Worcester County is the largest county in Massachusetts by land area and the second-most populous, with almost 900,000 residents. It is comprised of 60 distinct cities and towns, 56 of which have populations under 25,000.

Greater Worcester Community Foundation is committed to serving the whole county and we are proud to support nonprofits serving small towns through our traditional grantmaking and capacity-building efforts. In an effort to expand our county-wide footprint, we are also engaging in the following initiatives specific to Worcester County’s smaller towns.

Community Heart & Soul

Beginning in 2026, we are partnering with Community Heart & Soul® to help strengthen smaller towns across Worcester County by expanding access to a proven, resident-driven approach to community engagement.

Community Heart & Soul engages the entire population of a town in identifying what they love most about their community, what future they want for it, and how to achieve it. Designed for small cities and towns with populations up to 30,000, the process helps communities listen at scale, build trust, and translate residents’ stories into shared priorities that help guide decisions over time. 

We identified Community Heart & Soul as a strong fit for its commitment to supporting local leadership, strengthening civic life, and helping communities respond to challenges and opportunities with clarity and unity.

The first two Worcester County towns participating in Community Heart & Soul through this partnership are Leicester and North Brookfield, with Greater Worcester Community Foundation also providing funding for existing Community Heart & Soul town, Winchendon. 

Combining Community Heart & Soul’s resident-driven approach with our local relationships, expertise, and resources, the partnership aims to leave a lasting impact on towns across Worcester County by helping residents and local leaders come together around what matters most.

Beginning in 2027, the Foundation plans to invite two additional small towns per year to be part of Community Heart & Soul.

Placemaking Projects

19 Carter, based in Berlin, is a unique gathering place focused on “creating conditions for connecting.” Every year, the team at 19 Carter convenes representatives from a number of culturally-driven placemaking projects across Worcester County and beyond to learn about their model and replicate it in their own communities. We are proud to support these efforts to benefit small town communities.

Worcester County Libraries - Arts & Creativity Grant Program

Public libraries matter. They serve as vital community hubs that provide equitable access to knowledge, technology, and essential services for everyone, regardless of background. Across the 60 cities and towns of Worcester County, public libraries have been essential community institutions that are valued and beloved.

Libraries have long been recipients of philanthropic support from GWCF. In celebration of our 50th anniversary, we will be offering a grant opportunity exclusively to public libraries to fund arts & culture experiences available to children, youth and families.