GWCF: Esler Family Foundation Inspiring Generosity Match Fund Grant

GWCF: Esler Family Foundation Inspiring Generosity Match Fund Grant

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Amount: US $10,000 - US $25,000
Last Updated: April 03, 2026

Summary

Overview

GWCF: Esler Family Foundation Inspiring Generosity Match Fund The Esler family, founders of the Esler Family Foundation, have committed $1 million over two years to the Inspiring Generosity Match Fund, which will be hosted at the community foundation as a donor advised fund. The Inspiring Generosity Match Fund was developed to provide general operating, program, project, or capital project support to nonprofits doing critical work in Worcester County while also providing an incentive to organizations and donors to double their impact with a dollar-for-dollar match. The Esler family believes that matching grants help organizations reach their goals faster, create opportunities to build new relationships, and create a broader and more sustainable community of support. Areas of Support Mental Health We support organizations working to increase access to support and reduce stigma, prioritizing organizations that: Reduce barriers to mental health care Provide programs and services to improve mental health for underserved communities Evaluate the effectiveness of program models in reducing depression and anxiety, and driving broader well-being outcomes Youth Opportunity We invest in organizations working to build equitable and dynamic futures for young people (up to 24 years old), prioritizing organizations that: Support students' academic and personal growthDeliver job readiness and life skills programming to prepare and empower young people (up to 24 years old)Provide post-secondary opportunities Economic Mobility We support organizations focused on helping individuals and families to build livelihoods, improve their quality of life, and contribute to a vibrant economy, prioritizing organizations that: Deliver job readiness skills programming including ESOL and career trainingFoster and empower entrepreneurshipProvide support and resources around financial literacy Scope & Selection Criteria The grant size for this program is $10,000 - $25,000.Requests can be for general operating, program, project, or capital project support.Grantees will be assessed in the following areas:Alignment with at least one of the above areas of supportOrganizations with roots in Worcester County and proven impact for residentsPlan for leveraging matching requirement to meet new donors and deepen engagement with existing donors Match Requirement Grantees will receive 50% of the grant up front. The remaining portion of funds raised will be disbursed at the end of the grant period. Grantees will have until 12/31/2026 to raise their match. Funds raised in the 2026 calendar year can count towards the match requirement.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 501c3 organizations & fiscally sponsored projectsOrganizations based in and doing work to support Worcester CountyOrganizational revenue has a 3-year average under $5 millionPrograms embedded into larger organizations over this threshold should have a conversation with staff before applying to determine eligibility.

Ineligibility

IndividualsBusinessesEvent sponsorshipsEndowment