Greater Worcester Community Foundation announced the 129 awardees of its 2016 Community Grants: a total of $1,453,500.00. Community Grants support nonprofit organizations that build healthy and vibrant communities throughout Central Massachusetts. Areas of interest this year included arts & culture, civic engagement, the environment, early childhood development, youth development, economic security, and healthy communities.
“Our Community Grants program is the largest we have; providing funds annually for the general betterment of the entire community,” said Ann T. Lisi, president of GWCF. “This year, we have reached a significant milestone with more than $1.4 million in grants to 129 nonprofits. We're honored to be a part of a strong network of thoughtful and strategic donors committed to making an impact in our communities.”
Those organizations and programs receiving grants this fall are:
Abby's House Shelter, Housing & Advocacy Operations $18,000.00
Advocacy for Refugee and Immigrant Services for Empowerment, Inc Suicide Prevention in Worcester's Bhutanese Community $5,000.00
African Community Education Program Family Outreach & Education Programming $21,000.00
African Community Education Program Youth Academic & Social-Emotional Programming $24,000.00
Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter Expansion of Alzheimer's Care & Support Services $5,000.00
American Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Program $9,000.00
Angels Net Foundation S.C.O.R.E. Summer Program $5,000.00
Appalachian Mountain Club Youth Opportunities Program - Worcester Summit Site $5,000.00
Apple Tree Arts Head Start Preschool Music Outreach $15,000.00
Art in the Park, Worcester Summer Art in Elm Park $10,000.00
ArtsWorcester Aurora Gallery Programs $10,000.00
Ascentria Community Services, Inc. Immigration & Legal Assistance Program $25,000.00
Auburn Youth & Family Services Operating Support $10,000.00
Audio Journal, Inc. General Operating Support $5,000.00
Bancroft School Worcester Partnership $25,000.00
Best Buddies Massachusetts School Friendship Programs in Worcester County $4,000.00
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest Worcester County Mentoring Program $20,000.00
Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club Summer Program Camperships $7,500.00
Bottom Line Worcester Access/Success Programs $10,000.00
Boys & Girls Club of Webster/Dudley Junior Staff Development Program $7,000.00
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester General Operations $25,000.00
Camp Putnam Camp Scholarships $10,000.00
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester Citizenship for Families $12,000.00
Center for Nonviolent Solutions Peer Mediation/Peacebuilding Program $5,000.00
Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance Public Education & Advocacy $12,000.00
Clark University Adam Achiever Program/Main South College Success Program $10,000.00
Community Harvest Project Volunteer Farming Program $15,000.00
Community Healthlink Together for Kids $12,000.00
Community Legal Aid, Inc. Immigrant Victims Legal Advocacy Project $15,000.00
Community Servings Nutrition Program for Critically Ill Individuals & Families $9,000.00
Dismas House of Massachusetts Prisoner Reentry Program $15,000.00
Dynamy, a division of Y.O.U. Inc. Youth Academy $10,000.00
Economic Empowerment Trust Fund $eedMA $15,000.00
Ecotarium EBT Access Program $10,000.00
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. Nutrition Program $7,500.00
Family Continuity dba FCP Inc. Recovery-to-Work Program $10,000.00
Family Health Center of Worcester,Inc. Dental Care for Un/Underinsured Low-Income Adults & Children $25,000.00
Family Health Center of Worcester,Inc. Healthcare for Homeless Families Program $10,000.00
Family Health Center of Worcester,Inc. Positive Directions' Jump Start Summer Program $7,500.00
Fitchburg Art Museum Latino Community Access Project $7,500.00
Friendly House, Inc. Frances Perkins Transitional Housing Program $21,000.00
Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library English Conversation Circle $5,000.00
Genesis Club, Inc. Educational Supports and Young Adults Initiative $20,000.00
