WORCESTER—Thirty-eight nonprofits across Worcester County share $500,000 in new grants through an initiative designed not only to fund community programs but also to encourage additional giving across the region.
The grants, announced by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, represent the first awards from the Inspiring Generosity Match Fund, a partnership with the Esler Family Foundation intended to strengthen nonprofit organizations working in the areas of mental health, youth opportunity and economic mobility. The Esler family committed $1 million over two years to the fund, which is administered as a donor-advised fund at the community foundation, according to a news release announcing the awards.
Each nonprofit receives up to $25,000 and must raise a dollar-for-dollar match by Dec. 31, 2026, effectively doubling the investment in their programs if the fundraising goal is met.
“Through this partnership with the Esler Family Foundation, we’re investing in organizations that are deeply rooted in Worcester County and driving meaningful change every day,” Pete Dunn, president and CEO of the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, said in the announcement. “This match fund not only strengthens their programs but also helps expand their fundraising capacity by encouraging them to reach new donors and re-engage longtime supporters.”
Organizations receiving grants represent a broad cross-section of Worcester County nonprofits. Funding aimed at improving economic mobility supports groups including Abby’s House, Girls Incorporated of Worcester, the Latin American Health Alliance, Legendary Legacies, Literacy Volunteers of Greater Worcester, the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition, NewVue Communities, North Star Family Services, the Quinsigamond Community College Foundation, the Southeast Asian Coalition of Central Massachusetts, United Way of Central Massachusetts, the Worcester State Foundation and others working to expand educational, employment and housing opportunities.
Youth-focused grants support programs at ArtsWorcester, Assumption University, the Blackstone Valley Education Foundation, Community Book Nook Initiative, Community Harvest Project, Edward Street Child Services, Our Bright Future, the Regional Environmental Council, Rise Above Foundation, The Club in Lunenburg, Together for Kids Coalition, the UMass Chan Medical School Foundation, Wavvz NewAge Creative Lab and the Worcester Education Collaborative, among others.
Mental health grants fund programs at organizations including Dismas House of Massachusetts, Genesis Club, Her Way Home, Project New Hope, Revive of the USA, Safe Exit Initiative, Shrewsbury Youth & Family Services, The CASA Project, The Shine Initiative, UHAI for Health, Whitin Community Center and Worcester RISE for Health.
Some of the grantees have previously received funding from the Esler Family Foundation, while others are new partners in the initiative.
“Partnering with Greater Worcester Community Foundation has introduced us to an even broader network of local nonprofits aligned with our philanthropic priorities,” John Esler, co-founder of the Esler Family Foundation, said in the release. “We were impressed by the depth and diversity of the applications, and we look forward to getting to know these organizations more fully as the grant program continues.”
Jeanne Esler, also a co-founder of the family foundation, said the effort reflects a commitment to support nonprofits during a time of uncertainty in the sector.
“In this time of unpredictable funding for nonprofits, we felt it was important to stand with the changemakers in our communities — those who dedicate themselves each day to providing hope and essential support where it’s needed most,” she said in the statement.
Several of the funded programs illustrate how the grants will be used locally. Girls Inc. of Worcester will use the funding to expand its Future Pathways programming, including its long-running Eureka! STEM and leadership initiative and Project Accelerate, which focuses on career exploration and workforce preparation. Genesis Club will enhance direct member services for individuals living with serious mental illness and expand outreach to underserved populations. The Regional Environmental Council will use the funding to support its YouthGROW program, which employs high school students to help manage urban organic farms while gaining leadership experience and job skills.
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation plans to support grantees in meeting their fundraising goals by hosting a “Fundraising for a Match” workshop in April through its Nonprofit Support Center, helping organizations develop strategies for attracting new donors and securing the required matching contributions. Nonprofits that successfully meet their match requirement by the end of 2026 are also eligible for an expedited renewal in the program’s second year.
The Greater Worcester Community Foundation, founded in 1975, manages a $270 million endowment composed of more than 650 charitable funds and has distributed more than $186 million in grants across the region, according to the organization.
