For individuals and families that wish to support the community and causes they care about.
Why create a discretionary or field of interest fund at GWCF?
Support what matters most, when it matters most.
A discretionary or field of interest fund allows your giving to respond to Worcester County’s most pressing needs. Whether you focus on a specific issue or support broad community priorities, your fund fuels meaningful, long‐term change guided by your philanthropic values.
Align your fund with your passions.
You can choose the causes you care about or support the focus areas of the Foundation's annual Community Grants program: arts & creativity, basic needs, economic opportunity, health & wellbeing, and youth development.
Our program team's deep local expertise ensure your fund supports organizations and initiatives where it can make the greatest impact.
Create enduring change through trusted stewardship.
These funds are typically permanent endowments, providing support forever. GWCF offers maximum tax advantages, professional investment management, and full administrative support, ensuring your philanthropy adapts to evolving needs while honoring your intentions.
Getting Started
1. Contact Us
Our team is here to support you, and any trusted advisors you wish to work with. We’ll take time to understand your charitable goals and help create a fund that aligns with your vision.
2. Make a Gift
Discretionary and field of interest funds begin awarding grants once the balance reaches $10,000. We accept a wide range of gift types, from cash and appreciated securities to more complex assets.
3. Establish Your Fund
Most funds can be established within two business days. We’ll work with you to complete the fund agreement, coordinate any complex gifts, and document your story and purpose.
To get started, download our Discretionary and Field of Interest Fund flyer or contact Kelly Stimson, Vice President of Philanthropic Services to learn more.
The Looft Family Fund
Passionate about education and other community issues, Linda and Fred Loost were active contributors to nonprofits in their region, both financially and through volunteer work. However, they felt they were spreading themselves thin with scattered donations and wanted to make a more meaningful impact.
Drawing on Linda's 12 years of service on the community foundation's board, the couple worked with our Philanthropic Services team to create a field of interest fund aligned with their values.
While Fred and Linda have spent most of their careers in higher education, they knew that having a solid foundation was critical for children to be set up for success. Informed by their volunteer service supporting young people, the couple decided to focus their field of interest fund on youth and families.
We know the Foundation is supporting the kind of organizations and needs that are important to us. The barrier was thinking it would be an unaffordable sum of money, but the Foundation worked with us to find a way to start. And we'll add to it over time.
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Linda and Fred Looft
