments, operates the Hilltown Easy Ride senior van service, runs the Hilltown Market store and online ordering system, and administers the Hilltown Business Directory and Business Hub for local entrepreneurs.

Product overview

Hilltown CDC operates as a community development organization offering a diverse portfolio of interconnected programs addressing housing, social services, food access, transportation, and economic development in rural western Massachusetts. The core offerings include affordable rental housing and housing rehabilitation services, elder care programs (HEN and HOPE), food access through the Hilltown Market and Mobile Market, transportation via Hilltown Easy Ride, and small business development through the Hilltown Business Directory and Technical Assistance programs. Additional initiatives encompass Keep Farming agricultural programs, Arts & Culture creative placemaking, and Healthy Aging walkability efforts. The organization serves as a central hub coordinating community development across eleven Hilltown municipalities.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Brands

• Keep Farming in the Hilltowns: Initiative dedicated to strengthening the local food system, supporting local farmers, enhancing food access, and fostering a resilient community-centered food economy.
• Hilltown Market
• Hilltown Easy Ride
• Hilltown Elder Network (HEN)
• HOPE Program
• Hilltown Business Directory
• Hilltown Business Hub
• Hilltown Open Studio Tour

Products and services

• Housing Rehabilitation Program
• Affordable Rental Housing
• Hilltown Elder Network (HEN)
• Health Outreach Program for Elders (HOPE)
• Hilltown Easy Ride Transportation
• Hilltown Market
• Hilltown Food Pantry
• Hilltown Business Directory
• Small Business Technical Assistance
• Keep Farming in the Hilltowns
• Arts & Culture Programs
• Healthy Aging Initiative
• Continuum of Care Program

Quantifiable outcome

• Over $50 million leveraged and invested in the region since 1981
• +9 more outcomes

Named customers14 records

Segments8 records

Ideal customer profiles6 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Feature3 records

Partnerships

16 partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and major.

• Hampshire Gazette, MassLive, The RepublicanminorGTM or Marketing Partner · 1 January 2024Media coverage of transportation expansion announcement; Coverage in local and regional news outlets amplifying program awareness.
• Franklin Regional Transit Authority (FRTA)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2017Partnership for Hilltown Easy Ride van services; FRTA is the governing authority for demand-response transportation services; Coordinates dispatch and service parameters for senior van program covering 11 rural towns.
• Healthy HampshirecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Strategic partner in Keep Farming in the Hilltowns initiative, launched with federal Local Food Promotion Program grant. Collaborated on community engagement to develop strategies addressing needs of local producers and consumers. Also partner in healthy aging and walking map initiatives.
• CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 1 January 2014Collaborative partner in Keep Farming in the Hilltowns initiative focused on strengthening the region's local food system by supporting farmers, improving food access, and building a resilient rural economy.
• Hilltown Food Policy CouncilcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCollaborated to create the Hilltown Food Access Map showing all farms, grocery stores, and meal services across Northern and Southern Hilltowns. Partnership supports food system resilience and access initiatives.
• Hilltown Community Health CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerAdministers HOPE (Health Outreach Program for Elders) providing in-home medical services to homebound elders; Located in Worthington; Also transportation partner for healthcare access.
• MassDOT (Massachusetts Department of Transportation)majorOthersProvided grant funding and donated a disability-friendly van to expand transportation services. Key funder of rural transit initiatives and Complete Streets planning.
• Cooley Dickinson HospitalminorImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerHealthcare provider partner in transportation services; Seniors use van services to access medical appointments at the hospital.
• Highland Valley Elder ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerRegional partner for elder services; Provides funding through Title III Funds for HEN Program; Coordinates with Hilltown CDC on senior support services across the region.
• Northern Hilltown Council on Aging ConsortiumcoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorPartnership with COAs of multiple towns for transportation coordination; COAs schedule group outings using Easy Ride van; Essential referral channel for senior services.
• Northampton Survival CentercoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAdministers Hilltown Food Pantry program through Goshen location; Provides essential food support services to low-income Hilltown residents.
• It Takes A VillagecoreImplementation/ SI/ Consulting PartnerAdministers Childcare Subsidy Program for working families in the Hilltowns; Extends Hilltown CDC's family support services.
• WalkBostonminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in healthy aging and walkability initiatives; Collaborates on creating pedestrian-safe environments and walking maps for Hilltown communities.
• Mass MobilityminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerState-level transportation coordination partner; Works on rural transportation advocacy and improving transit options in Western Massachusetts.
• Massachusetts Department of Public HealthmajorStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartner in developing comprehensive toolkit to empower organizations to establish food access programs; Supports food system resilience and food access initiatives.
• Hilltown Arts AlliancecoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCo-organizes annual Hilltown Open Studio Tour; Volunteer-run nonprofit connecting and supporting local artists; 23-32 artists participate annually in tour across multiple studios.

Scale indicators20 records

Recent moves9 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Others

• Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC): Statewide industry association for CDCs in Massachusetts. Peer as a coordinating body for the same CDC ecosystem Hilltown CDC operates within, providing policy advocacy, training, and funding access.

Regional players

• Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation: Regional community foundation serving western Massachusetts and bordering areas. Comparable in regional community-development funding and program support role, though operates as a grantmaker rather than direct service provider.
• Pioneer Valley Planning Commission: Regional planning agency serving 43 communities in the Pioneer Valley. Comparable in regional community planning role and adjacency to Hilltown CDC's housing and transportation programming.
• Hilltown Community Health Center: Federally qualified health center serving the same Hilltowns geography. Operates the HOPE program on Hilltown CDC's behalf, making it a direct operational peer for in-home health services to rural elders.

Direct peers

• Northern Hilltown Council on Aging Consortium: Consortium of Councils on Aging serving northern Hilltowns towns. Direct operational peer in elder transportation and senior service coordination, with overlapping referral and program delivery relationships.
• Franklin County Community Development Corporation: Rural Massachusetts CDC serving Franklin County with housing, small business lending, food access, and community programs. Operates in an adjacent geography with similar rural service mix to Hilltown CDC.
• CISA (Community Involved in Sustaining Agriculture): Western Massachusetts nonprofit focused on local agriculture and food access. Direct peer in the Keep Farming-style food system work and existing strategic partner of Hilltown CDC.
• Quaboag Valley Community Development Corporation: Regional community development corporation serving small towns in western/central Massachusetts with housing, business, and community programs. Directly comparable in mission, scale, and service model to Hilltown CDC.

Broad incumbents

• Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National community development financial institution and CDC-supporting organization. LISC has already funded Hilltown CDC through Creative Placemaking grants; comparable in funding/advocacy role across rural and urban CDCs nationally.
• Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit focused on affordable housing and community development. Comparable in affordable housing finance, development, and policy advocacy, though at significantly greater scale and geographic breadth.

Market position

Strengths5 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat5 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/KeepFarmingHilltowns
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/hilltowncdc

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles13 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Hilltown CDC