George Marston Whitin Memorial Community Association Youth Outreach Programs $10,000.00
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts It's A Girl's World $7,500.00
Girls Incorporated of Worcester Eureka! $6,500.00
Girls Incorporated of Worcester General Operations $17,500.00
Greater Worcester Land Trust Increasing Public Engagement with the Forests, Trails, Waters, and Agriculture $7,000.00
Growing Places Garden Project Growing Healthy People and Community $4,000.00
Guild of St. Agnes of Worcester Teacher Education $10,000.00
Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester New Home Build in Worcester $7,500.00
Horace Mann Educational Associates, Inc. Students for Higher: Rising Up for Autism $8,000.00
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester Transitional Shelter Operations $10,000.00
Jeremiah's Inn Nutrition Center $7,500.00
Joy of Music Program, Inc. Financial Aid Program $10,000.00
Kennedy-Donovan Center Fostering Early Connections - Year Two $12,000.00
L.U.K. Crisis Center, Inc. LUK Mentoring Program $5,000.00
Latino Education Institute (Worcester State University) ENLACE - Encouraging Latinos to Achieve Excellence $12,000.00
Let's Get Ready Worcester College Access Program $10,000.00
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester Support for Adult Immigrant & Refugee Job Seekers $20,000.00
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester English Language Literacy for Immigrant and Refugee Mothers of Schoolchildren $5,000.00
Literacy Volunteers of the Tri-Community Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts $7,500.00
Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc. Nature Education and Recreation Programs for Worcester Youth $18,000.00
Massachusetts Education & Career Opportunities, Inc. (MassEdCO) Collegiate Success Institute $10,000.00
Matthew 25, Inc. Housing Maintenance Program $10,000.00
Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network Family Pathways Project $15,000.00
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. Homework Help Center at Green Acres $8,000.00
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Inc. Community Stewardship Program $6,500.00
Music Worcester, Inc. In Harmony: Music Worcester Comes to Worcester $10,000.00
National Education for Assistance Dog Services, Inc. Service Dog Training $9,500.00
Nativity School of Worcester Graduate Support Program $7,500.00
New Hope, Inc. MJ Ledenham Center $10,000.00
NewVue Communities North of Main Neighborhood Initiative $20,000.00
North Brookfield Youth Center Youth Programs $10,000.00
North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy, Inc. Operating Support $7,000.00
Notre Dame Health Care Educational Bridge Center $5,000.00
Oak Hill CDC Community Development & Economic Security $10,000.00
Old Sturbridge Village Educational Outreach to Southbridge Schools $5,000.00
Opera New England of Northeastern CT Opera and Symphony Programs for Schools $3,500.00
Our Father's House, Inc. Health & Wellness for Homeless Children $15,000.00
Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester Financial Aid Program $4,000.00
Pathways for Change, Inc. Sexual Assault Prevention & Survivor Services $10,000.00
Pernet Family Health Service, Inc. Youth Programs $7,500.00
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts Get Real Teen Council $9,000.00
Plumley Village Catch the Reading Bug $25,000.00
Preservation Worcester, Inc. Operating Support $9,000.00
Quinsigamond Community College Foundation Brothers & Keepers Summer Bridge Academy $5,000.00
Quinsigamond Community College Foundation Women in Technology Program $15,000.00
Rachel's Table Program Support $12,000.00
Regatta Point Community Sailing, Inc. Sailing Scholarships for Youth $7,000.00
Regional Environmental Council, Inc. Operating Support $22,000.00
Rise Above Foundation Activities for Foster Youth $5,000.00
South High Community School Youth Leadership through Philanthropy $12,000.00
South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc. Greater Worcester Housing Connection $15,000.00
Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts Building Vibrant Asian and Arabic Speaking Communities $25,000.00
