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

November 2026 (Full application deadline, projected)

Typical project budgets under $40,000; annual awards; 1-year funding.

Supports youth-led projects in Worcester County addressing education, health, basic needs, and environmental action with strong youth leadership.

Authentic youth involvement and Worcester County focus required.

--- ## Description The Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) Fund is an annual grant program managed by the Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s teen philanthropy committee. The fund is dedicated to supporting youth-driven projects that address critical needs in Worcester County, Massachusetts. Emphasis is placed on authentic youth voice and leadership—meaning projects must be designed, led, or meaningfully influenced by young people. Priority funding areas for the upcoming cycle include: - Expanding educational resources, especially for underserved students (e.g., college readiness, job/career preparation, civic education, ESL, tutoring) - Supporting youth mental and physical health (e.g., behavioral health, addiction counseling, support for victims of violence, navigating teen pregnancies) - Addressing basic needs (e.g., food and housing insecurity, hygiene, seasonal clothing) - Promoting youth-led environmental action (e.g., pollution reduction, clean-up, climate education) Successful applications will clearly demonstrate youth involvement in project design, leadership, and decision-making. --- ## Due Dates - November 2026 (anticipated/projected full application deadline) *All dates are projected based on the annual cycle; check the program page for updates.* --- ## Funding Amount - Typical total project budgets must be under $40,000. - Funding is for one year. - The number of awards varies annually depending on available funds. --- ## Eligibility - Projects must be designed by, led by, or meaningfully requested by young people (youth must have decision-making power). - Applicant organizations must be a 501(c)(3) nonprofit or have a fiscal sponsor. - Organizations must be based in Worcester County, Massachusetts. - The project must benefit Worcester County residents. - Only projects with total budgets under $40,000 are eligible. --- ## Application Process - Applications are submitted online via the [Greater Worcester Community Foundation grant portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=greaterworcester). - Applicants should review the [YCI Fund program page](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities/youth-for-community-improvement-yci-fund) for detailed guidelines and updated timelines. - Finalists are typically invited to a conversation/interview with the YCI committee as part of the review process. - Required materials usually include a project description, budget, and evidence of youth leadership. --- ## Additional Information - All proposals must authentically center youth voice and leadership. - Projects that do not prioritize youth involvement or do not benefit Worcester County are ineligible. - The Foundation encourages organizations to reach out with questions before applying. --- ## External Links - [YCI Fund Program Page](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities/youth-for-community-improvement-yci-fund) - [GWCF Competitive Grant Opportunities](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities) - [Grant Application Portal](https://www.grantinterface.com/Home/Logon?urlkey=greaterworcester) - [Applicant Resources](https://greaterworcester.org/for-non-profits/competitive-grant-opportunities/applicant-resources) --- ## Contact Information | Name | Title | Email | Phone | |------------------------------|----------------------------------------------|-----------------------------------------|--------------| | Amaris Gonzalez | Program Officer for Youth and Families | agonalez@greaterworcester.org | 508-755-0980 | | Sarah Shugrue | Director of Grantmaking & Capacity Building | sshugrue@greaterworcester.org | 508-755-0980 | | General Grants Contact | | grants@greaterworcester.org | 508-755-0980 |

Youth for Community Improvement (YCI) Fund

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