July 2020
Worcester Together Announces COVID-19 Recovery Grants 

Worcester Together has entered Phase Two of its pandemic response with the investment of more than $2,350,000 in Recovery Grants to 54 local nonprofits. Grantees are receiving general operating support and will also have access to technical assistance to help them navigate the challenges of the “new normal.” 

The selected organizations are providing critical support to immigrant and refugee communities, as well as food, housing, health services, childcare, arts, culture, and more. Over 700 individuals, business, and foundations have come together to raise over $9 million for Worcester Together and make these grants possible .
GWCF Awards over $700,000 in College Scholarships 

As families continue to struggle through the pandemic, scholarship assistance has become even more important to help students cover the costs to attend college. 

This year, the Foundation awarded over $700,000 in college scholarships drawn from the 136 Scholarship Funds created at the Foundation over the last 40 years. This represents the highest annual scholarship payout in the history of the Foundation.
 
Over 400 students benefited from scholarships averaging $1,600 to assist them in beginning or continuing their college education. More than 150 volunteers participated in selecting students through a rigorous process based on merit and financial need. 

Community Legal Aid Fights Job Insecurity with Worcester Together Grant 

Worcester Together is proud to support organizations like Community Legal Aid who are fighting for the rights of those hardest hit by the COVID-19 outbreak.
Using a $50,000 grant from Worcester Together , Community Legal Aid hired an additional attorney who is providing legal assistance to low-wage employees by answering questions about unemployment eligibility, filing appeals of behalf of workers who are denied benefits, helping workers access the new federal sick and FMLA benefits, and protecting the rights of employees facing discrimination related to COVID-19.

Community Grants – Creating Access to Opportunity

Applications for GWCF’s Community Grant Program are opening on July 15th.These grants, usually ranging from $2,500 to $25,000, support nonprofit organizations that create access to opportunity and upward mobility in Worcester County. In 2019, the Foundation awarded over $1.56 million to more than 132 organizations through our Community Grant Program.

Cultural Plan Activation Mini-Grants Return This July

A key part of the Foundation’s Creative Worcester Initiative, Cultural Plan Activation Mini-Grants aim to inspire organizations and individuals engaged in the creative sector to help advance the City’s Cultural Plan. Mini-grants range from $500 - $5,000 and support projects that celebrate and amplify diverse communities; increase access, equity and inclusion; uplift and empower the community; and are innovative, thought-provoking and collaborative. Applications are being accepted on a rolling basis. Learn more and apply today.
New NSC Workshop Coming Soon: Managing Your Fundraising During Challenging Times

Join the Foundation on Wednesday, July 22 from 1:00 - 3:00 PM for a virtual workshop with development expert Chuck Gordon. Learn how to focus your fundraising resources, best utilize your board, and tell effective stories about the work you’re doing to help our community overcome the greatest health, economic, and racial justice challenges we have ever experienced.

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