Dear friends,

This year marks a meaningful milestone for Greater Worcester Community Foundation. For 50 years, we have had the privilege of stewarding generosity, partnering with nonprofits, and investing in the people and places that make Worcester County strong.

Our 2025 Annual Report reflects on that history and the many people who shaped it. The digital report is an abridged version; I encourage you to download the full report to see the breadth of stories -- past and present -- highlighted. 

Inside this report, you will see how that collective generosity has built more than an institution. It has strengthened our nonprofit sector, supported generations of young people, and created tangible impact across Worcester County.

As we celebrate this milestone, we do so with deep gratitude and confidence in what lies ahead. The Foundation’s past has been built by many hands. Its future will be as well. Thank you for being part of this enduring story.

Love Your Labels helps young people connect to confidence, community and joy through creative expression. Its flagship initiative, Threads, teaches design and sewing skills to LGBTQ+ youth. 

Through project funding from the Foundation, the Threads program expanded in 2025 to offer two cohorts, and general operating support helped Love Your Labels focus on strategic planning and long-term sustainability.

Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts advances food security for immigrant and refugee families through culturally responsive programs, urban agriculture, and community connection.

In 2025, SEACMA distributed more than 3,000 pounds of food and delivered weekly hot meals to older adults, while expanding programming to address healthy aging and social connection.

For six decades, the Spanish American Center has met families’ needs with compassion and culturally grounded care.

The Center has steadily expanded ongoing programs that strengthen families and promote community wellbeing and connection, including activities for youth and seniors. It also offers a range of educational programs, including English as a Second Language classes and workshops that address gender-based violence. 

DetecTogether improves cancer outcomes by teaching people how to recognize symptoms early and navigate barriers to care. 

Working with CHANGE and the Family Health Center of Worcester, the organization is broadening its impact and reaching underserved communities in the Worcester area.

Through hands-on leadership and career exploration, Blackstone Valley Education Foundation connects students to real-world learning experiences that build confidence, skills, and networks.

Support from GWCF helped expand the Blackstone Valley Youth Leadership Academy to serve both middle school and high school students, developing age-appropriate programming that helps students build their networks, gain access to mentors, and get early career exposure.

Studio Theatre Worcester is a professional, nomadic theatre company offering bold productions that reflect Worcester’s diversity while creating paid opportunities for artists. Without a permanent venue, the organization partners with community spaces to create immersive performances and civic dialogue.

With support from Greater Worcester Community Foundation, Studio Theatre Worcester is strengthening its internal systems, clarifying governance roles, and building a more sustainable fundraising model to support long-term creative growth.

We were thrilled to open many new funds in 2025, including:

Second Chance Animal Services opened a Nonprofit Fund to ensure the organization can provide vital services to the community for years to come. This fund will help sustain Second Chance’s mission of offering accessible, high-quality veterinary care, adoption programs and other services that help pets receive the care they deserve.

Emerald Club of Worcester created a Designated Fund to honor decades of generosity to the Mercy Centre, supporting Catholic Charities of Worcester County through client and staff celebrations, employee recognition, and educational or vocational programming.

Chris O’Keeffe, former Foundation staff member, established a Donor Advised Fund to guide his philanthropy, with a planned future transition to a field of interest fund supporting the protection and advancement of immigrants in Worcester County.

ONE Worcester created a Field of Interest Fund to carry forward ONE Worcester’s mission by making investments in early-stage, grassroots, and small-budget organizations through the Foundation's Nonprofit Effectiveness Grants program.

C. Carvill Moore established a Scholarship Fund through his estate to support Leicester High School graduates pursuing English or related fields through renewable scholarships.

The John and Rita Kurty Fund to Enrich Elementary School Education in Barre, MA

This bequest gift, made by an anonymous donor, honors the lives of John and Rita Kurty, who shared a lifelong belief in the transformative power of public education. 

Rita devoted more than 30 years to teaching in public elementary schools, while John was a physical education teacher and beloved "coaching legend" for 37 years. 

A gift in their name to Ruggles Elementary School in Barre honors Rita's hometown roots and the deep commitment she and John shared to supporting young learners and early education.