OVERVIEW: The Greater Worcester Community Foundation supports cities and towns in Worcester County, Massachusetts, in the areas of community, arts and culture, early childhood, health, youth, hunger and the environment.
FUNDING AREAS: Community support, arts and culture, early childhood, health, youth, hunger, environment
IP TAKE: Learn about each of the competitive grantmaking funds here to determine which is most relevant for a new idea, and contact a program officer before submitting an application.
PROFILE: Founded in 1975, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation (GWCF) is a community funder based in Worcester, Massachusetts. It connects nonprofits with donors and volunteers, offers grant opportunities, and manages the endowments of over 70 nonprofit agencies. The foundation is a “citizen-run model of philanthropy dedicated to enhancing the community in perpetuity.” Grantmaking areas of interest include community, arts and culture, early childhood, health, youth, hunger and the environment.
The funder’s community grants program is the largest and widest-reaching program and supports groups that build healthy and vibrant communities in the region. Creativity grants focus on community engagement and innovative ideas. Early childhood grants focus on local children’s first eight years of development. Health grants focus on mental health, access to care, and health promotion services. GWCF also awards special interest grants in the form of one-time mini-grants for organizational effectiveness, and equipment and technology needs. Through various funds, GWCF also awards special interest grants in the fields of nature and environmental science, ending hunger, and youth needs identified by area high school students. Finally, this funder has town-specific grant programs that address needs in Blackstone Valley, Brookfield, Leicester, and Millbury, Massachusetts, as well as in Killingly, Connecticut.
GWCF grants often range from $5,000 to $25,000. View a list of past grantees on the funder’s website. This foundation typically only funds groups in cities and towns in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Each grantmaking program has its own specific guidelines and deadlines that occur throughout the year.
GWCF accepts unsolicited grant applications from nonprofits. Organizations should create an online account and contact a program officer to discuss ideas before applying. The foundation offers community grant orientation sessions in the summer. Direct general questions to the foundation staff at 508-755-0980 or info@greaterworcester.org.
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