Established in 1999, the Nonprofit Support Center has been a longstanding program of the Foundation but had reduced its offerings in recent years due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Now, the Foundation is reinvigorating the Nonprofit Support Center with a $1 million investment over three years to build the capacity and sustainability of nonprofits in the region, helping them be more effective in advancing their missions.

Starting in March, nonprofits in Worcester County can access a range of virtual and in-person opportunities through the Nonprofit Support Center, including:

Nonprofit Effectiveness Grants

Opening March 1

The Foundation’s Nonprofit Effectiveness Grants program provides nonprofits with financial resources to help them fulfill their mission, deliver critical services, and lead as equitable employers. These grants support specific projects or pieces of work in building internal capacity, navigating change such as executive transitions or succession planning, and inclusive leadership development and support. In 2023, the Foundation awarded more than $122,000 to 19 nonprofit organizations.

Nonprofits can register for an info session on February 29 to learn more about this grant program.

Institute for Trustees

March 20 – May 9

New this year, the Foundation is partnering with community foundations across Massachusetts to offer the Institute for Trustees, a virtual nonprofit capacity-building conference for nonprofit leaders and boards. The IFT offers 19 virtual educational workshops over six weeks and covers a variety of topics, including workplace wellbeing, equity, governance, fundraising and more. Worcester County nonprofits can register as individual leaders or as a full board, and those with agency funds at the Foundation can register for free.

Resilia

Starting in March

The Foundation is entering the second year of a partnership with Resilia, a technology platform that offers training and coaching to support effectiveness, creativity, and workflow in nonprofits across the country. The Foundation will be inviting 25 nonprofits to access this suite of on-demand tools and resources, with a focus on grassroots organizations and those led by and/or serving people of color.

Nonprofit Support Center Relaunch Party

March 5

Worcester County nonprofits and friends are invited to join the Foundation at its new offices at One Mercantile Street on March 5 to network and celebrate the relaunch of the Nonprofit Support Center. RSVP here >

The Nonprofit Support Center will continue to announce new opportunities for nonprofits throughout the year, including workshops, support for mergers and acquisitions, new learning cohorts, and a second round of Nonprofit Effectiveness Grants in the fall.