Spanish American Center, Inc. Nos Estamos Ayudando (Helping Ourselves) $6,000.00
StandUp For Kids Worcester Operating Support $5,000.00
Straight Ahead Ministries Inc Youth Re-entry Project and Straight2Work Program $15,000.00
The Barton Center for Diabetes Education Campership Program $5,000.00
The Bridge of Central MA Recovery Oriented Therapy for Individuals with Schizophrenia $8,000.00
The Bridge of Central MA Safe Homes $18,000.00
The Discovery Museums Discovery Science: Worcester $5,000.00
Tri-Valley, Inc. Nutrition Programs for Seniors $10,000.00
UMass Memorial HOPE Coalition Peer Leadership Program $13,000.00
United Neighbors of Fitchburg, Inc. Empowerment Through Education $6,000.00
Valley Residents for Improvement Lakeside Summer Camp $18,000.00
Veterans Inc. Post 9/11 Peer Specialist Outreach Program $18,500.00
WCUW Inc. Giving Voice to All of Worcester's Communities $10,000.00
Worcester Anti-Foreclosure Team Operating Support $7,500.00
Worcester Center for Crafts (WCC) Youth Craft + Creativity Program $10,000.00
Worcester Center for Performing Arts Adopt-a-School - WPS Partnership $5,000.00
Worcester Chamber Music Society Community Outreach Programs $10,000.00
Worcester Common Ground, Inc. Operating Support $10,000.00
Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. YouthWorks - Year-Round Program $10,000.00
Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. ABE/HiSET/ESL for Head Start Parents $25,000.00
Worcester Community Housing Resources, Inc. Affordable Housing Services in Worcester County $10,000.00
Worcester Cultural Coalition Building Creative Community in Worcester $17,500.00
Worcester Education Collaborative Operating Support $12,500.00
Worcester Interfaith Summer Jobs for Youth/Youth Jobs Pipeline Initiative $10,000.00
Worcester Interfaith Worcester Clemente Course $10,000.00
Worcester Jewish Community Center Scholarships for Aftershool and Summer Childcare Programs $15,000.00
Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Inc. Operating Support $6,000.00
Worcester Youth Center Support for Core Programs $15,000.00
Worcester Youth Orchestras Scholarship Program $5,000.00
YMCA of Central Massachusetts Minority Achievers Program $10,000.00
YMCA of Central Massachusetts Summer PLAY $11,000.00
YouthConnect Summer 2017 $18,000.00
YWCA of Central Massachusetts Domestic Violence Services $20,000.00
YWCA of Central Massachusetts Girls CHOICE $10,000.00
“Our Community Grants program is the largest we have; providing funds annually for the general betterment of the entire community,” said Ann T. Lisi, president of GWCF. “This year, we have reached a significant milestone with more than $1.4 million in grants to 129 nonprofits. We're honored to be a part of a strong network of thoughtful and strategic donors committed to making an impact in our communities.”
Those organizations and programs receiving grants this fall are:
Abby's House Shelter, Housing & Advocacy Operations $18,000.00
Advocacy for Refugee and Immigrant Services for Empowerment, Inc Suicide Prevention in Worcester's Bhutanese Community $5,000.00
African Community Education Program Family Outreach & Education Programming $21,000.00
African Community Education Program Youth Academic & Social-Emotional Programming $24,000.00
Alzheimer's Association, Massachusetts/New Hampshire Chapter Expansion of Alzheimer's Care & Support Services $5,000.00
American Red Cross Disaster Relief & Recovery Program $9,000.00
Angels Net Foundation S.C.O.R.E. Summer Program $5,000.00
Appalachian Mountain Club Youth Opportunities Program - Worcester Summit Site $5,000.00
Apple Tree Arts Head Start Preschool Music Outreach $15,000.00
Art in the Park, Worcester Summer Art in Elm Park $10,000.00
ArtsWorcester Aurora Gallery Programs $10,000.00
Ascentria Community Services, Inc. Immigration & Legal Assistance Program $25,000.00
Auburn Youth & Family Services Operating Support $10,000.00
Audio Journal, Inc. General Operating Support $5,000.00
Bancroft School Worcester Partnership $25,000.00
Best Buddies Massachusetts School Friendship Programs in Worcester County $4,000.00
Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass/Metrowest Worcester County Mentoring Program $20,000.00
