September 2020
Historic Racial Equity Grants Announced

In response to the national reckoning on race, GWCF announced more than $80,000 in racial equity grants to 29 nonprofits and the Coalition for a Healthy Worcester. The grants are the first of their kind in the 45-year history of the Foundation. Funding will support organizations as they take concrete steps toward racial equity in practice, policy, leadership, and impact.
Worcester Together Epitomizes “Collaboration and Compassion” 

Last month, the Telegram & Gazette wrote prominently about the Worcester Together fund. The story notes the two completed phases of the program; its joint leadership between Foundation President and CEO Barbara Fields (right) and United Way of Central Massachusetts President and CEO Tim Garvin; the $10 million fundraising milestone; its success eliciting donations from residents countywide; and thankful grant recipients.

In the story, YMCA of Central Massachusetts President and CEO David Connell said the Greater Worcester Foundation was a vital resource for his organization and many others.

“We are thankful for what the Greater Worcester Foundation and the United Way did. It was very instrumental in helping us in a difficult time,” he said in the story. “We look forward to the next steps because the need is still there.”

Since March, the Worcester Together Fund has raised a groundbreaking $10 million in gifts and made over $8.8 million in investments to local nonprofits. Looking ahead, Worcester Together plans to continue its fundraising and granting efforts as the community begins to visualize a post-pandemic world.
GWCF Celebrates its 2020 College Scholarship Recipients 

With assistance from the Foundation’s Lt. Jay Lyons Memorial Scholarship, Dorean Asuako recently began her senior year at The College of the Holy Cross. Learn more about scholarship opportunities through the Foundation, Dorean’s journey, and students like her in the 2020 Scholarship Yearbook.

P.S. You may recognize Dorean, a GWCF Youth for Community Improvement alumna, from her appearance in a recent Telegram & Gazette article featuring her work drumming up support for Worcester’s Black-owned businesses.
Greater Worcester Community Foundation Welcomes New Marketing & Communications Manager

The Foundation is excited to welcome Emily Gowdey-Backus as its new marketing and communications manager.

Emily previously served as the director of communications at the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce where she managed the Chamber Exchange newspaper, wrote executive correspondence, marketing communications, and social media in addition to hosting and producing the “Voice of Business” podcast. She earned a master’s degree in international journalism from Cardiff University in 2015 and is an alumna of the Leadership Worcester Class of 2020.

“The Foundation will benefit from Emily’s passion for community and depth of experience in journalism and storytelling. We're excited to have her join our team and see how she can help us tell the many stories that illustrate the impact of our investments in the community,” said Barbara Fields, GWCF president and CEO.
Apply Now for a GWCF Community Grant

Don’t forget - applications for the Foundation’s community grants will only be accepted until Sept. 14. These grants provide operational and/or programmatic support to nonprofits throughout Greater Worcester with a focus on the following initiatives:
  • Economic security and basic needs
  • Arts and culture
  • Civic participation
  • Environmental engagement
  • Health access and equity
  • Early childhood and youth development

“In reviewing the applications, the Foundation is interested in new opportunities for residents in neighborhoods or communities that have previously been underrepresented,” said Jonathan Cohen, vice president for programs and strategy at the Foundation.

Click here to apply or learn more at greaterworcester.com.
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Greater Worcester Community Foundation