March 2022
Scholarship Selection Volunteers Needed

The Foundation is seeking volunteers for our Scholarship selection process. Volunteers will review applications online through our scholarship software, and score each applicant for the scholarships assigned. 

Our team will be providing online training, as well as a "cheat sheet" to guide you through the process.                                                                         
 
Volunteer Sign-Up Deadline: Thursday, March 31, 2022
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YCI Grant Applications are Open

Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) is an advisory committee of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation composed of area high school students. This year, members include: Bena Anane, Arin Campbell, Glodi Karagi, Isabel Urban, Joseph Salib, Steven Zhang, Lynn Wanjiku, Makenna Eisenstock, Marisa Shiron Cohen, Michael Lusolo, Nadia Eshun, Pranav Ramaswamy, Ryan Kim, Shirley Liz De Jesus Rodriguez, Viashnavi Aditya, and Victoria Vazquez.

The group is currently accepting proposals from Worcester County nonprofit organizations for 2022 funding. Proposals must speak to the youth voice to be considered. Youth voice is the empowerment of young people through leadership roles, holding decision making power, and/or involvement of youth in program organization. Additionally, proposals must fit into one or more of the following areas:

  • Mental Health support for young people
  • Projects/programs that reduce stigma, empower young people and address the ongoing mental health needs of young people
  • Projects/programs that address the impacts of COVID on young people
  • Basic needs for our community
  • Projects/programs/events that help provide clothing, food, shelter and/or menstrual products to those in need
  • Career & education pathways and opportunities for high school students
  • Projects/programs/events that that help young people explore and learn more about post-secondary opportunities
  • Community Building
  • Projects that foster community building/unification
  • Opportunities for community leadership
  • Projects/events that build on the socio-emotional and resilience of our communities

Grants of up to $4,000 will be awarded and proposals will be accepted until April 29, 2022.
GWCF-Sponsored Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) Program for Food Security

The Foundation has partnered with the Massachusetts Department of Housing and Community Development to administer the CARES Act Community Development Block Grant Food Security Program in Central and Southern Worcester County. 

This grant is intended to direct vital resources to individuals and households experiencing food insecurity as a result of Covid-19. Funds are intended to support capacity building for food security programs demonstrably affected by the pandemic. Grants will be made available to Community Based Organizations that seek to expand and/or improve the capacity of food provision programs to deliver services – specifically through the purchase of operational supplies and equipment.

This is the Foundation’s second time partnering with the State on a granting effort. Last year we disbursed state dollars to support undocumented households.
Leicester Savings Bank Grants

The Leicester Savings Bank Fund is accepting applications to receive grant funding to provide financial support for projects which help to make life better for Leicester residents of every age.

To receive funding, applicants must state how they will use the grant to do the following:
  • Make a positive difference for the Leicester community’s vulnerable citizens.
  • Improve Leicester community life through community development, education, recreation, the arts, or human services.
  • Attract other resources or secure matching funds from public or private sources.

Any non-municipal association or nonprofit organization that serves residents of Leicester is invited to apply. Applications are being accepted until April 22, 2022.
Creative Intersections Summer Grant Cycle Open Now

The Creative Intersections grant program, part of the Creative Worcester Initiative, funds programs that use the arts as a tool and catalyst to react to human need in a genuine, inclusive, and fair manner. These funds are intended to support projects that combine non-arts sector programming with the arts to foster collaboration and creativity.

At the Foundation, we know arts, culture, and creativity to be key components in assisting individuals, families, and communities to live healthy and thriving lives. Projects should be creative and help elevate unheard voices, give communities a sense of belonging, and use arts as a way to heal and uplift or celebrate cultural differences.

Grants will be accepted beginning March 7 until April 18.
Nonprofit Effectiveness Grants

The Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant 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 and leads to improved, or continued, high-quality services.

Applications are accepted on a rolling basis through mid-November. Applicants are typically notified within 6 weeks of submission.
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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Greater Worcester Community Foundation