January 2021
Investing in the Future of Civic Leadership

While year-end gifts are still being counted, we want to pause and thank the nearly 400 donors who stepped forward with their generous commitments to GWCF’s Civic Leadership Fund. The Fund supports the Foundation’s work as a forward-thinking broker bringing together donors, community leaders, nonprofits, government, and business leaders to pilot new programs that address emerging and chronic problems in our community in real time.

Over the past year, we have led pandemic relief efforts, secured new resources for Worcester, launched a new Action for Racial Equity Fund, continued trainings for our nonprofit sector, and invested in the next generation of leaders.
Supporting the Arts

In the best and worst of times, art has the power to bring people together. Unfortunately, however, arts organizations are some of the most vulnerable to disruption during a crisis like the COVID-19 pandemic. GWCF continues to work to ensure these groups can respond to today's challenges and thrive in the future.

In partnership with the Barr Foundation, GWCF awarded more than $93,000 in its annual Community Grants Program last month to seven arts organizations, that included Crocodile River Music. Their $25,000 award will support “Voices of Worcester: African Arts Cross Digital Divides,” a program that includes an interactive curriculum of African music, dance, and art lessons. The grant enabled Crocodile River Music to extend their first digital residency program, which was launched this summer, and provide funding for remote teacher training and curriculum development. Crocodile River Music also used a portion of the funding to support video and audio production, ensuring the organization’s content remains accessible to the community.

Caroline B. June’s Legacy Lives on in her Bequest to GWCF

Including GWCF in your estate plans is one way to leave a lasting legacy to the place you call home.

That's just what Caroline B. June did. A California resident, Caroline was born in Lawrence, Mass.; grew up in Worcester; and spent the majority of her life serving the greater Worcester community. She was a lifelong volunteer with the Junior League and also gave her time to Rachel's Table where she delivered food to countless homeless shelters and rehab centers.

Caroline’s legacy will be remembered in Worcester through her generous bequest to the Foundation.
GWCF Supports 85 Family Child Care Providers 

Most of Worcester’s child care services are offered by home-based caregivers known as family child care providers. COVID-19 has had a significant impact on these small businesses. Many of these providers, who open their homes and hearts to small groups of children, were forced to temporarily close in 2020 and, as a result, now face severe financial challenges. Last summer, GWCF leveraged $92,000, that attracted another $129,000 from the Commonwealth Children's Fund, to award grants to 85 family child care providers.

One grateful provider is Gina Hamilton who, after receiving the funds, wrote: “I cannot explain how much this means to me and how this gives me some room to breathe. Last night, for the first time since our mandated shut down, I slept without nightmarish dreams.”

Learn more in Edward Street's press release.

Applications are now being accepted for Greater Worcester Community Foundation's Scholarship Program.

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Greater Worcester Community Foundation