Applications are now open and close on December 1.

Modeled on our Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program, the Facing Change version is designed to support the internal organizational journeys specific to small and grassroots nonprofit organizations.

Small and grassroots nonprofit organizations often start and run programs without operational infrastructure or support. Building a strong internal foundation can lead to increased support and sustainable programming for these organizations. The goal of the Facing Change: Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program is to fund one-time projects that will strengthen an organization’s operations and impact.

We anticipate making $700,000 in investments over the next 18 months. Due to the nature of the funding for this program, only nonprofits based in and serving the City of Worcester are eligible to apply.

Eligible Organizations

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations or those who are fiscally sponsored
• Annual operating budget under $500,000 (3 year average that is $500,000 or under)
• Based in and serving residents of the City of Worcester. Your physical address must be in the City of Worcester.

Ineligible Requests

• General operating
• Programming costs
• Capital campaigns
• Pilot projects (of a programmatic nature)
• Organizations located outside the City of Worcester
• Businesses, individuals, or other organizations that are not a 501c3

Be sure to check out our other granting programs: 

• Nonprofit Effectiveness (for organizations of any size serving Worcester County)
• Mergers & Shared Services (for support around mergers, shared services and permanent collaborations)
• Community Grants Programs (for projects and general operating support)

Areas of Support

We understand the work that goes into supporting this type of project and expect budgets to be accurate and fair representations of the proposed work. Eligible expenses include costs for hiring consultants, engaging with content experts, support for materials, and if needed, a percentage of staff related to the engagement.

We ask that you come in for one well thought out project in one of these areas. While we understand that much of the work may cross multiple categories, we are interested in making a deeper investment in one focus area. Below is a list of the types of projects we are interested in (not exhaustive). Please be in touch with a member of the program team if you have questions about project ideas.

• Governance Support
  • Board training/governance best practices, planning activities
• Storytelling/Marketing
  • Including brand development, content creation, and written materials
• Leadership Development & Support
  • Executive Coaching
• Financial Planning
  • Compliance/Filing support, Incorporation or Fiscal Sponsor support
  • Budget creation and management
• Organizational Lifecycle Assessments & Planning
  • HR Consult, Policy reviews/audits, Employee Handbook creation/updates
  • Nonprofit Lifecycle Assessment
  • Organizational restructuring (support for operating wind downs or strategic partnerships
• Organizational Infrastructure Support
  • Technology assessments & critical upgrades

Scope & Requirements

• Requests up to $25,000 will be considered
• Supporting documentation must be included
  • Consultant Engagements - Scope of work/signed contract
  • Expertise Engagements - Scopes of work from legal, accounting, finance
  • Quotes for large purchases (software, equipment etc..)
• Grantees will engage in a follow-up conversation with staff at the conclusion of the work
• Grants must be fully expended by Q1 2028

Selection Criteria

• Project is clearly defined and ready to begin once funding is received
• Project will clearly move organization/leadership forward
• Organization can articulate why this project is needed and why it is the right next step

Grant Timelines

Applications will be accepted on a rolling basis now until December 1, 2026.

The program will open again on January 4, 2027 and will accept applications until August 1, 2027, or when funds are depleted.

We anticipate being able to notify applicants within one month of their submission.

Links

Guidelines (DOC)