WORCESTER — To celebrate its 50th anniversary, Greater Worcester Community Foundation is increasing its discretionary payout this year by 50 percent, resulting in an additional $2 million to support nonprofit partners and launch new initiatives addressing key issues across Worcester County.
The one-time investment includes $1.05 million to five local nonprofits, providing sizable grants to expand early childhood opportunities and pathways to homeownership, strengthen immigrant assistance, improve food security and support maternal health. It also includes $950,000 to seed new Foundation-led programs focused on arts and creativity, affordable education and affordable housing.
“This milestone is both a celebration and a call to action,” said Pete Dunn, president and CEO of Greater Worcester Community Foundation. “For 50 years, our community has come together to respond to changing needs and support the Foundation’s growth and local impact. By increasing our payout and investing in both trusted nonprofit partners and new Foundation initiatives, we are building on that legacy to create lasting, equitable opportunity across Worcester County.”
Nonprofit Initiatives
• $250,000 to United Way of North Central Massachusetts to support the exploration and implementation of a North County Regional Food Transportation System for North County food pantries
• $250,000 to Edward Street Child Services for its HOME3 initiative, reinvigorating triple-decker homes to create childcare opportunities and a sustainable pathway to homeownership for family childcare providers.
• $150,000 to Community Legal Aid and $150,000 to Ascentria Immigrant Legal Assistance Program to help retain staff to process immigrant documentation and cover associated filing fees.
• $250,000 to Pernet Family Health Service for its Universal Home Visiting program, conducting home visits for newborns and their families.
“The United Way of North Central Massachusetts is incredibly grateful to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation for its investment in this important food security initiative,” said Kory Eng, president and CEO of the United Way of North Central Massachusetts. “The funding support represents an important step forward in strengthening regional collaboration and improving access to food and essential resources across North Central Massachusetts.”
“This critical funding for HOME3 will advance the development of the project through cross-industry expertise and planning, taking it from concept to implementation,” said Kim Davenport, president and CEO of Edward Street Child Services. “Together with GWCF, we aim to inspire others to join the project and create lasting change for Worcester’s children, families, and early educators. HOME3 is poised to be a model that can be replicated within our community and across the state.”
Foundation Initiatives
• $250,000 for a new competitive grant program at the Foundation for Worcester County libraries to offer arts programming for children and youth.
• $200,000 for a new emergency fund at the Foundation for its scholarship students to cover unexpected financial expenses.
• $500,000 for a new loan fund at the Foundation for Community Development Corporations in Worcester County to support predevelopment costs for affordable housing projects.
More details about each initiative will be shared in the coming months. To learn more about Greater Worcester Community Foundation, visit greaterworcester.org.
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Since 1975, it has worked in partnership with donors to build a $270 million endowment composed of more than 650 named charitable funds and award over $186 million in grants that have helped transform communities and build a strong and vibrant region. For more information on the Foundation’s programs and how to give, visit www.greaterworcester.org.
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