Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts awards $137,345 in grants

FITCHBURG — The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts, an organization serving the charitable interests of donors throughout 33 communities in the North Central region of the commonwealth, announced Thursday that it has awarded six community enrichment grants totaling $82,000, and six organizational development grants totaling $55,345, in the third quarter of 2020.

“If this year has taught us anything, it’s the importance of caring for the members of our communities, especially our most vulnerable populations,” said Stephen Adams, president of the Community Foundation. “We are grateful that, through the generosity of our fund holders and donors, we have the opportunity to support these local non-profits who are making an impact in our region.”

Community enrichment grants include:

• $20,000 to Advocates in Framingham to provide free behavioral health services to vulnerable seniors living in north central Massachusetts

• $5,000 to Best Buddies MA/RI for Peer Buddy programs for students with disabilities in 11 schools in the region

• $15,000 to Seeds of Solidarity in Orange for new wellness, food security and educational programs for women in the North Quabbin greater region who have faced isolation (including as survivors of incarceration), poverty, chronic health issues or racial injustice
•  $10,000 to the Boys & Girls Club of Fitchburg and Leominster in support of dance, movement and expressive arts therapy

• $10,000 to More Than Conquerors to support a program of financial education for local residents

• $22,000 to NewVue Communities in Fitchburg to support its Regional Impact Initiative broadening their community development efforts across North Central Massachusetts