Trust commission approves $15,000 from George Knight Fund for Recreation Worcester summer program

On May 28, 2025, the City of Worcester Trust Funds Commission approved a $15,000 award from the George Knight Fund to support the Recreation Worcester summer program, which provides free outdoor activities and health-focused training for city youth.

The request, listed as funding request 52101 from Dr. Matilde Castile, Health and Human Services director, asked the commission to increase support from last year’s $10,378 to $15,000 to cover materials for the program. Dr. Matilde Castile told the commission the Recreation Worcester Program “offers free outdoor summer activities for youth in the city” and includes health and training components for participants.

Chair Paul Foley said he reviewed the fund balance and the terms of the applicable trust and "find[ ] that the request is appropriate," then moved to approve the request. Commissioners approved by voice vote; no opposition was recorded on the transcript.

Commission documents and the chair’s remarks show the commission compared the request to the trust terms and available balances before approving the award. The commission noted the program previously received funding and that this request represents an increase in materials support for the summer season.

The commission did not specify additional implementation steps or reporting requirements in the meeting record; the chair indicated staff and commissioners will sign the paperwork after the meeting.