Worcester Lawmakers Gather at GWCF Inaugural Legislative Breakfast 

Collaboration is central to making Worcester’s renaissance work for everyone. Recently, the Foundation brought together state and local leaders to discuss how GWCF can be a partner and resource for decision makers tackling the community’s greatest challenges. 

By strengthening relationships with partners in government, GWCF gains a better understanding of the communities served by its grants and leadership programs. In the process, the Foundation grows as an even more effective connector between those communities, nonprofits, and government.

“We want to thank everyone who joined us,” said Carolyn Stempler, GWCF Board Chair. “We look forward to working alongside you in 2020 and beyond.”  
GWCF Invests Nearly $7 Million in the Community  
Each year, the Foundation expands its impact. 2019 was a banner year – $7 million was invested in the community through grants to over 250 community organizations and scholarships to 400 college students. Take a look at our 2019 impact by the numbers.

“We are grateful for our generous donors who make our important work possible,” said Barbara Fields, GWCF CEO.

Empowering Donors, Maximizing Impact  

The Foundation’s Board of Directors recently approved the establishment of a new Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) portfolio. The portfolio will allow donors to invest in strategies that emphasize sustainable investing factors and is designed to reflect the values of the Foundation and the communities it serves.  

The ESG fund is a diversified portfolio, mostly comprised of equities and bonds. Stock selection is based on the ESG ratings of companies, with a priority given to those with strong sustainability scores. Company ratings are provided by MSCI ESG Research using an independent framework to evaluate how companies compare against key ESG issues. 

“The Foundation is excited to offer donors a new way to give that aligns with and reflects their personal values,” said GWCF CEO, Barbara Fields. “The ESG option empowers donors and maximizes their overall impact here in Worcester and globally.” 

For more information about the ESG opportunity, contact Kelly Stimson at kstimson@greaterworcester.org . 
Connected, Prepared, Inspired Leadership Starts Here: Leadership Worcester Application Opens Feb. 15   

Are you passionate about Worcester and your role in its future? If so, Leadership Worcester’s Class of 2021 may be right for you. Applications are open February 15 – May 24.

This is your opportunity to join a cohort of creative and energetic professionals working together to build leadership skills that will help you make an impact in your community. The nine-month course will expand your personal and professional network, as you learn from leaders and tackle critical issues facing the Greater Worcester region.

Leadership Worcester seeks applicants from all sectors who demonstrate the following:

  • Motivation to take on active leadership roles in Worcester
  • Proven record of leadership capacity
  • Passion and commitment to making Worcester a leading, livable city
  • Long term commitment to involvement in our community
  • Live and/or work in Worcester.

Leadership Worcester is a joint program of the Foundation and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. To learn more and apply, click here.
M ark Your Calendars: 14 Grant Opportunities Coming Up This Year

Each year, the Foundation makes grants to nonprofits through 14 different competitive grant programs, each with its own funding priorities.

Two such grant opportunities were announced on February 1 st – the Fallon Or/Nda Community Health Fund  grant and the Unibank September 11th Emergency Personnel Education Fund grant. The deadline to apply for these is March 27.

For a full calendar of our grants and their applications, click here.
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