Greater Worcester Community Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $10 million
• Success Rate: Not disclosed
• Decision Time: 3-8 weeks typical
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $25,000 (Community Grants)
• Geographic Focus: Worcester County, MA (60 towns and cities)

Contact Details

• Website: www.greaterworcester.org
• Phone: 508-755-0980
• Email: info@greaterworcester.org
• Grants Team: grants@greaterworcester.org
• Pre-Application Support: Program officers available for proposal review and consultation

Overview

Founded in 1975, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation has grown into a $206.2 million philanthropic institution serving Worcester County's 850,000+ residents across 60 towns and cities. The foundation manages more than 600 named charitable funds and has awarded over $167 million in grants since its founding. Under the leadership of President & CEO Pete Dunn, who joined in August 2023 with nearly 30 years of community foundation experience, GWCF prioritizes equity and inclusivity while working in collaboration with historically excluded and marginalized communities. The foundation distributes approximately $10 million annually through competitive grant programs, donor-advised funds, and other charitable vehicles, with recent strategic investments including a $3 million commitment to strengthen local nonprofits.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• Community Grant Program: Project Support: $2,500 - $25,000 (online portal, specific deadlines)
• Community Grant Program: Operating Support: $2,500 - $25,000 (online portal, specific deadlines)
• Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program: Varies (capacity-building focus, 18-month restriction between awards)
• Esler Family Foundation Inspiring Generosity Match Fund: Dollar-for-dollar matching grants
• Worcester County Green Fund: Environmental conservation grants
• Youth for Community Improvement Fund: Up to $5,000 (youth-led grantmaking)
• City of Worcester Cultural Festival Grant Program: Up to $10,000

Priority Areas

• Arts & Creativity: Supporting diverse arts ecosystem and intersectional partnerships
• Basic Needs: Food security, shelter, and housing permanency resources
• Economic Opportunity: Workforce development and economic mobility programs
• Health & Wellbeing: Physical and behavioral health access improvements
• Youth Development: Leadership opportunities and postsecondary training

What They Don't Fund

• Organizations not based in or primarily serving Worcester County residents
• Already completed projects or reimbursement requests
• Faith-based programming (though community-serving programs at houses of worship eligible)
• Organizations that received Nonprofit Effectiveness grants within 18 months

Governance and Leadership

Peter Dunn, President & CEO, joined in August 2023 with nearly 30 years of community foundation experience. He emphasizes: "At Greater Worcester Community Foundation, we believe that data-driven decision-making is crucial for creating positive change in our communities." The foundation operates with a 20-member fully independent board led by Board Chair Joycelyn Augustus and includes leaders from law, healthcare, finance, and community service sectors. Key staff include Jonathan Cohen (VP of Community Impact) and Sarah Shugrue (Director of Grantmaking and Capacity Building).

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

All applications are completed online through the foundation's grants portal at greaterworcester.org. First-time applicants must create an organizational account. Eligible organizations include 501(c)(3) nonprofits or entities with fiscal sponsorship serving Worcester County residents. Applications can be saved and edited by multiple contacts from the same organization.

Decision Timeline

• General competitive grants: 3-8 weeks typical
• JMAC Access Grant: 3-month process (December LOI to February decision)
• Esler Match Fund: 4 weeks (January deadline to March notification)
• Donor-Advised Fund grants: Processed within 2 weeks

Success Rates

While specific percentage rates aren't disclosed, in 2024 the foundation awarded 100 project grants totaling $1.17 million and 90 operating grants totaling $1.295 million from close to $2 million available annually.

Reapplication Policy

No explicit waiting period for most programs. Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program requires 18-month gap between awards. Unsuccessful applicants are encouraged to request feedback conversations.

Application Success Factors

Direct Foundation Guidance: GWCF emphasizes "ask for true costs" with no overhead cap. They recommend using storytelling techniques with descriptive information while avoiding jargon. Include SMART goals with both qualitative and quantitative indicators.

Alignment Priorities: Demonstrate authentic Worcester County presence, explicit commitment to equity, and client involvement in program development and organizational leadership. CEO Dunn prioritizes working "in collaboration with historically excluded and marginalized communities."

Pre-Application Strategy: The foundation explicitly encourages contacting program staff for coaching, conversation, and application review before submission. This resource is welcomed, not just permitted.

Recent Funding Examples: ArtsWorcester's youth programs in arts administration, El Salón gallery's free public programming in Main South, and various healthcare navigation and housing assistance initiatives exemplify successful alignment with foundation priorities.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Leverage pre-application support - Program officers are explicitly available to review drafts and provide feedback
• Request full costs including overhead - Foundation states "ask for true costs" with no overhead cap
• Demonstrate equity focus - Show authentic community connections and client involvement in leadership
• Align with strategic areas - Clearly connect to one of five focus areas using GWCF's language
• Build long-term relationships - Explore capacity-building support through Nonprofit Support Center
• Embrace feedback culture - Request feedback conversations if unsuccessful to improve future applications
• Show geographic authenticity - Demonstrate specific understanding of communities served within Worcester County's 60 towns

References

1. Greater Worcester Community Foundation official website. https://greaterworcester.org. Accessed February 2026.
2. Greater Worcester Community Foundation, "Apply for a Grant." https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities. Accessed February 2026.
3. Greater Worcester Community Foundation, "How to Apply." https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities/applicant-resources/how-to-apply. Accessed February 2026.
4. Greater Worcester Community Foundation, "Our People." https://greaterworcester.org/about-us/our-people. Accessed February 2026.
5. Greater Worcester Community Foundation, "GWCF Names Peter Dunn as CEO." https://greaterworcester.org/news/gwcf-names-peter-dunn-as-ceo-bringing-decades-of-philanthropic-experience. Accessed February 2026.
6. Greater Worcester Community Foundation, "2023 Annual Report." https://issuu.com/kstimson/docs/2023_annual_report_-_single_page. Accessed February 2026.
7. Greater Worcester Community Foundation, "$2.1 Million in Grants to Nonprofits." https://greaterworcester.org/news/greater-worcester-community-foundation-awards-2-1-million-in-grants-to-nonprofits-addressing-key-community-issues. Accessed February 2026.
8. Greater Worcester Community Foundation, "Nonprofit Support Center." https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/nonprofit-support-center. Accessed February 2026.
9. GuideStar Profile - Greater Worcester Community Foundation. https://www.guidestar.org/profile/04-2572276. Accessed February 2026.
10. Charity Navigator Rating. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/042572276. Accessed February 2026.
11. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer. https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/42572276. Accessed February 2026.