Civic Leadership

Cultural Plan

At the request of the Worcester City Manager, Greater Worcester Community Foundation played a lead role in the development of the City’s first-ever Cultural Plan, which was made available to the public on May 29, 2019. Developed in partnership with the City and the Worcester Cultural Coalition, the plan promotes a shared vision that recognizes the power of culture to make our City a better place for people to live, work and thrive.

The plan lays out 5 over-arching goals, and 90 different strategies to be implemented over the next ten years, with a range of community partners on board to help make it happen. Lead funding for the plan was provided by the Barr Foundation through its Creative Commonwealth Initiative, with additional funding coming from the Massachusetts Cultural Council, and all three participating partners.

 View the Cultural Plan

Leadership Worcester is a joint initiative of Greater Worcester Community Foundation and the Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce. The program engages promising new professionals in Greater Worcester’s civic life and offers training and skill development to connect them with key players. Participants are outstanding local professionals with demonstrated leadership potential. The program operates from September through May. Visit leadershipworcester.com for more!

Class of 2019 - 2020

Class of 2019

The Nonprofit Support Center stimulates development of a capable, forward-thinking, and collaborative nonprofit sector in Worcester County. Its programs and services help organizations think strategically, govern effectively and work cooperatively with community partners.

The Planned Giving Council of Central Massachusetts (PGCCM) promotes planned giving through a collaborative program formed by the Foundation, other local nonprofit organizations, community leaders and professional advisors. 

Interested in becoming a member of the Planned Giving Council for 2019? 

Join the PGCCM!

The Professional Advisory Network (PAN) is an advisory committee of professional advisors who are committed to capitalizing on the Foundation as a resource to help their clients achieve charitable and financial goals.

The Worcester Foundation Forum [PDF] convenes grantmakers—private foundations, corporate giving programs and public foundations—to share knowledge of local needs and increase the impact of their charitable investments.

Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) develops the philanthropic and leadership skills of high school students from diverse backgrounds by providing the opportunity to award community grants together.