Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal Giving Guide 2019 5 From the Sponsors Investing in People is Investing in Our Community R ecently, a community leader commented that "We count on the United Way; we know that if we have a problem or a challenge that you will find a solution for us." As the CEO, that comment reassured me that we are fulfilling our mission; to connect people and resources to improve the community. For almost 100 years, our United Way has worked to improve the quality life for the most vulnerable in Central Massachusetts. We do that through several different programs that touch all parts of our community. 2-1-1 is our statewide, free information and referral hotline available 24/7, 365 days a year. Last year, 2-1-1 fielded 7,158 calls in Central Massachusetts alone. This hotline is a lifeline for those in crisis when they don't know where else to turn. The Worcester Free Tax Service Coalition prepared 2,231 tax returns this year, returning $3.59 million to the local community. Our Women's Initiative Dollar $cholar Program provided financial literacy programs to 340 eighth-grade girls and had 111 successful women leaders serve as mentors for these girls. Providing food for families in need is critical and during the summer months the demand is greater for families with school-age children. This past May we collected close to 400,000 pounds of food through the United States Postal Service's Stamp Out Hunger effort, so that we may replenish local food banks for the summer months when the need is greatest. These programs, plus many more, define our mission of connecting people and resources to improve our community. As we have done for 100 years, we pledge to strengthen our commitment to this community and work every single day to ensure that the needs of all its most vulnerable citizens are met. As we look to 2020 and beyond, we are committed to providing resources to create financial stability, educational opportunity, and programs dedicated to the health and well-being of the community we call home. n Tim Garvin President and CEO, United Way of Central Massachusetts Y ou don't have to look far to see that collaboration, ingenuity, and compassion are at the core of the Worcester community. This is a region where civic life matters, and where people across public, private, and nonprofit sectors come together to advance opportunity for all. This is an exciting time to be part of an organization like Greater Worcester Community Foundation. The Foundation is a proud investor in our region. This commitment takes shape in a myriad of ways: we run free workshops through our Nonprofit Support Center to build organizational capacity; we invest in agencies to allow them to better plan their financial future; we support leadership programs to develop individuals who are inspired to get involved; we collaborate on initiatives that advance our community's shared goals; and we offer grant programs to support critical services that our neighbors deserve and count on. The Worcester Business Journal's report on philanthropy provides a snapshot of area nonprofits. Each of them has a part to play in building a stronger, more resilient Worcester. We invite you to consider how to put your compassion into action! This year's Giving Guide is a terrific resource to help you decide where to give and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation is here to assist you as well. n Barbara Fields President/CEO Greater Worcester Community Foundation Compassion in Action I n an effort to shed a spotlight on some of our region's most successful nonprofits, we are proud to be publishing our 10th 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. Central MA is home to a dynamic nonprofit community, and the best organizations are always evolving and adapting their services to meet the changing needs of the marketplace. Our 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 area nonprofits, and done right, it is a rewarding partnership for both parties. Successful companies care about their employees and their community. So if your company is looking for a way to engage in doing good, dig into the Giving Guide and find more out about the exciting work that these great organizations are doing. Also note that a digital edition of the Giving Guide will be on our website year round at wbjournal.com, and each non- profit profile is also on the site under the "Custom Content" tab - meaning the Giving Guide is alive in print and online! n Peter Stanton Publisher Peter Stanton Publisher/CEO New England Business Media From the Publisher Regional Philanthropic Opportunities GUIDE 2019 Giving

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