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www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Giving Guide 2018 5 From the Sponsors Investing trust and delivering impact O n a shelf in our conference room at United Way of Central Massachusetts is a small red chest. On its top, next to a hole just wide enough to deposit a few coins, are the faded words "Community Chest." This seemingly unremarkable relic is, in fact, a priceless reminder of United Way's heritage and mission of community service for nearly 100 years. (The United Way of Central Massachusetts will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2020.) More importantly, it is an inspiration for our future. In 1920, people deposited their donations in the Community Chest. In doing so, they invested their trust in United Way to deliver the greatest possible good for all. Today, United Way proudly continues in our role as steward for community philanthropy. The trust our community continues to invest in us is based on our proven ability to deliver positive impact where it matters most, in health, education, and financial stability—the building blocks of strong, stable families and communities—as well as safety net services for those who are dealing with a crisis. This means building even stronger partnerships with our public schools and helping every student to graduate on time. It means making sure that the home-bound elderly have adequate nutritious food; that every young girl and woman feels safe and empowered to be her best; that struggling families receive the largest tax credits they are entitled to; that everyone has the training they need to find a family-sustaining job. And it means that in the bitter cold of winter, everyone has safe, warm shelter. It also means leveraging emerging technologies that provide every business, individual, and corporation with timely and relevant opportunities to give, volunteer, and advocate—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. We could go on. And we do. Every day. No other local non-profit has United Way's broad view of our community's most pressing needs. No other organization is more experienced at engaging and connecting (or creating) resources to touch and improve lives. We're on the streets, meeting, listening, convening, collaborating, incubating, developing, volunteering, testing, trying—and never resting. We don't let up. We don't quit. And we never stop fighting to help every individual and family be their best and our community to realize its full potential. On behalf of our board of directors, staff, and the thousands of dedicated United Way volunteers and contributors, we thank you for your trust, confidence, and the honor of serving the communities of Central Massachusetts. United we fight. United we win. n T he WBJ annual report on philanthropy gives us all a chance to see and celebrate the wide ranging contributions made by nonprofits, and the people who lead and support them, to improve lives and conditions in our region. We are proud to serve as a player in this work. Since our inception in 1975, Greater Worcester Community Foundation has used its assets – granting to cultural, educational, human service and civic organizations to foster progress. This past year alone, the Foundation awarded $8.4 million in grants and scholarships and received more than $5.6 million in contributions. You are welcome to join in. Growing the Good: A Campaign for Greater Worcester seeks to increase our capacity for leadership grant-making and continue to help drive opportunity for all. As donors invest in strategic granting, we make a greater impact together than is possible alone. Our strong endowment, dedicated staff and board, and a network of expert advisors and champions are here to match your passions with worthy programs that merit your support. By establishing a fund, the Foundation can help you establish a legacy that lives on in perpetuity. As you review the Report on Philanthropy, think about ways that you might become involved. Let's grow the good together. n Growing the Good Timothy Garvin President/CEO United Way of Central Massachusetts Ann T. Lisi President/CEO Greater Worcester Community Foundation S uccessful nonprofit organizations have to have a sharp eye on two bottom lines - one on financial strength & sustainability - and the other on the social good generated by delivering real value to their clients and customers. Its a real balancing act that has not gotten any easier over time. In an effort to shed a spotlight on some of our region's most successful nonprofits, we are proud to be publishing our 9th annual Central Massachusetts Giving Guide. The goal of this publication is to provide an easy-to-read snapshot of each organization's mission and goals, top volunteer activities and major events, as well as a list of board members and senior leadership. While you may be familiar with many of these organizations, we're confident that you'll discover a few new things you didn't know. We've got a dynamic nonprofit community, and the best organizations are always evolving and adapting their services to meet the changing needs of the marketplace. Business and community leaders have a long tradition of giving back to the area's non-profit community, and you'll see the names of many top executives and committed corporate citizens on the boards of these nonprofits. Engaging with our nonprofit community is not only energizing for those on the board of directors, but also for a wide variety of companies and their employees who volunteer their time and find great satisfaction in giving back to those in need. Supporting our nonprofit community is integral to the mission of our partners in the Giving Guide, the United Way and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. It is great to be teaming up with them again in producing this annual directory. Our region's business community has a rich tradition of engagement with our nonprofit community. Done right, it is a rewarding partnership for both parties. If you or your company want to become more involved, dig into the Giving Guide and find more out about the exciting work that these organizations are doing. n Peter Stanton Publisher Peter Stanton Publisher/CEO New England Business Media From the Publisher