Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1538244
40 Giving Guide 2025 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 1. Connect more than 15,000 audience members from Central Massachusetts and beyond with world-renowned orchestras, soloists, and ensembles spanning the classical, jazz, folk, world music, and dance genres over the course of 29 different events in the 2025-2026 season; 2. Bring professional musicians, including visiting international artists, to schools throughout Greater Worcester to conduct master classes with middle and high school students; 3. Hold 11 concerts as part of the second year of THE COMPLETE BACH, the 11-year project to present live performances of all of J.S. Bach's works, including two festival weekends, BACHtoberfest (Oct. 24-26, 2025) and Bach's Birthday Bash (March 20-22, 2026); 4. Introduce the 2026 Artist-in- Residence, Dr. Everett McCorvey, to audiences, students, and community partners throughout the area; 5. Increase access and reduce barriers to Music Worcester performances through programs including Card to Culture and Tickets to Opportunity, with at least 10% of total ticket count reflecting these efforts; 6. Model collaboration in the performing arts sector and reach new audiences through co-presentations with Crocodile River Music, the Prior Performing Arts Center, and e Hanover eatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES While Music Worcester has no galas or fundraising events planned for the 2025-2026 Season, a robust schedule of 25+ concerts and events through May 2026 has recently been published. e organization seeks to connect with the area business community to create and customize sponsorship packages for all these performances, from jazz pianist Aaron Diehl to Dance eatre of Harlem. Music Worcester does operate a biennial gala & auction for e Worcester Chorus, a performing ensemble that has been part of Music Worcester since its founding in 1858, with the next event expected in the 2026-2027 Season. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Music Worcester welcomes and seeks out donations from individuals, business and corporate supporters, and foundations year-round. Two major appeals, each winter and summer, support the organization's overall performances and educational activities. Sponsorship opportunities for businesses and individuals, as well as grant opportunities for private or corporate foundations, exist for concerts and major programs (like the Artist-in-Residence initiative next running in 2026 with Dr. Everett McCorvey). e annual program book serves as a key occasion for area businesses to support Music Worcester's mission while advertising in a publication presented to all attendees throughout the season. Music Worcester regularly seeks in- kind donations related to hospitality for the artists it welcomes to Worcester throughout the year from around the world, including meals, bottles of water, hotel rooms, and transportation to regional airports and train stations. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteer ushers assist at concerts and events to help Music Worcester deliver the ideal patron experience, welcoming audience members, scanning tickets, distributing programs, and helping patrons find their seats. Volunteers pay no dues and are asked to work at least three events over the course of the year. Music Worcester Adrien C. Finlay Executive Director, Endowed by the McDonough Charitable Foundation Anthony Smith Nolichucky Associates Board Chair Eric Brose, Fidelity Bank, Vice President Gabriel Cain, Nonprofit Numerics, Treasurer Angela Knapton, Hanover Insurance, Clerk BOARD MEMBERS Polly Kimmitt, Kimmitt Genealogical Research, Worcester Chorus President Osman Bilsel, Microgradient Fluidics LLC Bruce Bursten, WPI Alvin Gomez, Quest Diagnostics Aldo Garcia Guevara, Worcester State University William D. Hoffman, UMass Chan Medical School Bonnie Johnson, WICN Christine Keller, Lasell University Jeffrey Levine, Jeffrey Levine MD Margaret Pottle, UniBank Kenneth Prince, community volunteer Bob Sorrenti, community volunteer Virginia Vaughn, Clark University - Professor Emeritus Karen–Louise Walker, Payne Theological Seminary Margaret Wong, Quinsigamond Community College "I first came to Music Worcester as an audience member, drawn by the chance to hear world- class orchestras and artists without leaving Central Massachusetts. Over the years, my connection deepened - from subscriber to donor to board member, and now, as I conclude my term as board president this fall, I'm proud to have played a role in its growth. What keeps me involved is not just the extraordinary quality and variety of artists, but the impact Music Worcester has across the region, especially in schools and community programs. is organization doesn't just present great concerts; it invests in Worcester's cultural life in lasting, meaning ful ways." – Anthony Smith, Board Chair 319 Main St. Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 754-3231 musicworcester.org Full-time employees: 4 Annual Revenues: $ 2.1 million (FY 24 operating budget - most recent audited fiscal year) Year founded: 1858 MISSION STATEMENT Presenting inspiring musical experiences and educational opportunities throughout Central Massachusetts SERVICE AREA Adults and students in Central Massachusetts, though members of our audience come from throughout New England and beyond. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 35% Ticket sales 26% Foundation support 17% Donations from individuals