Greater Worcester Community Foundation today announced the distribution of $1,045,000 to local and regional nonprofits addressing basic needs across Worcester County.
The funding comes from two anonymous donors from outside the region, who made gifts to the Foundation in response to federal funding cuts and policy changes.
“We are thrilled to be able to make these investments at a time when nonprofits are particularly stretched. We are proud to partner with these donors, who recognize the impact federal funding changes have on essential services and the people who rely on them.”
- Pete Dunn, President & CEO of Greater Worcester Community Foundation
The Foundation is awarding general operating grants to strengthen basic needs organizations across the region, giving grantees broad discretion to direct funds where they are most needed.
Housing and Shelter
- $200,000 to CMHA: The Housing Alliance to support eviction prevention case management and its new program for seniors experiencing homelessness.
- $100,000 to RCAP Solutions to support eviction prevention case management.
“CMHA is so grateful for this generous support at a time when we are seeing so many struggle to meet their housing costs. This grant will make a profound difference in the lives of so many in our community. This will allow us to provide critical services and offer hope to those facing housing insecurity."
- Leah Bradley, CEO of CMHA: The Housing Alliance
Food Security
- $115,000 to double the funds available this year in the Foundation’s Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger, which is currently open for grant applications from local food pantries and programs.
Healthcare
- $130,000 for supplies and care services for the seven free health clinics under the Worcester Free Care Collaborative.
Immigrant Services
- $125,000 to support case management for immigrants and refugee clients at Friendly House.
- $25,000 to support case management at Spanish American Center in Leominster.
- $25,000 to the Office of New Americans at Friendly House to support care services for immigrant and refugee clients.
- $25,000 for Worcester RISE for Health Clinic to support care services for immigrant and refugee clients.
Resiliency Services
- $175,000 to the Worcester Community Action Council to support case management in the Worcester area and West and South County.
- $100,000 to Making Opportunity Count to support case management in North County.
- $25,000 to South Middlesex Opportunity Council to support case management in East County.
“This funding strengthens our ability to provide support across North Central Massachusetts by meeting people where they are and connecting them to critical resources. We're grateful for the Foundation's partnership in ensuring families across the county have the support they need when it matters most."
- Kevin Reed, Executive Director of Making Opportunity Count
Donor support allowed the Foundation to issue larger grants than it typically provides, supplementing funding nonprofits may receive through other Foundation grant cycles, including the Fund to End Hunger and the Community Grants program, where basic needs are one of five focus areas.
To learn more about Greater Worcester Community Foundation, visit greaterworcester.org.
