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370 Main Street
Suite 650
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 755-0980

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Discretionary Grant Program
Guidelines

Application | Progress Report | Recent Grants

Tips for Grant Seekers | Post-Grantmaking Activities

 

ABOUT DISCRETIONARY GRANTS

The Discretionary Grants Program is our largest and most flexible grant program, providing approximately $1.6 million annually. We award money from multiple permanent, discretionary funds created by local people for the general betterment of the community. Several large field-of-interest funds are also included in this process, providing support for culture and the arts, academic achievement for disadvantaged youth, progressive education, conservation, homelessness and affordable housing, and health and wellness for women and children. These grants enable us to be responsive to community needs and priorities.

 

AREAS OF INTEREST

Discretionary Grants support ALL community areas:

• culture and the arts, education and humanities
• ecology and the environment
• youth development, child welfare, elder services
• improving the health of people, especially vulnerable populations
• workforce development
• citizenship, civic affairs and community development

The vitality of our community and the well-being of our citizens are best served if we invest in projects that do one or more of the following:

• Preserve and enhance the region's cultural jewels and environmental resources
• Provide access to fundamental opportunities for disadvantaged people
• Create a safe and healthy environment for residents of all ages
• Foster ways for people from diverse backgrounds to work together on shared goals
• Integrate efforts and strengthen partnerships among organizations
• Improve the ability of local organizations to accomplish their missions

ELIGIBILITY

We consider applications only from nonprofit, tax-exempt organizations for activities serving the people of the Central Massachusetts region. Organizations not incorporated as tax-exempt may apply through an established organization that agrees to provide fiscal oversight.

Entities based outside of the region may apply for grants for projects that directly benefit people in the cities and towns of Worcester County.

All types and sizes of nonprofits are eligible to apply, including established institutions, community-based organizations, grassroots groups, faith-based organizations and, in limited cases, public agencies.

 

SCOPE AND LIMITATIONS

Grants are generally made for operating costs such as personnel, administration, or program supplies. If your agency runs multiple programs, we prefer to know which of your programs is being discussed in the application and to focus our grant on that.

Discretionary grants are NOT made for endowments, buildings or capital campaigns.

Discretionary Grants are NOT made to individuals or to for-profit companies.

 

DISCRETIONARY GRANTS ARE MADE POSSIBLE BY

LOCAL PEOPLE

Discretionary Funds are Greater Worcester Community Foundation's most flexible resource. Donors who establish discretionary funds realize that communities change or that as individuals they are not always equipped to know where their grant might do the most good. These donors rely on the Foundation to evaluate the most promising and urgent community programs to receive grants.

 

DEADLINE

 

Cycle	Application Deadline	Decision
Spring	March 15	June
Fall	September 15	December

Note: If a deadline falls on a weekend or public holiday, proposals are due the following business day at 5:00 p.m.

 

WHERE TO SEND APPLICATION

Ann T. Lisi
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
370 Main Street, Suite 650
Worcester, MA 01608-1738

Telephone: (508) 755-0980

Contact: Lois A. Smith or Pamela B. Kane