We require an online application for all grant programs. The first time an organization applies to the Foundation through our online application system, it creates an organization account to use for each application going forward. If this your first time applying online, please create a new account using the link below.

Navigating Our System

All applications are completed online through our grants portal.

Account Creation

• All accounts are tied to your organization. Unless this is the first time your organization is applying to the Foundation, you most likely already have an account. Please reach out to a program team member to confirm. They can help you get set up with an account already linked to your organizational profile.
• You can create your own account using the link above and tie it to your organizational account
• Be sure to save your password. Our team can reset your password, but not recover it.

*If you are applying for a Friends of Learning in Killingly (FOLK grant), please contact grants@greaterworcester.org to set up your account.

Account Management

• You can have an unlimited amount of contacts attached to your organization. You will all have your unique log in and profile, but can all access the same applications and historical application information for your organization.
• If someone from your organization has moved on, please let us know so we can disable their account.

Preparing Your Application

• Your homepage will list all current open grant opportunities
• You are able to start and stop your application. Be sure to hit the save button to preserve your application.
• Once an application is started, anyone from your organization linked to your account can also log in to edit and work on the document as well.
• When finished, be sure to hit submit. You will know we have received your application when a confirmation email is sent to you.
• Please ensure your uploaded documents are correct, legible, and formatted.
• Applications can be submitted up until midnight of the stated deadline.
• Please note, unless you request otherwise, the Foundation will delete any applications remaining in the draft stage 60 days after the deadline.

Tips for Writing Your Application

Writing Your Narrative

• Consider Your Audience: Assume the community reviewers are not familiar with your organization. Include important and descriptive information and avoid industry jargon.
• Paint A Picture: Create a compelling narrative that tells your organizational story using a variety of numbers, details and storytelling techniques. Lead reviewers along a story that clearly states how you are the right organization to deliver your stated impact.
• Proofread for Clarity: Consider having someone from outside your organization review your application for clarity, typos, jargon, and acronyms. We are also happy to review your application before submitting.

How Much To Request

• Include the true costs and ask for what you need. The Foundation does not have an overhead cap and seeks to support all aspects of the work.
• Clarify your request by taking advantage of the budget narrative. Overshare where possible and be specific about expenses.
• We typically will not fund 100% of your budget. If you are requesting this, reach out to a team member before submitting.
• We do award partial grants. Consider addressing how a partial grant may be helpful or harmful in your request. Partial grants will mean that we adjust goals/outcomes for your project to be more aligned with the grant amount

What to Include & What Not To

• SMART Goals: Be sure your organizational or project goals and indicators are measurable. Consider using both qualitative and quantitative goals.
• Please do not include resumes, annual reports or large documents.

Reaching Out

Program Officers want to ensure we put the best proposals in front of our community reviewers, so we are always happy to discuss your proposals, review materials, answer questions and offer suggestions.