Blackstone Valley Boys and Girls Club Summer Program Camperships $7,500.00
Bottom Line Worcester Access/Success Programs $10,000.00
Boys & Girls Club of Webster/Dudley Junior Staff Development Program $7,000.00
Boys & Girls Club of Worcester General Operations $25,000.00
Camp Putnam Camp Scholarships $10,000.00
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Worcester Citizenship for Families $12,000.00
Center for Nonviolent Solutions Peer Mediation/Peacebuilding Program $5,000.00
Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance Public Education & Advocacy $12,000.00
Clark University Adam Achiever Program/Main South College Success Program $10,000.00
Community Harvest Project Volunteer Farming Program $15,000.00
Community Healthlink Together for Kids $12,000.00
Community Legal Aid, Inc. Immigrant Victims Legal Advocacy Project $15,000.00
Community Servings Nutrition Program for Critically Ill Individuals & Families $9,000.00
Dismas House of Massachusetts Prisoner Reentry Program $15,000.00
Dynamy, a division of Y.O.U. Inc. Youth Academy $10,000.00
Economic Empowerment Trust Fund $eedMA $15,000.00
Ecotarium EBT Access Program $10,000.00
Elder Services of Worcester Area, Inc. Nutrition Program $7,500.00
Family Continuity dba FCP Inc. Recovery-to-Work Program $10,000.00
Family Health Center of Worcester,Inc. Dental Care for Un/Underinsured Low-Income Adults & Children $25,000.00
Family Health Center of Worcester,Inc. Healthcare for Homeless Families Program $10,000.00
Family Health Center of Worcester,Inc. Positive Directions' Jump Start Summer Program $7,500.00
Fitchburg Art Museum Latino Community Access Project $7,500.00
Friendly House, Inc. Frances Perkins Transitional Housing Program $21,000.00
Friends of the Shrewsbury Public Library English Conversation Circle $5,000.00
Genesis Club, Inc. Educational Supports and Young Adults Initiative $20,000.00
George Marston Whitin Memorial Community Association Youth Outreach Programs $10,000.00
Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts It's A Girl's World $7,500.00
Girls Incorporated of Worcester Eureka! $6,500.00
Girls Incorporated of Worcester General Operations $17,500.00
Greater Worcester Land Trust Increasing Public Engagement with the Forests, Trails, Waters, and Agriculture $7,000.00
Growing Places Garden Project Growing Healthy People and Community $4,000.00
Guild of St. Agnes of Worcester Teacher Education $10,000.00
Habitat for Humanity MetroWest/Greater Worcester New Home Build in Worcester $7,500.00
Horace Mann Educational Associates, Inc. Students for Higher: Rising Up for Autism $8,000.00
Interfaith Hospitality Network of Greater Worcester Transitional Shelter Operations $10,000.00
Jeremiah's Inn Nutrition Center $7,500.00
Joy of Music Program, Inc. Financial Aid Program $10,000.00
Kennedy-Donovan Center Fostering Early Connections - Year Two $12,000.00
L.U.K. Crisis Center, Inc. LUK Mentoring Program $5,000.00
Latino Education Institute (Worcester State University) ENLACE - Encouraging Latinos to Achieve Excellence $12,000.00
Let's Get Ready Worcester College Access Program $10,000.00
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester Support for Adult Immigrant & Refugee Job Seekers $20,000.00
Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester English Language Literacy for Immigrant and Refugee Mothers of Schoolchildren $5,000.00
Literacy Volunteers of the Tri-Community Literacy Volunteers of South Central Massachusetts $7,500.00
Massachusetts Audubon Society Inc. Nature Education and Recreation Programs for Worcester Youth $18,000.00
Massachusetts Education & Career Opportunities, Inc. (MassEdCO) Collegiate Success Institute $10,000.00
Matthew 25, Inc. Housing Maintenance Program $10,000.00
Montachusett Interfaith Hospitality Network Family Pathways Project $15,000.00
Montachusett Opportunity Council, Inc. Homework Help Center at Green Acres $8,000.00
Mount Grace Land Conservation Trust, Inc. Community Stewardship Program $6,500.00
Music Worcester, Inc. In Harmony: Music Worcester Comes to Worcester $10,000.00
National Education for Assistance Dog Services, Inc. Service Dog Training $9,500.00
