January 2023

Friends and Supporters of GWCF, 


Last month, I noted that New Year’s weekend was like the continental divide – allowing us to see a long way forward and back. Already 2023 has us skiing rapidly downhill, picking up speed as we go. 


It is scholarship season, and hundreds of students are preparing their applications for our 140+ scholarship funds to consider. College education remains the single best way for young people to exit poverty and thrive, and we are incredibly proud of this program’s support of the youth of Worcester County. If you are interested in further supporting youth with your own or a field of interest scholarship fund, please let Kelly Stimson or me know. 2023 also brings a new tax law change that expands the deductibility of charitable giving, so your dollars go a lot further! Check with your tax preparer for details.


My mountain metaphor breaks down here, but I want to remind you of our investment event coming up on February 7th. Given the volatility of the economy and markets over the last year, don’t miss the opportunity to hear form our experts about all of the whys and whats of the investment markets. 



Also, take a minute to check out our new web site! Our goal is to make all the information you need available to you through the site. Let us know what you think!



Thank you for your ongoing support of the Foundation and your love of the greater Worcester community.


Best,

Tim Johnstone

Interim President & CEO

Scholarship Application is Now Open! 


Apply to more than 140 scholarships with one application with the Greater Worcester Community Foundation! Last year, over $740,000 was awarded to 400+ students through the many scholarships funded by our generous community. Make sure the students in your life who will be enrolling as an undergraduate at an accredited college or university this fall know of this opportunity for financial support!



Deadline to Apply: March 1, 2023 at 5:00pm

Apply Now

$2.2M Awarded to 120 Community-Based Organizations across Worcester County! 


We are honored to support projects and organizations that make Central Massachusetts a better place to live, work, and thrive! The $2.2M provided organizations with the resources they needed to succeed in three different ways:


  • General Operating Support Grants were made to organizations whose successes are seen as vital to reaching the vision for a strong, healthy, vibrant and equitable community.  
  • Project Grants supported specific projects or programs with outcomes highly aligned with the Foundation’s strategic focus areas. 
  • Nonprofit Effectiveness Grants were designed to support new perspectives on routine operations that demonstrate the organization’s learning agenda and values.
Read More and Meet our Grantees

Don’t miss this year’s Investment Report!


Join us February 7th for a virtual event to present the Foundation’s 2022 investment results and strategy for 2023. Featured speakers include Thomas Bartholomew, Treasurer and Chair of the GWCF Investment Committee, and Jeff Croteau, Managing Principal of Prime Buccholz LLC. 

RSVP Online

New Year, New Website!


If you’ve been to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation website in the last couple of weeks, you might have noticed an updated look and user experience! It is always our goal to make sure our resources are easily accessible for all members of our community, and we hope this new website will help you make the most of all our programs and resources - check it out!

Visit our Website

Important Update about Charitable Tax Deductions in Massachusetts


As of January 1, Massachusetts now has a charitable contributions deduction. The deduction is universal—available to all Massachusetts taxpayers, even those who don't itemize deductions on their federal return. Consult with your tax professional with any questions on this new deduction.

2021 Annual Report is Available Online
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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