March 16, 2022

WHEAT Community Connections benefits from Community Foundation grant

BY Submitted by Community Foundation of North Central MassachusettsWorcester Telegram & Gazette

FITCHBURG – The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts (CFNCM), a public charity serving the philanthropic interests of donors in the north central region of the Commonwealth, has awarded an additional $458,500 in grants through the Commonwealth COVID Grant Program in support of nonprofits providing relief to people affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The grants included $40,000 to WHEAT Community Connections in Clinton.

This is in addition to $654,754 awarded in February of 2021 and the $290,575 awarded in April of 2021, bringing the total to more than $1.4 million.

“We are hopeful that the pandemic is loosening its grip, but many families continue to be affected by the economic impacts of COVID19,” said Stephen Adams, president of the Community Foundation. “The majority of these grants will be used to address housing insecurity, food and clothing assistance and utility support—as well as things like services for and outreach to unhoused people—all pressing needs throughout our region.”

Other grants included: $65,500 to Making Opportunity Count in Fitchburg; $65,500 to the Spanish American Center in Leominster; $40,000 to the Athol YMCA; $40,000 to Catholic Charities Worcester County; $40,000 to the Fitchburg Salvation Army; $30,000 to the City of Fitchburg Fiscal Agent for Montachusett Public Health; $25,000 to United Way of North Central Massachusetts; $23,000 to Restoration Recovery Substance Abuse Center; $19,000 to Ginny’s Helping Hand; $15,000 to Community Health Connection; $15,000 to the YMCA of Central Massachusetts; $11,500 to South Middlesex Opportunity Council; $10,000 to Community Legal Aid; $10,000 to the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance; and $9,000 to Clear Path for Veterans New England.

“North Central Massachusetts is blessed with many effective and dedicated nonprofit organizations,” Adams said. “We are grateful for the opportunity to serve as a conduit for state funds, as well as the generosity of local residents, to help those who need it most.”