Worcester Business Journal

4 Giving Guide 2024 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com D ear Friends of North Worcester County, We are living through extraordinary times. As memories of the COVID-19 crisis recede, new challenges arrive on our doorsteps: neighbors seeking refuge from dangers abroad, unexpected floodwaters signaling environmental change, and national political divisions creeping into our daily conversations. Amidst these challenges, I am continually impressed by the foresight of the founders of the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts. Twenty-two years ago, they recognized the urgent need for a regional platform for action and a means for philanthropists to channel their generosity towards the needs and opportunities in our local communities. In response, they built an infrastructure of philanthropy that continues to serve our region in numerous ways. The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts is a nonprofit financial services organization. We work with individuals, families, businesses and other nonprofits to maximize the amount and impact of their philanthropy. We use state-of-the-art technology to allow fundholders to manage their grant-making when it works for them. Our funds are pooled and managed by Mason Investment Advisory Services, ranked 26th in the nation among Barrons 2024 Top 100 Institutional Consulting Teams. At the Community Foundation, philanthropists have found a trusted steward for their generosity. Today, we oversee close to $80 million in philanthropic assets, having distributed an additional $80 million back into our communities since our founding in 2001. When the COVID-19 crisis struck, the Community Foundation was ready to receive and distribute $4 million in relief funds to local nonprofits, addressing the needs of our most vulnerable neighbors—funds that, in our absence, would have gone elsewhere. The Community Foundation also helps transcend national divisions, finding common ground to create local solutions to address local issues. We serve as an honest broker, convening stakeholders to tackle problems that exceed the capacity of any single town. Our convening power helped regional stakeholders create 100 units of non-congregate supportive shelter for people experiencing homelessness where none existed before. And today, local employers, childcare providers and policymakers are working together to shape a solution to the crisis in childcare for working families in our region. All of this is made possible by our fundholders, and, as a result, experience what I call the "fundholder multiplier effect." By managing their charitable giving through the Community Foundation, fundholders benefit from our personalized customer service, cutting-edge technology, and strong investment performance. At the same time, they have created a philanthropic infrastructure that amplifies their generosity through local grants and special initiatives. As you read about the extraordinary organizations and individuals in our non-profit sector, I hope you will consider joining us in our mission to make North Central Massachusetts a better place for everyone. Sincerely, Stephen J. Adams President and CEO Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts D ear friends, When the 2023 Giving Guide was published, I had just assumed my new role as President & CEO of Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Over the past year, I have had the privilege of meeting hundreds of nonprofit leaders, donors, fundholders, community organizers, and others who are passionate about Worcester County and making this region an inclusive and welcoming place to live, work and play. The Foundation's staff and board have been working hard to reinvigorate the community foundation's critical role as an anchor in the community and a steward for community philanthropy. In my last letter, I shared some upcoming highlights that I am pleased to say have now come to fruition: • We relaunched our long-standing Nonprofit Support Center, announcing a $1-million investment over three years to build the capacity and sustainability of nonprofits in the region, helping them be more effective in advancing their missions. • We announced Worcester County Insights, a new community indicators platform for the region hosted in partnership with Worcester Regional Research Bureau. This regional resource is meant to enable data-driven decision-making for policymakers, nonprofits, businesses, community organizations and more. • We are also exploring ways to expand our impact beyond grants to include other strategies, such as making impact investments in affordable housing and convening organizations and funders around key community issues. Next year, the community foundation turns 50 years old. We look forward to celebrating this significant milestone with the community, recognizing the hard work and commitment of countless fundholders, volunteers, board members, staff and corporators who have helped make this community foundation what it is today: one of the biggest non-capital funders of arts in the region, the county's largest scholarship provider, and a recognized and trusted community partner to many. With so many incredible nonprofits in the region, it can be challenging to decide where to invest your philanthropic resources. The Greater Worcester Community Foundation is here to support you and be your trusted partner in giving. I invite you to join us in advancing our mission to enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership. With gratitude and appreciation, Pete Dunn President and CEO Greater Worcester Community Foundation GUIDE Giving 2024 From the sponsors

• Cover