[Greater Worcester Community Foundation](https://greaterworcester.org)

April 17, 2026: Full application submission deadline

Average grant size is $3,000; requests of any amount considered; funds must be expended within 18 months.

Supports nonprofit initiatives to increase food access, build organizational capacity, and advance advocacy to reduce hunger in Worcester County.

--- ## Description The Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger provides financial support to nonprofit organizations working to achieve a hunger-free Worcester County. Established in 2011, the fund targets projects that: - Increase access to healthy foods (e.g., meal programs, community food resources, initiatives supporting marginalized communities, and economic self-sufficiency/skill-building programs) - Build the capacity of food-serving organizations (including funding for equipment, materials, and staff/volunteer training) - Advance advocacy and policy change, especially related to nutrition assistance programs like SNAP and HIP The fund seeks to strengthen the infrastructure and effectiveness of organizations serving food-insecure populations and supports both direct service and systemic change efforts. --- ## Due Dates - April 17, 2026: Full application submission deadline Applications are currently open and will close on April 17, 2026. --- ## Funding Amount - Average grant size: $3,000 - Requests of any amount will be considered; larger projects should demonstrate additional funding sources - Funds must be expended within 18 months of disbursement --- ## Eligibility Eligible applicants must: - Be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization or a fiscally sponsored program - Propose work that begins after funding is awarded (no reimbursement grants) - Request support for discrete programs, projects, or supplies (not general operating support) - Demonstrate impact on Worcester County residents Additional notes: - Long-term recipients (5+ consecutive years) are encouraged to take a one-year break from applying - Individuals and businesses are not eligible - Routine food costs are rarely supported (exceptions for religious, medical, or cultural needs) --- ## Application Process 1. Review the [grant guidelines (PDF)](https://stdidgreaterworcesteprod.blob.core.windows.net/greaterworcester/documents/Fund-to-End-Hunger-Guidelines-2026.pdf). 2. Prepare responses to application questions (see [application question list (DOCX)](https://stdidgreaterworcesteprod.blob.core.windows.net/greaterworcester/documents/WCFB-Fund-to-End-Hunger-Grant-Program-2025-NB.docx)), including: - Organizational information - Project/program details - Budget and supporting documents 3. Submit your application through the [GWCF Nonprofit Grant Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=greaterworcester) by April 17, 2026. 4. Applicants are encouraged to contact GWCF program staff for guidance or feedback prior to submission. 5. All applications are thoroughly reviewed, and applicants will be notified of the funding decision. 6. Instead of a formal report, grantees will have a follow-up conversation with staff at the conclusion of the funded work. --- ## Additional Information - Projects are assessed on alignment with fund priorities, feasibility, and impact for Worcester County residents. - For large purchase requests, a vendor quote must be included. - Grantees are encouraged to seek feedback on their applications and may receive coaching from GWCF staff. - See the [2024 grantee list](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/grantees/grantee-list) for examples of previously funded organizations. --- ## External Links - [Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger Grant Page](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities/worcester-county-food-bank-fund) - [Nonprofit Grant Portal (Application Submission)](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=greaterworcester) - [Grant Guidelines (PDF)](https://stdidgreaterworcesteprod.blob.core.windows.net/greaterworcester/documents/Fund-to-End-Hunger-Guidelines-2026.pdf) - [Application Question List (DOCX)](https://stdidgreaterworcesteprod.blob.core.windows.net/greaterworcester/documents/WCFB-Fund-to-End-Hunger-Grant-Program-2025-NB.docx) - [2024 Grantee List](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/grantees/grantee-list) --- ## Contact Information | Name/Title | Email | Phone | Additional Info | |-------------------------------------------------|-------------------------------------------------|---------------|---------------------------------| | Sarah Shugrue, Director of Grantmaking and Capacity Building | sshugrue@greaterworcester.org | 508-755-0980 | [Contact Page](https://greaterworcester.org/about-us/contact-us) | | GWCF Grants Team | grants@greaterworcester.org | 508-755-0980 | |

Worcester County Food Bank Fund to End Hunger

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