The Community Grant Program considers two types of grants – General Operating Grants and Project Grants – for our highest level of investments. General Operating Grants are awarded on an annual basis, Project Grants are awarded twice per year. Organizations are eligible in the 2022 cycle to submit applications for both operating and program grants if they so choose.
General Operating Grants:
Invest in organizations that are highly aligned with our strategic focus areas and whose success we see as vital to reaching our vision for a strong healthy, vibrant and equitable community. Grants will vary in size, but in general range from $5,000-$50,000.
Project Grants:
Fund a specific project or program highly aligned with our strategic focus areas. Grants will vary in size but in general range from $2,500-$25,000 to be applied to project budgets that include meaningful overhead.
You should apply for a Project Grant if:
- This may be your first time applying to GWCF
- You are designing or implementing a new program/project
- You operate a discrete program or project that you are seeking funding for
- You are part of a multiservice organization that doesn’t fully align with our strategic focus area, but have a discrete project that does
- You are part of a larger institution (hospital, university etc.) and have a discrete project
- 501c3 tax exempt nonprofit or an entity operating under the fiscal sponsorship of a tax-exempt nonprofit.
- Collaboratives or loosely organized coalitions are welcome to apply and should be submitted by the designated lead partner
- Your organization’s work is within GWCF’s geographic area served. Priority is given in the following order:
- Nonprofit organizations based in and serving Worcester County
- Nonprofits not based in Worcester County but have a physical presence (staff or location) should focus their application entirely on their work within Worcester County
- Nonprofits providing an unduplicated service in Worcester County without a physical (staff or location) presence will be expected to demonstrate their authentic relationships with local stakeholders (local board members, formalized partnerships, local committee/coalition service etc.)
- Have strong demonstrated alignment with one of the key strategic focus areas
- Tell an authentic journey of progress in one or more of our 3 priority lens areas (racial equity, community voice, systems change). Successful grantees will not necessarily be advanced in these areas, but on a meaningful and inclusive journey.
- Sound Organizational Practices: A legitimate and effective governing or advisory board is in place and strong planning and fiscal stewardship is happening
- Capital Projects/Campaigns
- Event Sponsorships
- Individuals
- Public organizations or municipalities (Not typically, discuss with program team member before submitting an application)
- Houses of Worship, or programs/organizations that proselytize (Not typically, discuss with program team member before submitting an application)