The Foundation is now accepting applications for its Community Grant program. The Foundation's largest competitive granting program of the year, Community Grants support nonprofit organizations that build healthy and vibrant communities through creating access to opportunity and upward mobility in Greater Worcester. Last year, the Foundation awarded more than $1.7 million in Community Grants to 139 nonprofit organizations.

Community Grants are made possible by donors who have set up endowment funds with the Foundation for this purpose, with grant amounts typically ranging from $2,500 to $25,000. Areas of interest this year include Civic Life, the Arts and the Environment; Early Childhood Development; Economic Security; Healthy Communities; Youth Development & Education. Organizations located in the Greater Worcester area that are engaging local partners or building local capacity will be preferred.

For those new to the Foundation or seeking a refresher, the Foundation will be hosting orientation sessions about the Community Grant Program over the summer. Sessions will be held Thursday, July 25 from 4-5:00pm; Wednesday, August 7 from 9-10:00am; and Wednesday, August 21 from 12-1:00pm. All sessions will be held at the Foundation at 350 Main Street in Worcester, and program staff will be present to take questions. Sign up can be found on the Community Grant Program page on the Foundation website.

Applications must be received by September 16, 2019. For questions, email Jonathan Cohen at jcohen@greaterworcester.org or call 508-755-0980.