Foundation Friends,
This month, we're proud to announce the outcomes of our annual college scholarship program. We're also excited to share news about new additions to the GWCF team, and funding opportunities you don't want to miss.
As community, philanthropic and civic leaders, neighbors, and nonprofit partners, the work we do is building a stronger, more equitable region. And there's always more to come! We hope that in the height of summer, as you enjoy these updates, you also have the chance to connect with friends and loved ones, to rejuvenate, and to reenergize.
With gratitude,
Carolyn Stempler
Interim President & CEO
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New Funding Opportunities Support Operations, Capacity Building & Core Projects
Designed to be responsive to the needs exposed by the pandemic and racial justice reckonings of the last year and a half, GWCF has announced significant funding opportunities now available.
Community Grant Program: Operating & Project Support
This program, a Foundation hallmark refreshed for 2021, is rooted in the belief that we can collectively work towards a more equitable, vibrant, and just community by offering flexible grant options, implementing strategic focus areas, and emphasizing the underlying approaches nonprofit organizations apply to their work.
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Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program
This program is designed to support fresh perspectives on routine operations that demonstrate an organization's learning agenda and values. We believe that investing in the systems of nonprofit organizations is critical because it increases an organization's ability to be a strong and inclusive employer. It also leads to high-quality service to others.
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A Search for the Next GWCF President & CEO Has Begun
The Foundation seeks a dynamic, visionary, and accomplished leader to advance the next chapter of work and impact in the community.
Learn more and view the official Position Guide here.
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Headed to School
with Scholarships
After a competitive application process, GWCF is thrilled to announce over $680,000 in scholarships to more than 400 students beginning or continuing their college education this fall.
Since 1978, nearly 9,000 Worcester County students have received over $13.3M in GWCF scholarship awards. Thanks to our scholarship fund donors, the Foundation is able to play a valuable role in removing some of the financial barriers students and families face on the road to higher education. We hope each and every awardee feels a sense of pride in the knowledge that their community is behind them.
Stay tuned for our 2021 Scholarship Yearbook, a book of stories and program data that celebrates recipients as well as the donors and volunteers who make it all possible. Coming in September!
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Newly Established $1.9M Scholarship Fund Expands Awards Available for Worcester Students
Harold Raven Jensen was born in Worcester in 1896, and passed away in Florida in 1980. He was an accountant for U.S. Steel Survivors and retired in St. Petersburg in 1962. With a generous gift of $1.95M included in his estate plan, the Foundation has established a scholarship fund in alignment with his charitable wishes. Beginning next year, the Harold R. Jensen Memorial Scholarship Fund will provide scholarships for graduating high school seniors from Worcester public or parochial schools.
Thanks to Mr. Jensen's forward thinking and trust in the Foundation, this fund will support Worcester students as they expand their education for years to come.
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Building a Legacy of Community Impact at GWCF |
In addition to scholarship funds, the Foundation offers a range of fund types and giving models to help donors achieve their unique philanthropic goals. Learn more about how you, too, can create a lasting legacy and a stronger, more equitable Greater Worcester.
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GWCF Adds New Talent to the Team |
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Jacob Vazquez, Philanthropy Officer for GWCF’s Scholarship Program
Before joining the Foundation, Jacob served as Economic Development Associate for the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. He has also served his community as a member of the Nativity School of Worcester Alumni Association and as Assistant Youth Ministry Coordinator of Saint Joan of Arc. A first generation college graduate from Assumption University, Jacob has a passion for helping young people reach their educational goals.
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Linda Curry, Executive Assistant
to the Interim President & CEO
Linda is a Dudley resident with a long career working in the insurance industry for companies including Unum. While working in the area, she volunteered for various local organizations including the United Way, Worcester County Food Bank, and Working for Worcester. Linda is excited to bring both her administrative experience and passion for helping others to the Foundation team.
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Mark Your Calendars:
Additional Grant Opportunities Coming Up!
Fallon/OrNda Community Health Fund
Creative Intersections
Second Round Opens September 15, 2021 | Learn More
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Stay tuned for what's to come at the Foundation, from upcoming grant opportunities to workshops, and more. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable Central Massachusetts. |
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Connect with the Foundation on social media! |
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Greater Worcester Community Foundation
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