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George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation

Annual Giving
$2.0M
Grant Range
$1K - $0.2M
Decision Time
1mo

George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: ~$2 million
  • Total Assets: $44.7 million (2023)
  • Decision Time: 2-4 weeks after trustee meetings (February, June, December)
  • Grant Range: $1,000 - $200,000
  • Geographic Focus: Worcester and Boylston, Massachusetts only

Contact Details

Overview

The George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation was established in 1955 by George Freeman Fuller, a Worcester industrialist who served as president and chairman of Wyman-Gordon Company, and his wife Sybil Harriet (Flagg) Fuller. George Fuller was a prominent civic leader who served as a trustee of Worcester Polytechnic Institute for decades and was associated with numerous educational and philanthropic institutions. Following his death in 1962, the Foundation received substantial bequests from his estate.

The Foundation maintains approximately $44.7 million in assets (2023) and distributes approximately $2 million annually in grants. It is a private independent foundation supporting exclusively 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Worcester and Boylston, Massachusetts, with very few exceptions to this geographic limitation. The Foundation has shifted its primary focus from large multi-year capital grants to supporting operational and programmatic needs of youth-serving organizations, with particular emphasis on ages 0-22.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

Capital Grants ($1,000 - $200,000)

  • Emergency capital needs
  • Small capital requests
  • Renovation expenses
  • IT and technology projects
  • Equipment purchases
  • Building furnishings
  • Historic preservation

Operating Grants ($500 - $120,000)

  • Operational support
  • Programmatic funding
  • Youth program support

Scholarship Grants ($1,000 - $11,000)

  • Support for area colleges and universities
  • Student scholarship funds

Priority Areas

  • Culture: Area museums and arts institutions
  • Education: Area colleges, universities, and Worcester schools
  • Healthcare: Hospitals and support agencies
  • Social Services: Recreation, mental health, and youth development
  • Religious Institutions: Churches and faith-based organizations

What They Don't Fund

  • Grants to individuals
  • Endowments
  • Conferences or seminars
  • Cash reserve programs
  • Loans
  • Large multi-year capital requests

Governance and Leadership

Current Trustees

  • Mark W. Fuller - Chairman and Treasurer
  • Janice L. Fuller - Vice Chairman and Assistant Treasurer
  • Diane H. Robbins - Trustee and Secretary
  • Scott A. Fuller - Trustee
  • David P. Hallock - Trustee
  • Kelsa L. Zereski - Trustee

Leadership Insight

Mark Fuller has articulated the foundation's philanthropic philosophy in relation to their giving: "We have long admired [institutions] and recognize the value [they bring] to its students, to the Worcester community, and to society." This statement reflects the Foundation's focus on community impact and institutional value.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Step 1: Initial Inquiry Organizations should first send a letter of inquiry or make a telephone inquiry to determine eligibility. Contact the Foundation at (508) 755-1684 before submitting a formal application.

Step 2: Letter of Inquiry (LOI) If the initial inquiry receives a positive response:

  • Complete one-time registration in the online grants system
  • Use access code "fullerloi" to start a new LOI
  • Submit a 2-page Letter of Inquiry

Step 3: Full Proposal (By Invitation) Organizations whose LOI is approved by trustees will be invited to submit a full proposal including:

  • Brief narrative with appropriate budget
  • Organizational budget information
  • IRS 501(c)(3) documentation
  • Most recent audited financial report and annual report
  • List of governing board members
  • Financial Information Form (required if annual expenses under $20M)
  • CEO signature on grant request

Decision Timeline

  • Trustee Meetings: February, June, and December
  • Submission Deadline: At least 2 weeks before trustee meetings
  • Decision Notification: Within days of trustee meetings
  • Application Period: Rolling basis throughout the year

Reapplication Policy

The Foundation accepts applications on a rolling basis throughout the year. Organizations may reapply in subsequent grant cycles, though the Foundation's guidelines indicate that unsolicited requests are "always acknowledged and occasionally considered."

Application Success Factors

What the Foundation Looks For

Based on the Foundation's documented priorities and giving patterns:

  1. Strong Worcester/Boylston Connection: Organizations must be clearly serving the Worcester or Boylston communities. There are "very few exceptions" to this geographic limitation.

  2. Youth Focus (Ages 0-22): Current emphasis is on youth-serving organizations. Programs serving this age range receive priority consideration.

  3. Operational Sustainability: The Foundation has shifted focus from large capital grants to operational and programmatic support, suggesting interest in ongoing organizational effectiveness.

  4. Clear Impact Documentation: Applications should "indicate how the proposing institution would document the successful use of the grant funds and indicate how this money will benefit the institution."

  5. Reasonable Budget Presentation: Proposals should be "reasonably brief narrative form with an appropriate budget."

Recent Grant Recipients (2022 Examples)

The Foundation distributed $2,209,000 across 115 grants in 2022:

  • United Way of Central Massachusetts: $120,000 (operating)
  • Worcester Art Museum: $105,000 (operating)
  • New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill: $200,000 (capital)
  • American Antiquarian Society: $150,000 (capital)
  • Worcester Public Library: $100,000 (capital)
  • Boys & Girls Club of Worcester: Significant operating support
  • Clark University, UMASS Chan Medical School, WPI: Various scholarship and operating grants

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  1. Geographic Restriction is Firm: Only Worcester and Boylston organizations should apply. This is strictly enforced with "very few exceptions."

  2. Start with Inquiry First: Always contact the Foundation by phone or letter before submitting a formal application. This screening step is required.

  3. Emphasize Youth Impact: Current priority is youth-serving organizations (ages 0-22). Highlight youth programs and impact metrics.

  4. Focus on Operations, Not Major Capital: The Foundation has explicitly moved away from large multi-year capital grants. Operational and programmatic funding requests are more likely to succeed.

  5. CEO Signature Required: Ensure your organization's chief executive signs all grant requests.

  6. Timing Matters: Submit proposals at least 2 weeks before trustee meetings in February, June, or December for timely consideration.

  7. Long-term Relationships Valued: The Foundation maintains sustained engagement with grantees over generations, as evidenced by their multi-decade relationship with institutions like WPI.

References

Accessed December 2025

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