Big news for Worcester County nonprofits! The Greater Worcester Community Foundation has teamed up with the Esler Family Foundation to launch the Inspiring Generosity Match Fund, a $1 million initiative aimed at helping local organizations increase their impact while growing donor support.
The fund provides grants up to $25,000, paired with a dollar-for-dollar match, and focuses on three critical areas: mental health, youth opportunity, and economic mobility. This unique partnership is designed to strengthen nonprofits, accelerate their goals, and encourage new donor engagement all while giving back to the community in meaningful ways.
For full details, visit the Greater Worcester Community Foundation press release.
Read Full Press Release Below
Greater Worcester Community Foundation and Esler Family Foundation Partner on New $1M “Inspiring Generosity Match Fund”
Worcester, MA — Greater Worcester Community Foundation today announced the launch of the Esler Family Foundation Inspiring Generosity Match Fund, a new grantmaking opportunity designed to strengthen Worcester County nonprofits by providing flexible funding paired with a dollar-for-dollar match incentive.
Developed in partnership with the Esler Family Foundation, this fund will provide resources for organizations doing critical work across Worcester County, while helping nonprofits accelerate their goals, expand their networks, and build long-term donor engagement.
“The Esler Family Foundation is committed to strengthening communities by investing in organizations that create meaningful, lasting change,” said John Esler, Co-Founder of the Esler Family Foundation. “By partnering with the community foundation, we can combine our resources with their local expertise to help Worcester County nonprofits deepen their impact while inspiring more people to give.”
The Esler family has 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 fund is open to 501(c)(3) organizations and fiscally sponsored projects based in and serving Worcester County, with an average annual revenue under $5 million over the past three years. Grants will be awarded to organizations aligned with at least one of three focus areas: mental health, youth opportunity, and economic mobility.
“The focus areas for this fund are closely aligned with our own grantmaking priorities of health and wellbeing, youth development and economic opportunity,” said Pete Dunn, President and CEO of Greater Worcester Community Foundation. “Partnering with the Esler family allows us to bring greater resources to the nonprofits that are making a positive difference in the community.”
Grant Awards and Matching Requirements
The Inspiring Generosity Match Fund will provide grants up to $25,000, to be matched by the grantee. Nonprofits will be encouraged to raise match funds from new donors or through increased giving from existing donors.
The match is intended to encourage donor engagement while minimizing the burden on grantees. To support success, Greater Worcester Community Foundation’s Nonprofit Support Center will offer a complimentary fundraising workshop focused on matching gifts shortly after awards are announced. Recipients will have until December 31, 2026 to raise their full match. Additional coaching and resources will be provided as needed.
How to Apply
Applications will open on December 15, 2025. A virtual orientation for interested applicants will be held on December 18, 2025 at 11 a.m.
Organizations are encouraged to contact GWCF program staff prior to submitting an application for guidance or feedback. To learn more about the program, visit Esler Family Foundation Inspiring Generosity Match Fund.
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Media Contact
Melody MacLean
Senior Director of Communications
Greater Worcester Community Foundation
508-755-0980 ext. 102
About Greater Worcester Community Foundation
Greater Worcester Community Foundation is central Massachusetts’ leading community foundation, employing its expertise and resources to address the region’s most urgent needs. Since 1975, it has worked in partnership with donors to build a $200 million endowment composed of more than 600 named charitable funds and award over $167 million in grants that have helped transform communities and build a strong and vibrant region. For more information on the Foundation’s programs and how to give, please visit www.greaterworcester.org.
About Esler Family Foundation
Esler Family Foundation is committed to healing minds and strengthening spirits in partnership with organizations at home and around the globe. John and Jeanne Esler, who are passionate about giving while they’re living, founded the Foundation in 2019 to address some of the most pressing needs of our time – mental health, youth opportunity, and economic mobility. To reach the Esler Family Foundation, please email [email protected].
Have news, tips, or a story Worcester needs to hear? Reach Editor-in-Chief Jerry Filmore at [email protected] or [email protected] (because community news starts with you.)
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