2023 Application Deadline Coming Soon

The Fairlawn Foundation Fund was established in 1992 as an endowed fund administered by GWCF and is one of the state’s earliest health conversation fund. The original Fairlawn Hospital was established in 1921 by members of the Swedish community in Worcester and transitioned to a for-profit rehabilitation center in 1991. The Fund has awarded more than $8 million in grants since its inception.

Eligibility, Scope & Limitations

• Applicants must be tax-exempt, nonprofits recognized as 501c3
• Organizations must be serving the Greater Worcester area, with priority given to those headquartered in Worcester County
• The fund seeks to be a significant funder of the projects it supports
• Capital requests will not be accepted at this time
• Joint proposals from multiple entities encouraged
• Proposals must have a strong evidence base, specific outcomes, measurable indicators, the potential for scale and a realistic long-term sustainability plan.

Areas of Interest

The fund seeks to support small new projects that innovatively address greater Worcester’s behavioral health needs. Projects of special interest include those that;

• Increase the supply of qualified, culturally-competent and credentialed behavioral health professionals and paraprofessionals
• Close gaps in service, increase access and diminish stigma
• Address relevant policy concerns
• Recognize the need for wrap-around services

Projects should include the perspectives of those with lived experience on the issue being address and show evidence of significant collaboration.

The fund awards two different types of grants (Demonstration Project & Planning), please read below to determine which one is appropriate for your project.

• Demonstration Project Grants
  • The fund will award up to 3 grants of $150,000 paid over two years. The second installment is dependent on the outcome of a progress report and meeting with the trustees nine months post initial grant notification.
  • This is appropriate for pilot projects focused on new innovations and/or capturing and disseminating best practices
• Planning Grants
  • The fund will award up to 3 grants of $25,000 and the proposed work must be completed within nine months
  • This is appropriate for those looking to bring innovation to the field and need to create a plan for how to develop and implement the work

*Please note, planning grantees will be expected to submit a written project report and meet with trustees to discuss progress. Being awarded a planning grant does not guarantee a subsequent demonstration project grant.