GWCF: Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program (Formerly Mini-Grant Program)

GWCF: Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program (Formerly Mini-Grant Program)

Status: ACTIVE
Funder: Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Amount: Up to US $10,000
Last Updated: February 18, 2026

Summary

The GWCF Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program focuses on enhancing organizational capacity for 501(c)(3) nonprofits in Worcester County. This program supports projects in leadership development, navigating change, and internal infrastructure improvements. By investing in these areas, the program aims to empower organizations to fulfill their missions and serve their communities effectively. For more details, organizations can refer to the grant guidelines available online.

Overview

NOTE: Our Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant now has a rolling deadline, with grant decisions happening twice a month. The Nonprofit Effectiveness Grant Program is a resource to support your internal organizational journey. It is designed to focus on a specific project or piece of your work in the areas of navigating change, leadership development, and growing your internal structures.We believe these small investments in capacity building are critical to your ability to fulfill your mission, deliver critical services, and lead as equitable employers. Areas of Support Our Nonprofit Effectiveness grants support the following areas: Building Internal Capacity: such as organizational audits and departmental infrastructure buildingNavigating Change: such as executive transitions and succession planning, and strategic plans that support major changes in mission.Inclusive Leadership Development and Support: such as governance and board support, executive coaching, DEIA education, and leadership training for mid-level staff. For more details about areas of support, please view the grant guidelines.

Eligibility

You can learn more about this opportunity by visiting the funder's website. 501(c)(3) organizations or fiscally sponsored programs100% of your work must be in support of Worcester County residentsYour organization has not received a Nonprofit Effectiveness grant from GWCF within the past 18 monthsThe proposed work is set to begin at a date after payment is made. (Reimbursement grants are not eligible)

Ineligibility

The grant program is not able to support the following:Salaries for new or existing positionsOperational CostsCapital Projects/PurchasesExceptions made for software and equipment that are part of a larger scope of workCapital CampaignsPilot Projects (of a programmatic nature)Merger explorationsReimbursements/ Support for work already done