The Bitsie Clark Fund for Artists Grant

The Greater Worcester Community Foundation's 2024 Community Grant Program is designed to be responsive and flexible, utilizing trust-based philanthropic principles to support projects in Arts & Creativity, Basic Needs, and Economic Opportunity. This approach aims to reduce applicant burden, foster interactive engagement, and facilitate diverse storytelling, aligning with the Foundation's mission to strengthen the community by investing in critical areas that enhance the quality of life for Worcester County residents. The program seeks to build and support a diverse arts and culture ecosystem, ensure all residents have food and shelter, and create economic opportunities through English Language Learning and Job Training & Financial Literacy programs. The target beneficiaries of this grant program are primarily residents of Worcester County. The Foundation seeks to impact these residents by addressing pressing community needs through creative and innovative solutions. For Arts & Creativity, the goal is to foster a strong and inclusive arts and culture environment. In Basic Needs, the focus is on ensuring fundamental necessities like food and shelter are accessible to all. Economic Opportunity initiatives aim to empower individuals through education and skill-building, ultimately enhancing financial stability and independence within the community. The program's priorities and focus areas are distinctly defined. Arts & Creativity projects are aimed at developing a diverse and strong arts and culture ecosystem where all feel a sense of belonging. Basic Needs initiatives are dedicated to guaranteeing that all community residents have access to food and shelter. Economic Opportunity programs concentrate on English Language Learning, Job Training, and Financial Literacy to uplift individuals and families. The Foundation emphasizes organizational commitment to equity, community voice, and systems disruption, underscoring its strategic priorities to address root causes and promote systemic change. Expected outcomes include projects that demonstrate feasibility within the $2,500-$25,000 grant range, create significant access and barrier reduction for Worcester County residents, and offer creative or innovative solutions to identified community needs. Projects are also expected to have measurable and manageable goals and outcomes aligned with the specified focus areas. The Foundation's theory of change appears to be centered on empowering community-serving organizations that are sound financially and operationally, fostering authentic partnerships, and driving meaningful, unduplicated services to achieve sustainable positive change for Worcester County residents.