Our work at the community foundation is broad, but it boils down to this:
We foster greater giving and impact for all of Worcester County.
We can make a meaningful impact in the community because of the generosity of our donors, particularly those who support the Foundation with discretionary funding.
Discretionary funding allows us to be flexible in our response to identified needs across the region and explore new ways to address critical community issues. We call this work “community leadership,” and it is supported by donations to our Community Leadership Fund and other discretionary funds that our donors have created.
Ready to make a contribution? Donate to our Community Leadership Fund online, or read on to see how your support makes an impact.
Over the past year, we used discretionary funding to:
Launch Worcester County Insights
A new data-driven dashboard for the region that tracks key community indicators.
Make a $1 Million Impact Investment in Affordable Housing
A partnership with Worcester Community Housing Resources to support affordable housing initiatives in Worcester County.
Reinvigorate our Longstanding Nonprofit Support Center
New workshops and supports for nonprofits seeking to build their capacity and have greater impact.
Looking Ahead
In 2025, we will continue to expand these initiatives and identify new opportunities to respond to community needs, including launching two additional funds to support nonprofits:
- Worcester County Green Fund: To support the land trusts that touch Worcester County by enhancing their capacity to permanently conserve land and green spaces, ensuring long-term environmental preservation.
- Mergers and Affiliations Fund: To provide nonprofits with aligned missions the resources needed to explore partnerships, collaborations, and other opportunities that amplify their collective impact.
Make a Gift to the Community Leadership Fund
You can support this community leadership work by making a contribution of any amount to our discretionary Community Leadership Fund.
Give online
Giving online is easy. Visit Community Leadership Fund to make a one-time or recurring contribution with a credit card or through your online banking.
Give by check
Mail a check made out to Greater Worcester Community Foundation to:
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Community Leadership Fund
1 Mercantile Street, Suite 010
Worcester, MA 01608
Give stock
To make a gift of stock or discuss other giving options, please contact Kelly Stimson, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at kstimson@greaterworcester.org or 508-755-0980 ext. 112.