Applications for the WCFB Fund to End Hunger are currently closed.

The Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) Fund to End Hunger was established in 2011 by the WCFB as a resource to support nonprofit organizations working towards a hunger-free Worcester County.

In addition to a competitive grant program, the Foundation also administers the WCFB Partner Agency Tools & Health grants (PATH grants). These grants are non-competitive and are distributed biannually to all WCFB Partner Agencies.

Competitive Grant Program

Areas of Support

Our Worcester County Food Bank (WCFB) Fund to end Hunger supports the following areas:

• Increasing Access to Healthy Foods: such as formal meal programs, community food & nutrition resources, programs supporting marginalized communities, and programs promoting economic self-sufficiency and skillbuilding.
• Building Capacity for Food-Serving Organizations: such as equipment and materials for storage and food handling, and training and certifications for staff and volunteers.
• Advocacy & Policy Change: such as advocacy efforts for Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program (SNAP) and/or the Healthy Incentives Program (HIP) and efforts to support those considered benefit ineligible.

For more details about areas of support, please view the grant guidelines.

Eligibility

• 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored programs
• The proposed work is set to begin at a date after payment is made. (Reimbursement grants are not eligible)
• Requests should be for discrete programs, projects or supplies.

Scope & Requirements

• Average grant size is $3,000
• Requests of any amount will be considered, but larger projects should demonstrate they can secure additional funding
• The proposed work must have a demonstrable impact on Worcester County residents
• Requested work for any large purchases must include a quote
• Grant should be expended within 18 months of disbursement
• In lieu of a formal report, grantees will engage in a follow up conversation with staff at the conclusion of the work

Selection Criteria

Projects will be assessed in the following areas:

• Alignment with areas of support
• Feasibility of the work: Is the organization the right folks to lead the effort, is the budget realistic and does it match the scope of work)
• Impact for Worcester County residents

What we are not able to support

• Individuals
• Businesses
• Reimbursements/Support for work already done
• Routine food costs (food purchases are accepted on a limited basis and solely for the purposes of religious/medical/cultural needs)
• General operating

How We Can Help

• Applicants are encouraged to reach out to GWCF Program staff before submitting an application to discuss project details.
• GWCF staff are happy to offer coaching on your application
• All applications receive a thorough and fair review and will be notified of your decision.
• You are encouraged to set up a feedback conversation with staff to learn more about your application review.

Links

• Guidelines (PDF)
• Application (DOC)

PATH Grants

In addition to a competitive grant program, the Foundation also now administers the WCFB Partner Agency Tools & Health grants (PATH grants). 

All WCFB Partner Agencies currently receive a non-competitive grant for each cycle, with award amounts based on agency size. PATH grants are non-competitive and automatic for all WCFB Partner Agencies in good standing.

If you are a Food Bank Partner Agency and have questions about either grant opportunity, please contact grants@greaterworcester.org.