WORCESTER—A year marked by rising need across Central Massachusetts ended with a record-setting round of philanthropy for a local bank foundation with deep Worcester County ties.
The Webster Five Foundation announced it awarded $286,334 through 82 grants in 2025, setting a new annual high for the organization and surpassing last year’s total by more than $21,000. The funding supported nonprofit organizations and community-based programs throughout Central Massachusetts, including a wide range of groups based in Worcester and across Worcester County.
According to the foundation’s announcement, grants are awarded quarterly to nonprofits working in education, the arts and culture, social services, charitable initiatives and community development. The final grant cycle of the year distributed $50,500 to 17 organizations, many of them serving Worcester residents directly.
Among the fourth-quarter recipients were Worcester Community Housing Resources, which received $8,000 to support resident services and programming, and YOU, Inc., which was awarded $10,000 for the Dynamy John S. Laws Youth Academy. Edward Street received a $10,000 commitment spread over four years to support its Master Teacher Coaching Program, while Rachel’s Table was awarded $5,000 for its Children’s Milk Fund.
Other grants supported health care, housing stability and cultural programs, including funding for Care Central VNA & Hospice, the New England Botanic Garden at Tower Hill, Open Door Arts at the Worcester Art Museum, the Museum of Worcester, Horizons for Homeless Children and the Fresh Start Furniture Bank. Several grants included matching components aimed at expanding the reach of specific programs, such as mattress assistance and children’s playspaces.
“Central Massachusetts is home to extraordinary nonprofits doing transformative work every day,” Webster Five President and CEO Brian Westerlind said in the foundation’s announcement. “The Webster Five Foundation’s record giving in 2025 reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting programs that strengthen our communities and improve quality of life across the region.”
Since its founding in 1996, the Webster Five Foundation has awarded more than $4.4 million to 314 organizations, according to the announcement. The foundation’s next round of grant recipients is expected to be announced in the first quarter of 2026.
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