WORCESTER COUNTY—From music tickets for seniors to STEM education in city classrooms, the first wave of 2025 grant funding from the Webster Five Foundation is backing a wide range of community-focused efforts across Worcester County and beyond.
In its latest round, the Foundation awarded $47,500 to 14 nonprofit organizations, continuing its mission to support local initiatives that strengthen education, culture, social services and community development.
“These grants empower organizations that are driving change, solving problems and creating opportunities where they’re needed most,” said Webster Five President and CEO Don Doyle in the announcement. “We’re proud to champion their work and help fuel their impact in 2025 and beyond.”
Several Worcester-based nonprofits were among the recipients, including Jeremiah’s Inn, which received $5,000 for its Nutrition Center that serves roughly 14,000 South Worcester residents each year. The Regional Environmental Council was awarded $5,000 as the first installment of a $25,000 multi-year grant to support its Center for Urban Agriculture and Food Security in the Main South neighborhood.
Genesis Club, also in Worcester, received $5,000 for its employment services program for adults living with serious mental illness. The YMCA of Central Massachusetts received the largest single grant — $10,000 — to support its Achievers Program, which focuses on college preparation and career mentoring for underserved teens.
Other recipients include:
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass and MetroWest – $6,500 for one-on-one youth mentoring.
- Center for Women & Enterprise (Central MA office) – $3,500 for general operations.
- Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester – $1,500 for ESOL and workforce readiness.
- Straight Ahead Ministries – $2,000 for the Worcester Youth Reentry Program.
- Science from Scientists – $2,500 to bring hands-on STEM learning to Title I Worcester schools.
The grants also reached regional and state-level organizations with local ties, such as MAB Community Services, which received funding for vision rehabilitation services for older adults in Central Massachusetts, and the Massachusetts 4-H Foundation, which was awarded support for the Worcester County 4-H Fair.
Since its founding in 1996, the Webster Five Foundation has distributed more than $4.2 million to 301 organizations. The next round of grants will be announced in the second quarter of 2025.