Nativity School of Worcester Graduate Support Program $7,500.00
New Hope, Inc. MJ Ledenham Center $10,000.00
NewVue Communities North of Main Neighborhood Initiative $20,000.00
North Brookfield Youth Center Youth Programs $10,000.00
North Quabbin Citizen Advocacy, Inc. Operating Support $7,000.00
Notre Dame Health Care Educational Bridge Center $5,000.00
Oak Hill CDC Community Development & Economic Security $10,000.00
Old Sturbridge Village Educational Outreach to Southbridge Schools $5,000.00
Opera New England of Northeastern CT Opera and Symphony Programs for Schools $3,500.00
Our Father's House, Inc. Health & Wellness for Homeless Children $15,000.00
Pakachoag Music School of Greater Worcester Financial Aid Program $4,000.00
Pathways for Change, Inc. Sexual Assault Prevention & Survivor Services $10,000.00
Pernet Family Health Service, Inc. Youth Programs $7,500.00
Planned Parenthood League of Massachusetts Get Real Teen Council $9,000.00
Plumley Village Catch the Reading Bug $25,000.00
Preservation Worcester, Inc. Operating Support $9,000.00
Quinsigamond Community College Foundation Brothers & Keepers Summer Bridge Academy $5,000.00
Quinsigamond Community College Foundation Women in Technology Program $15,000.00
Rachel's Table Program Support $12,000.00
Regatta Point Community Sailing, Inc. Sailing Scholarships for Youth $7,000.00
Regional Environmental Council, Inc. Operating Support $22,000.00
Rise Above Foundation Activities for Foster Youth $5,000.00
South High Community School Youth Leadership through Philanthropy $12,000.00
South Middlesex Opportunity Council, Inc. Greater Worcester Housing Connection $15,000.00
Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts Building Vibrant Asian and Arabic Speaking Communities $25,000.00
Spanish American Center, Inc. Nos Estamos Ayudando (Helping Ourselves) $6,000.00
StandUp For Kids Worcester Operating Support $5,000.00
Straight Ahead Ministries Inc Youth Re-entry Project and Straight2Work Program $15,000.00
The Barton Center for Diabetes Education Campership Program $5,000.00
The Bridge of Central MA Recovery Oriented Therapy for Individuals with Schizophrenia $8,000.00
The Bridge of Central MA Safe Homes $18,000.00
The Discovery Museums Discovery Science: Worcester $5,000.00
Tri-Valley, Inc. Nutrition Programs for Seniors $10,000.00
UMass Memorial HOPE Coalition Peer Leadership Program $13,000.00
United Neighbors of Fitchburg, Inc. Empowerment Through Education $6,000.00
Valley Residents for Improvement Lakeside Summer Camp $18,000.00
Veterans Inc. Post 9/11 Peer Specialist Outreach Program $18,500.00
WCUW Inc. Giving Voice to All of Worcester's Communities $10,000.00
Worcester Anti-Foreclosure Team Operating Support $7,500.00
Worcester Center for Crafts (WCC) Youth Craft + Creativity Program $10,000.00
Worcester Center for Performing Arts Adopt-a-School - WPS Partnership $5,000.00
Worcester Chamber Music Society Community Outreach Programs $10,000.00
Worcester Common Ground, Inc. Operating Support $10,000.00
Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. YouthWorks - Year-Round Program $10,000.00
Worcester Community Action Council, Inc. ABE/HiSET/ESL for Head Start Parents $25,000.00
Worcester Community Housing Resources, Inc. Affordable Housing Services in Worcester County $10,000.00
Worcester Cultural Coalition Building Creative Community in Worcester $17,500.00
Worcester Education Collaborative Operating Support $12,500.00
Worcester Interfaith Summer Jobs for Youth/Youth Jobs Pipeline Initiative $10,000.00
Worcester Interfaith Worcester Clemente Course $10,000.00
Worcester Jewish Community Center Scholarships for Aftershool and Summer Childcare Programs $15,000.00
Worcester Regional Research Bureau, Inc. Operating Support $6,000.00
Worcester Youth Center Support for Core Programs $15,000.00
Worcester Youth Orchestras Scholarship Program $5,000.00
YMCA of Central Massachusetts Minority Achievers Program $10,000.00
YMCA of Central Massachusetts Summer PLAY $11,000.00
YouthConnect Summer 2017 $18,000.00
YWCA of Central Massachusetts Domestic Violence Services $20,000.00
YWCA of Central Massachusetts Girls CHOICE $10,000.00