April 2023

Friends,

Grantmaking is in full swing at the Foundation. We are learning about the innovative and effective work nonprofits are doing to make our community a place where all can thrive. This time of year is also when we see and appreciate the record numbers of talented youth who are full of hope and promise for a brighter future for greater Worcester and the world thanks to the scholarship funds created by you, our generous donors. This is our community at its very best, and I love it.

One of the things we do that I am most proud of is to bring resources into the community from elsewhere. As you know from earlier editions, we have been instrumental in distributing COVID relief funds, Community Development Block grant funds and Barr Foundation arts and culture funds throughout our community. Our latest resource add is Pete Dunn, our new permanent CEO who will bring his 30 years of Community Foundation experience to greater Worcester in August. Having Pete apply his intellect and talent to making our community better will be wonderful to watch, and I encourage you all to welcome him and get to know him. More on his background below.

Our annual meeting is May 16th, and I look forward to telling you more about our terrific journey together and what is next for the Foundation. If you would like to be a greater part of our collective effort, please connect with Kelly Stimson, Vice President of Donor Relations about creating or adding to a Fund.

All my best for a happy, healthy, and effective Spring!

Tim Johnstone

Interim President & CEO

GWCF Names Pete Dunn as CEO, Bringing Decades of Philanthropic Experience

GWCF is proud to announce that Pete Dunn has been selected as its new President and CEO, effective August 1, 2023. Dunn will succeed Tim Johnstone, who has served as interim CEO since September, 2022.

Pete joins us from the Central New York Community Foundation, where he has served as President and CEO since 2006. During his tenure, he led the organization through a period of significant growth and impact, including the creation of a new community impact fund and the launch of an initiative to address poverty in the region. At the Foundation, Pete will lead our efforts to support the people and organizations that are making a difference in our community. His expertise and passion will be invaluable as we work to create a more just and equitable future for all.

Please join us in welcoming Pete to the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. We are excited to have him on board and can't wait to see what we will accomplish together.

Learn more about Pete Dunn

Don't Miss GWCF's Annual Meeting on May 16

Mark your calendars for this year’s Greater Worcester Community Foundation Annual Meeting on Tuesday, May 16 at 4:30PM with a reception immediately following. The meeting will take place at 1 Mercantile St, Lower Level, Worcester, MA 01608 (Former UNUM Building).

Learn how the Foundation is transforming people and resources into action across Worcester County.

Featuring:

Elections and Reports
Remarks by guest speaker Phil Buchanan, president and CEO of the Center for Effective Philanthropy (CEP).
Presentation of Renaissance Award

We hope to see you there!

Volunteer Grant Reviewer Orientation on May 1

We’re looking for grant review volunteers. Led by Sarah Shugrue, Director of Grantmaking & Capacity Building, this Zoom session will provide you the opportunity to ask any questions regarding our grant program. Be a part of enhancing the community as a whole, now and in the future.

Join Youth for Community Improvement 2023! Applications are Open until May 15

Apply today for the Class of 2023

Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) is a youth-led program where students come together to identify community issues they care about and award $25,000 in grants to nonprofit organizations working to solve those issues.

This year's program will begin with 2 summer orientation dates to be determined with the group. Weekly sessions begin in early September and end in December.

All high school students in Worcester County who are interested in developing leadership skills, enjoying working collaboratively with others, and who are willing to commit to participating enthusiastically and thinking critically to create a real, effective change in their communities are encouraged to apply.

Scholarship Awardees to be Announced in Late May!

Volunteers are reviewing applications and scoring for each Foundation scholarship. We thank these hard working volunteers for doing this important work. Stay Tuned – we will be announcing scholarship awardees in Late May!

Find out more

Grant News and Announcements:

Deadline to apply for the Spring cycle is May 12.

Apply for Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant by May 12

The Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program is designed to support a specific piece of nonprofit evolution that is focused on advancing structure, systems and/or processes to be more inclusive and impactful. The grant program is interested in supporting organizations engaging in projects in the following areas inclusive board development & governance, building internal capacity & equitable systems, and navigating change.

See if you’re eligible and apply today

2023 Community Grant Program: Rooted in the belief that we can collectively work towards a more equitable, vibrant and just community by offering flexible grant options, the Community Grant Program is GWCF’s signature competitive granting opportunity. The responsive and flexible program awards close to $2 million annually across two granting cycles and a range of focus areas.

The Community Grant Program has split into two distinct categories with separate deadlines: Program Support and Operating Support.

To learn more about Community Grants for Project Support, click here.

To learn more about Community Grants for Operating Support, click here.

For more information on GWCF grant opportunities, click here

Stay tuned for what's to come at the Foundation, from upcoming grant opportunities to workshops, and more. Together, we are building a stronger, more equitable Central Massachusetts.

Thank you to our GWCF Corporate Sponsor:

Connect with the Foundation on social media!

Greater Worcester Community Foundation

508-755-0980 | donorservices@greaterworcester.org | greaterworcester.org