August 2019
This Month's News & Updates
In collaboration with our partners across nonprofit, public and business sectors, the Foundation brings people and resources together to help our region meet pressing needs and prepare for the future. Our favorite part of this work? Making a difference alongside people like you.
Final Community Grant
Info Session Coming Up
Join us August 21 at 12 pm

The application deadline for our Community Grant program is nearly one month away. Is your organization ready to apply?

Learn more about the Foundation's largest and most far-reaching funding opportunity at our last info session of the season Wednesday, August 21 from noon to 1pm at the GWCF offices.

This session is designed to help organizational leaders and grant writers understand our funding priorities, grant guidelines, and application process. Sign up today!

For more information, contact Jonathan Cohen at 508-755-0980 .
The Community Grant Application Deadline is September 16, 2019!
Carolyn Stempler, GWCF Chair of the Board of Directors
NEW Blog post by Carolyn Stempler
Have you heard the news? Barbara Fields will begin her role as President & CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, on August 15, 2019. Her arrival marks a landmark moment for the Foundation... Read on!
$151,000 in Grants Builds the Capacity of Hunger & Homelessness Organizations

Nonprofits across our region play a pivotal role in helping individuals and their families meet basic needs. As these organizations work hard to address the complex issues of hunger and homelessness, we are proud to support them with grants from the Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger and the

Through the two programs combined, 38 grants were awarded to 30 different organizations to help them better serve their communities with efficiency, cultural competency, and dignity.
Worcester County Food Bank
Fund to End Hunger Grantees:
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
Catholic Charities Diocese of Worcester
Community Legal Aid, Inc.
Dismas House of Central Massachusetts
El Buen Samaritano Food Program
Family Health Center of Worcester, Inc.
Friendly House, Inc.
Growing Places Garden Project
Highland Baptist Church Food Pantry
Net of Compassion
Opening Heaven's Door Ministries Inc.
Our Father's House
Pernet Family Health Service, Inc.
Rachel's Table
Rainbow Child Development Center
Regional Environmental Council, Inc.
Spanish American Center, Inc.
Tasks for Transit, Inc.
United Way of Tri-County
Winchendon Community Action Committee
Worcester Community Action Council Inc.
YMCA of Central Massachusetts
Basic Needs Capital Grant Recipients:
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester
Catholic Charities Worcester County
Central MA Housing Alliance
Community Harvest Project, Inc.
Dismas House of Central Massachusetts
Friendly House, Inc.
Growing Places Garden Project, Inc.
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester
Jeremiah's Inn
Living in Freedom Together (LIFT)
Nativity School of Worcester
Our Father's House, Inc.
Rachel's Table
Regional Environmental Council
UPC - Blackstone Valley Emergency Shelter
YWCA of Central Massachusetts

The Basic Needs Capital Grants program is a one-time small capital program made possible by the generosity of an anonymous donor.
Grantee Spotlight: Growing Places Garden Project
Based in Leominster, Growing Places aims to create equitable access to healthy food and environmental sustainability in the North Central MA region through education, collaboration and advocacy. Funds will help support monthly pop-up farmers markets at Mount Wachusett Community College and advocacy work around
the benefits of SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program).
Youth for Community Improvement Heads Into 20th Year Empowering Young People

Each year YCI convenes a class of high school sophomores and juniors from across Worcester County for a unique experience in philanthropy. Guided by Foundation staff (at least at first!), participants develop leadership skills and then put them to use, together making real funding decisions to support causes they care about.

This fall's upcoming class of YCI participants will be the program's 20th since its founding in 1999. Stay tuned to learn more about their work, funding opportunities, special events, and more!
The search for YCI Alumni is on!
If you or someone you know participated in YCI since its founding, we want to connect and learn more about how the program impacted you! Reach out to
Sarah Shugrue by email or phone at 508-755-0980.
Now Accepting Applications to the
Creative Spark Mini-Grant Program

If you are an organization or an individual engaged in the arts, culture, or humanities,
with a new or first-time project that addresses strategies outlined in the
City of Worcester's Cultural Plan , we may have resources for you!


Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis until December 2019,
or until all available funds have been exhausted.
Agency Funds Help Nonprofits Plan for the Future

When nonprofits create an Agency Fund at GWCF with $10,000 or more, they gain all the benefits of a professionally managed
endowment. Funds can be accessed at any time to support your organization’s operations and programs. Plus, you can focus on serving your constituents with the knowledge that you’ve invested in your own future!

Contact a member of the Donor Services team today at 508-755-0980 to start a conversation.
In 2018, Dismas House of Massachusetts began its 30th year by creating an endowed agency fund to complement the organization's private and
public fundraising efforts.
Chris O'Keeffe, GWCF Vice President for Program
Tips & Insights for Grant Applicants
Blog post by Chris O'Keeffe
Whether you're applying to the Foundation for funding for the first time or you're a veteran applicant, these 8 tips never get old and can help guide you as you seek support in your work from GWCF... Read on!
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Greater Worcester Community Foundation