About the Community Grants Program

The Foundation's signature competitive grants program awards close to $2 million annually, providing project and general operating support to a diverse range of nonprofits serving Worcester County.

The Community Grants application process is designed to be trust-based, flexible and responsive. In lieu of a traditional application, nonprofits are invited to submit a letter of intent. The second round of the application process will involve one-on-one conversations with Foundation staff.

Applications for project grants are now open. Grant requests should support a project or program that is aligned with one or more of the Foundation's strategic focus areas. To learn more, please visit Community Grant: Project Support and download the full Applicant Guidelines.

Applications for general operating support will open later this year, starting with renewals in August.

Focus Areas

Arts & Creativity

Building and supporting a diverse and strong arts & culture ecosystem where all belong.

Strategies include:

• Work that engages, celebrates and strengthens our communities.
• Projects that are intersectional in nature and promote arts and non-arts
  partnerships. (Previous Creative Intersection grantees are encouraged to apply.)

Letter of intent deadline: June 14

Basic Needs

Working to ensure all residents of our community have food and shelter.

Strategies include:

• Expanding access to SNAP & HIP.
• Projects focused on providing wrap around support services.
• Program that increase shelter access.

Letter of intent deadline: June 14

Economic Opportunity

Providing opportunities for individuals and families to achieve upward economic mobility.

• English language learning programs.
• Job training & financial literacy programs.

Letter of intent deadline: June 14

Health & Wellbeing

Strengthening the systems that ensure those from historically excluded populations have equitable access to healthcare.

Strategies include:

• Expanding a culturally-responsive healthcare workforce.
• Expanding access to care.
• Improving prenatal care/healthy pregnancies

Letter of intent deadline: June 28

Youth & Families

Ensuring families have what they need to thrive and that young people have access to critical supports and meaningful experiences.

Strategies include:

• Increasing access to quality early childhood care.
• Meaningful out-of-school experiences.

Letter of intent deadline: June 28