September 2022

Presenting the 2022 Scholarship Yearbook!

Over $740,000 was distributed among 400+ students this year. Learn more about their backgrounds, what they’re studying, and what their goals are in this year’s Scholarship Yearbook!

Scholarship applications for the 2023-2024 academic calendar will open in January 2023!

Meet the Foundation's Interim President: Tim Johnstone

“Tim’s knowledge of both the Central Massachusetts nonprofit and philanthropic landscapes is not only invaluable, but will be instrumental in helping our internal teams and the foundation as a whole grow its support of the greater Worcester community in more strategic and significant ways.”

- J. Christopher Collins, Board Chair

Tim is the president and CEO of Johnstone Advantage Consulting Group, and previously worked as the chief operating officer for Worcester nonprofit Ascentria Care Alliance.

We are still looking for the right fit for our new President. If you are interested in the position or would like to make a referral of someone you think would be a good fit, please see job description for details.

GWCF Receives a Surprise $4+ Million!

We are humbled to share what our Board Chair describes as “the purest form of philanthropy.’ 

Upon his passing, Vaughn ​​Kaprelian of Westborough left more than 4 million dollars of unrestricted funds to the Community Foundation - and ultimately to the whole of Central Massachusetts. This gives the Foundation great ability to meet various needs in our community as they arise, and we are truly thankful for his generosity.

$1.6 Million of CDBG Funding Awarded to Increase Capacity of Food Security

The first round of grant awardees for GWCF-sponsored Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) for Food Security has just been announced. To date, the Foundation has allocated over $1.6 million of the $2.2 million Federal Grant Dollars, administered in the State by the Department of Housing and Community Development.

Grant money was exclusively given towards supplies and equipment to build up the capacity of food security organizations to respond to increased demand as a result of the pandemic. Thanks to all the organizations who ensure our community’s needs are met every day. We are honored to support your work!

Creative Intersections: Project Grant Opportunity

Does your organization have a new project you’ve been hoping to launch that meets a human need while leveraging the arts in a way that is authentic, inclusive, and equitable? This grant gives non-arts sector programs the resources to use the arts as a way to heal and uplift or celebrate cultural differences. 

Deadline to apply: October 24

Business of Art 6-month Program Returns!

GWCF is teaming up with MASS MoCA's Assets for Artists to offer The Business of Art, a 6-month cohort program providing Worcester artists of color, or those who identify as low to moderate income, with the entrepreneurial support they need to grow and thrive in the post-pandemic cultural sector.

Applications open: October 15 - November 15