Since 1975, the Greater Worcester Community Foundation has been on a mission to deploy grants in ways that meaningfully benefit nonprofits to support projects that make Worcester County a better place to live, work and thrive. This week, GWCF announced the 120 awardees of its 2022 Community Grant program, totaling more than $2,200,000.

The funds awarded came from three types of community grants. General Operating Support Grants are made to organizations with missions that are highly aligned with the Foundation’s strategic focus areas, and whose successes are seen as vital to reaching the vision for a strong, healthy, vibrant, and equitable community. Project Grants support specific projects or programs with outcomes highly aligned with the Foundation’s strategic focus areas. Lastly, Nonprofit Effectiveness Grants are designed to support new perspectives on routine operations that demonstrate the organization’s learning agenda and values.

Community Grants are made possible by people who have set up discretionary funds with the Foundation. This type of fund provides GWCF with the maximum flexibility to grant resources where community needs are greatest. In recognition of this, GWCF actively sought to support nonprofit organizations doing authentic work around increasing racial equity, centering community voice, and working to change systems.

In 2022, the Foundation saw its highest number of applicants to these three grant programs. With a focus on remaining true to its roots and enhancing the community, now and for the future, through philanthropic leadership, the Foundation was able to fund over half of them.

“For many organizations that applied for and were awarded grants in 2022, one common theme we saw throughout was a willingness to embrace the change and adapt to the new normal following the pandemic,” said Tim Johnstone, interim President and CEO of GWCF. “These nonprofits are the backbone of our community. We are impressed with the work of each of our 2022 grantees and look forward to seeing their lasting impact on the community.”

Those organizations receiving funds this year are listed here.