Community Resilience

Addressing urgent needs today for a better tomorrow

WORCESTER TOGETHER FUND

About the Fund

The Worcester Together Fund was established as a rapid response initiative to support the community during the COVID-19 pandemic to provide:

  • Emergency relief

  • Support recovery, and

  • Promote long-term systems change in Central Massachusetts

Led by the United Way of Central Massachusetts and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation, the fund has granted over $10 million to local nonprofits addressing critical community needs.

Today, Worcester Together continues as a collaborative effort, bringing organizations together weekly to foster resilience, equity, and collective impact with a focus on 5 objectives:.

Collaborate. Coordinate. Communicate. Share Resources. Problem Solve.

It’s THREE-PHASE APPROACH aimed to address immediate needs, assist in recovery, and drive systemic change to support the community during the COVID-19 crisis:

Immediate Relief

Providing grants to nonprofits serving vulnerable populations such as frontline workers, communities of color, seniors, and those experiencing food insecurity and homelessness.

Recovery

Provided unrestricted general operating support to nonprofits delivering high-quality community services and planning for long-term sustainability.

Reimagining

Supported collaborative initiatives addressing systemic inequities, encouraging organizations to rethink service models and advocate for long-term change.

While grant applications are now closed, the impact of Worcester Together continues.

Since March 2020, the initiative has evolved into a weekly collaborative forum where nonprofit leaders, funders, and community stakeholders convene to address ongoing challenges, share resources, and work collectively to build a stronger, more equitable Central Massachusetts. This ongoing collaboration ensures that the lessons learned and relationships built during the crisis continue to drive positive change in the region.