September 2021
New Funding Opportunities For Artists and
Arts Collaborations

Creative Worcester Introduces The Business of Art
Individual artists are essential to a vibrant arts and culture ecosystem, but developing a successful creative career has unique challenges. The Business of Art is 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 arts and cultural sector. Programming will be led by MASS MoCA’s Assets for Artists, a team of artists and trainers who will provide participants with one-on-one coaching and support developing business plans. The program will also include a variety of workshops and a $1,000 grant upon completion.
Second Cycle for Creative Intersections Funding Now Open
Arts, culture, and creativity are essential components to a healthy, equitable community.. As part of our Creative Worcester Initiative, the Creative Intersections grant program supports projects that focus on a human or community need (for example, housing, food insecurity, mental health care, and social justice) by combining non-arts sector programming with the arts, addressing community needs. Nonprofits pursuing collaborative projects are encouraged to learn more.
Fallon/OrNda Community Health Fund Now Accepting Applications

Increasing access to healthcare for residents across Worcester County is an urgent priority, especially during the pandemic. Endowed in 1996 with a $4 million gift, the Fallon/OrNda Community Health Fund supports projects that expand outreach services, remove barriers to care, and encourage sustainable care coordination for the community. This year, the Fund is especially interested in granting to nonprofit partners whose services are addressing barriers in language, culture, technology, and transportation. Deadline to apply is Oct. 29. Click here to see if your organization is eligible for funding.
GWCF's 2021 Scholarship Yearbook is Here!

Since its establishment in 1978, the Foundation’s Scholarship Initiative continues to encourage students across Worcester county to further their education and expand their future careers. We’re excited to share the list of awardees along with inspiring stories of this year’s scholarship recipients that highlight their achievements, perseverance and aspirations. With help from our passionate volunteers and the generosity of our donors, we are proud to be paving the way for future leaders committed to improving the lives of others. Learn more about this year’s scholarship impact in our 2021 Scholarship Yearbook
Designated Funds at GWCF Grant Over $512k to Nonprofits in September

This month, the Foundation disbursed grants from its 135 designated funds to 90 nonprofits throughout the region in excess of $512,000. A designated fund supports a particular organization, in perpetuity, through an initial investment of as little as $10,000 which grows over time disbursing funds each year. Earlier this year, the Foundation received a note from the Seven Hills Foundation about the Polly C. and Joseph R. Carter Fund. “Each year when we receive this money, I try to allocate it to different Seven Hills programs where I know there is a significant need. Our Pediatric Center at Hopedale supports medically complex children who have significant cognitive and developmental disabilities and had approached me looking for funding to help provide transportation to families wanting to visit their children but who were unable to do so because of lack of transportation, and so I emailed them today to let them know that this year’s designation from the Polly C. and Joseph R. Carter fund was going to be allocated to them.” For more information about exploring your passions and starting a designated fund contact to Patrick Maloney, VP of Philanthropy at [email protected].
Grantee Spotlight: Music Worcester's Concert Truck
To end the summer on a high musical note, one of our grantees through the Creative Worcester initiative, Music Worcester, wowed the students and faculty of Worcester’s Heard Street Discovery Academy with a performance by The Concert Truck. Impassioned by their love for music, The Concert Truck is a mobile music venue that strengthens communities by redefining the concert experience and making live music accessible to everyone. Enjoy a look back on their exciting performance below!
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