Applications for the WCFB Fund to End Hunger are open now until April 25, 2025.

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.

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 & materials and efforts to increase diversity, inclusion, equity and access.
• 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)
• Operating costs, project expenses and/or capital expenses

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

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)