George F And Sybil H Fuller Foundation

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $2,000,000
• Success Rate: Not publicly disclosed
• Decision Time: 2-4 months (meetings in February, June, December)
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $200,000
• Geographic Focus: Worcester and Boylston, Massachusetts only

Contact Details

Website: www.gsfullerfoundation.org Phone: (508) 755-1684 Email Format: {first_initial}{last}@gsfullerfoundation.org Initial Contact: Phone or letter of inquiry required before formal application

Overview

Established in 1955 by Worcester industrialist George Freeman Fuller and his wife Sybil Harriet Fuller, the George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation is a private independent foundation with approximately $44.7 million in assets (2023). George Fuller served as president and chairman of the Wyman-Gordon Company, a leading manufacturer of forged metal products. The foundation distributes approximately $2 million annually exclusively to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations in Worcester and Boylston, Massachusetts. With a primary focus on youth-serving organizations (ages 0-22), the foundation supports operational and programmatic needs rather than large capital projects, continuing the Fuller family's legacy of strengthening their local community.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

• General Operating Support: $1,000 - $200,000 (for operational and programmatic needs)
• Youth Services Programs: Primary focus on ages 0-22
• Application Method: Rolling basis with trustee meetings three times per year

Priority Areas

• Culture: Area museums and arts institutions
• Education: Area colleges, universities and other Worcester schools
• Healthcare: Hospitals and support agencies
• Social Services: Recreation, mental health, and youth development
• Religious Institutions: Local religious organizations serving the community

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Endowments
• Conferences or seminars
• Cash reserve management programs
• Loans
• Large multi-year capital grants (no longer a primary focus)
• Organizations outside Worcester and Boylston, Massachusetts

Governance and Leadership

Current Board of Trustees:

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

The trustees meet three times per year in February, June, and December to review applications and make funding decisions.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

1. Initial Inquiry: Contact the foundation at (508) 755-1684 or send a letter of inquiry to determine eligibility
2. Letter of Inquiry (LOI): If initial inquiry receives positive response, complete one-time registration in the online grants system
3. Full Proposal: Organizations whose LOI is approved by trustees will be invited to submit a full proposal
4. Documentation Requirements: Applications should be in reasonably brief narrative form with appropriate budget, indicating how the institution would document successful use of grant funds and how the money will benefit the institution
5. Financial Form: Organizations with less than $20M in annual expenses must complete a financial information form

Decision Timeline

• Application Submission: Rolling basis throughout the year
• Trustee Meetings: February, June, and December
• Submission Deadline: Proposals must be submitted at least two weeks before a trustee meeting
• Decision Timeframe: Approximately 2-4 months depending on meeting schedule

Success Rates

Success rate information is not publicly disclosed by the foundation.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies are not publicly stated. Organizations should contact the foundation directly for guidance on resubmitting proposals.

Application Success Factors

Based on the foundation's stated priorities and requirements:

• Geographic Eligibility is Strict: Must be a 501(c)(3) located in Worcester or Boylston, MA
• Youth Focus is Critical: Programs serving ages 0-22 receive priority consideration
• Operational Support Preferred: Foundation has moved away from large capital campaigns to focus on programmatic and operational needs
• Prior Contact Essential: Unsolicited requests are rarely considered - always call first at (508) 755-1684
• Clear Documentation of Impact: Proposals must clearly indicate how the organization will document successful use of grant funds
• Appropriate Budget Presentation: Include a reasonable budget that aligns with the foundation's typical grant range of $1,000-$200,000
• Financial Transparency: Organizations under $20M in annual expenses must complete additional financial documentation

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Call First, Always: The foundation rarely considers unsolicited proposals - initial phone contact at (508) 755-1684 is essential
• Geographic Limits are Absolute: Only Worcester and Boylston, MA organizations are eligible with very few exceptions
• Youth Programs Get Priority: Focus proposals on programs serving ages 0-22 for best consideration
• Keep It Concise: Foundation requests "reasonably brief narrative form" - avoid lengthy proposals
• Plan Around Meeting Schedule: Submit at least two weeks before February, June, or December trustee meetings
• Focus on Operations, Not Buildings: Foundation no longer prioritizes large capital campaigns
• Document Your Impact Plan: Clearly explain how you will measure and report on grant outcomes

References

• George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation official website (www.gsfullerfoundation.org) - Accessed March 2024
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - George F And Sybil H Fuller Foundation (EIN: 046125606) - Accessed March 2024
• Foundation Directory (Candid) - The George F. & Sybil H. Fuller Foundation profile - Accessed March 2024
• Wikipedia - George F. Fuller biography - Accessed March 2024
• Instrumentl Grant Database - George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation Grant - Accessed March 2024
• Hinchilla Foundation Directory - George F. and Sybil H. Fuller Foundation - Accessed March 2024