The Foundation's Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) Fund is now accepting proposals. YCI has engaged over 200 teens from diverse ethnic and economic backgrounds since 1999, and awarded over $300,000 to over 75 nonprofit organizations in Worcester County. YCI is seeking proposals that fall under the following area(s) of interest:

  • Academic Enrichment of Young People

    • Organizations focused on post-secondary education (college access/success, financial literacy, career development, first generation college students)
    • Organizations providing academic support in or out of school time
  • Health & Wellness of Young People

    • Organizations supporting the mental health and wellness of young people
    • Organizations focused on peer to peer social supports
    • Organizations providing sexual health education and/or healthy relationship education
  • Youth Leadership & Civic Engagement

    • Organizations engaging and empowering young people in the areas of government, politics and civic education
    • Organizations empowering young people around advocacy (Priority given to organizations advocating around homelessness and environment)
All programs funded by YCI must incorporate “youth voices” in a significant aspect of program planning, implementation, evaluation or leadership. Applications must be received by November 12, 2018. For more information, contact Sarah Shugrue, at sshugrue@greaterworcester.org or 508-755-0980.