Grants to support nonprofit organizations exploring or implementing an organizational restructure or shared services model.

Organizations seek out mergers and shared services for many different reasons. We believe mergers and shared services are strategic tools for organizations to achieve mission fulfillment. This funding opportunity is intended for organizations who are exploring these opportunities as a tool for strength, expansion, and/or increased community benefit.

This fund will support nonprofits in various stages of exploration or implementation and anticipates funding discrete portions of the work based on where an organization is. We recognize there is a large continuum of strategic partnership opportunities, however, this fund is solely focused on shared services for small nonprofits and organizational restructuring. 

Category Definitions & Examples of Eligible Requests

Organizational Restructure

Structural change of two or more organizations in the form of a merger/acquisition, a parent/subsidiary structure, dissolution or the creation of a new entity (two or more organizations creating one).

Examples of types of work we will support include:

• Feasibility studies & reports
• Technical assistance & consulting fees
• Due diligence & planning
• Navigating workplace cultural implications
• Associated professional fees such as legal, accounting, HR and/or IT

Shared Services

Collaborations for nonprofits with operating budgets under $300,000 to share resources that result in a reduction of costs and an increase in efficiency. 

Examples include sharing of resources such as:

• Physical space
• Administrative support (accounting, HR, IT etc..)
• Fiscal sponsorship

What we are not able to support

• Mergers that involve a non-501c3 or will not remain a 501c3 once merged 
• Support for organizations not based in or doing business in Worcester County

Grant Types

• Readiness/Exploration: From assessing readiness to due diligence. Up to $10,000
• Implementation: For organizations already engaged in a process. Up to $25,000

Process

1. Book a conversation with our Program Team by emailing grants@greaterworcester.org
2. If deemed to be an eligible request, you will receive a brief form to complete. 
3. Follow up conversations with program team as needed
4. Decisions within two months of submission
5. Brief interval check in conversations with program team as work evolves.

Requests are accepted for consideration year round.