$500K Donation Goes To Worcester-Based Group For Women Of Color

WORCESTER, MA — A Sutton-based foundation has made a large donation to a Worcester-based organization that works on ending racial disparities for women of color.

The Esler Family Foundation this week donated $500,000 to the Massachusetts Women of Color Coalition (MAWOCC) nonprofit. The three-year grant will be used to "establish the infrastructure it needs to realize its vision and mission and eventually become a global organization."

MAWOCC's mission is to build a Massachusetts "where racism and sexism no longer dictate the outcomes of women of color and our communities."

"This tremendous elevation in the status of MAWOCC is indicative of the great need for this kind of work,” said President Celia Johnston Blue in a news release. “We have been able to make great strides in the past six years and as we elevate to the next level, we will be able to go even deeper into our mission, positively impacting the lives of women of color statewide and even nationally."

The Esler Family Foundation has focused its work on gender and racial equity in the U.S. The nonprofit was founded by John Esler, an affiliate of Renewal by Andersen manufacturing and selling windows.