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370 Main Street
Suite 650
Worcester, MA 01608
(508) 755-0980
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Press Releases
July 9, 2009
Worcester, MA - Greater Worcester Community Foundation approved more than $1.6 million in grant awards during the first six months of 2009.
Nearly $1 million was distributed through designated and advised funds that allow donors to name the charity that will benefit. Approved grants included $115,000 to United Way of Central Massachusetts to support operations; $49,000 from the Robert W. Booth Fund to the Worcester Art Museum for youth education programs; $24,000 from the Alice A. Sibley Fund for vision care to Great Brook Valley Health Center; and $22,000 from the Chapin Riley Fund to Worcester Academy for scholarship aid. An additional $76,000 was distributed to the newly formed Worcester Tree Initiative from its campaign fund, to replace trees lost to storms and disease.
In June, $638,000 was awarded through discretionary grants derived from named endowments created by local citizens to support changing community needs and a $100,000 gift from The Alden Trust. Grants were paid to 53 organizations to support a range of topics including youth development and education programs through North Brookfield Youth Center and Worcester YouthNet; adult education, counseling, and senior services at Jewish Family Service; and arts education and performance through Redfeather Theatre Company’s Worcester Shakespeare Festival, and WCUW community radio.
“Discretionary grants fulfill the foundation’s strategy of uplifting the community. We identify key organizations in Central Massachusetts, understand their impact and challenges, and provide funding where it is needed most,” said Ann T. Lisi, executive director. “We were especially mindful this year to help existing nonprofits fulfill their missions even as they reduce operations, rather than supporting new programs. The Alden Trust allowed us to further our reach this year with money going to child care, shelter, and nutrition programs at Rachel’s Table, Rainbow Child Development Center and Genesis Club."
In 2008, Greater Worcester Community Foundation approved $5.3 million in grants, including $2.4 million from discretionary funds and field of interest funds. The foundation was created in 1975 to build permanent endowments to support the ever-changing needs of the community. It administers 400 named funds valued at $94 million, and offers services to donors and nonprofits.