WORCESTER—The Greater Worcester Community Foundation has received a $1.3 million bequest from the late George Krikorian, a longtime local philanthropist, to create a permanent fund supporting people with physical disabilities in Worcester County.
The gift, announced by the foundation this week, establishes the George Peter Krikorian Fund — a new field of interest fund focused on disability support. According to the announcement, the bequest represents one-quarter of Krikorian’s estate and marks the continuation of a family legacy of giving through the Foundation that spans more than three decades.
George Krikorian, who died in 2024 at age 66, had served as advisor to the Krikorian Family Fund, which his parents Anna and George Krikorian Sr. established in 1994. The couple, founders of Spencer Products in Central Massachusetts, opened the donor-advised fund as “a simple but powerful way to give back to the community,” the Foundation said.
Over the years, George directed more than $469,000 in grants to area nonprofits through the fund, including the Worcester Center for Crafts — where the Krikorian Gallery is named in honor of his parents — as well as the Boys & Girls Club of Worcester, Worcester County Food Bank, and several local colleges and universities.
Following his passing, the fund transitioned to a discretionary fund supporting the Foundation’s annual grantmaking. But Krikorian’s final gift, through his estate plan, further expands that impact. In addition to the $1.3 million bequest to the Foundation, he also designated the remainder of his estate to three other local organizations he supported during his lifetime.
“The story of the Krikorian family and their generosity is a wonderful example of multigenerational philanthropy,” said Pete Dunn, president and CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, in the announcement. “George and his parents’ thoughtful planning and deep love for community has created a legacy that will grow over time and continue to meet critical needs across the region.”
More information on the Foundation’s planned giving program, the Acorn Society, is available at greaterworcester.org.
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