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Grants to Massachusetts Nonprofits in Eligible Areas for Projects to Benefit Local Communities

Community Grant Program: Project Support


Agency
Foundation

GrantWatch ID#
169966

Funding Source
GREATER WORCESTER COMMUNITY FOUNDATION
Array ( )

Geographic Focus
USA: Massachusetts: Worcester County

Important Dates
Deadline: 06/16/23 Save

Grant Description
Grants of up to $25,000 to Massachusetts nonprofit organizations in eligible areas for programs to benefit the community. Funding areas of interest include families, health and wellbeing, local arts and culture, youth, and basic needs. Projects should emphasize equity, community voice, and disrupting systems. Funding is intended to benefit Worcester County.

The Community Grant Program is rooted in the belief that the community can collectively work towards a more equitable, vibrant and just community by offering flexible grant options, implementing strategic focus areas, and emphasizing the underlying approaches nonprofit organizations apply to their work.

Focus Areas:

  1. Health & Wellbeing - Strengthening the systems that ensure those from historically excluded populations have equitable access to healthcare.
  2. Arts & Creativity - Building and supporting a diverse and strong Arts & Culture Ecosystem where all belong.
  3. Youth & Families - Ensuring families have what they need to thrive and that young people have access to critical supports and meaningful experiences.
  4. Basic Needs - Working to ensure all residents of the community have food and shelter

More information about the focus areas can be found at https://d6rp64op1rdi0.cloudfront.net/documents/Grant-Forms/CG_-Project-Full-Guidelines_JC-edits.pdf#page=3.

The Community Grant Program for Project Support seeks to support organizations that:

  • Create innovative solutions to pressing community needs utilizing new and/or proven models
  • Create access and reduce barriers for residents of Worcester County
  • Are within a scope of work for which a grant of up to $25,000 would be financially impactful
  • Have goals and outcomes that are highly aligned to one of our expressed focus areas (outlined below)
  • Are committed to equity, community voice, and systems disruption
  • Are sound organizations with strong financial and governance functions


Recipient

Additional Eligibility Criteria
Eligibility:
- 501(c)(3) nonprofits, or any entity operating under a fiscal sponsorship of a 501(c)(3)
- Collaboratives, or loosely organized coalitions, under a fiscal sponsorship
- Organizations and projects serving Worcester County Residents
- Houses of worship running community-serving programs that do not proselytize
- Large multiservice institutions applying for well-aligned discrete projects

Additional information can be found at
https://d6rp64op1rdi0.cloudfront.net/documents/Grant-Forms/CG_-Project-Full-Guidelines_JC-edits.pdf#page=2.

Ineligible
Not eligible:
- Individuals (tuition, scholarship, direct aid etc…)
- Businesses
- Government organizations or municipalities
- Projects occurring in classrooms during school time as part of the academic program
- Capital projects/campaigns
- Organizations and programs not aligned to the focus areas and lenses outlined below

Pre-Proposal Conference
Thinking about applying? Make sure to attend the virtual applicant orientation session to learn more and ask questions: Wednesday April 12, 9:00 am.

For more information and to register:
https://greaterworcester.wufoo.com/forms/m1x4qoh50xr2q4b/

Pre-Application Information
The Process for Project Support Grant Requests:
New Process for 2023. GWCF continues to work to create grant opportunities that are more responsive and less burdensome to grant partners. GWCF is excited to pilot this new way of grantmaking in this grant cycle.
- Letter of Interest (LOI) Submission Deadline: June 16. Applicants will submit an LOI through the online platform that provides a high level overview of the project in an open ended approach
- Project Conversations: First half of July: Project leads for strong LOI’s will be invited to have a conversation with GWCF staff and members of the grants committee to further discuss their work
- Grant Notifications: Mid-August: GWCF grants committee will review all applications and GWCF staff will notify all applicants.

Applicants will submit a Letter of Interest (LOI) through the grant platform. Those in alignment will be invited to a discussion with GWCF staff and grants committee members. There is no traditional application.

Consider reaching out to a member of the program team to discuss your proposal idea before applying.

Estimated Size of Grant
Grants will range in size from $2,500-$25,000

Term of Contract
Grantees are expected to expend their grant within 18 months of award.

Contact Information
Apply online:
https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=greaterworcester

Direct questions to:
Sarah Shugrue
Director of Grantmaking & Capacity Building
sshugrue@greaterworcester.org
grants@greaterworcester.org

370 Main Street, Suite 650,
Worcester, MA 01608

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