Worcester Business Journal

8 Giving Guide 2025 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com CASA (Court Appointed Special Advocates) volunteers have worked to represent thousands of children in foster care in Worcester County since 1981. While obtaining federal funding to support our work has been a goal in the past, I'm now relieved we haven't achieved it. As a member of the National CASA/ GAL (Guardian ad Litem) Association, we know they and other local CASA programs will receive direct and indirect cuts under the new federal budget. We are grateful that CASA Project Worcester County is not immediately impacted, with much of our funding coming directly from the state. Yet, we know there is a major trickle-down effect when federal aid is cut. It is a relief to have a state administration that is both fiscally responsible while being socially compassionate. We are grateful for a tremendous local delegation working tirelessly on our behalf, who believe in our work. In conversations with them, it's clear that no one yet knows the full long-term impact of state funding for programs like ours in response to the federal budget. We are certainly in leaner times. In addition to state funding, we've been intentional about increasing revenue from other sources. We have been fortunate to diversify through generous private philanthropy, foundations, corporations, and creative community and special events. However, the economy remains precarious. Like all nonprofits, we're taking this time to prepare for the worst, but will continue to hope and work for the best. The outcomes of the youth we support depend on it. –Julie Bowditch Funding challenges predate the Trump Administration and are partial- ly a consequence of funding streams dwindling after a temporary upswing in response to the pandemic, said Peter Dunn, president and CEO of Greater Worcester Community Foundation. Now, federal cuts could be stagger- ing, and philanthropy can't backfill the gap, said Dunn. "We're asking, 'What lane do we fill that makes the most sense?'," Dunn said. For GWCF, the third-largest grant-making foundation in Central Massachusetts, Dunn said that lane is projects focused on capacity building, as nonprofits prepare to meet the moment. "We've provided additional funding and will be rolling out a variety of new streams in the capacity space," he said. STREAMLINED GRANTS VERY WELCOME Tapping into the needs of nonprofits is a top priority for funders as they seek to be effective stewards of the money they manage. Many, including GWCF, have streamlined their applica- tion processes to become more accessi- ble to organizations of all sizes, some of which don't have a lot of experience applying for and managing grants. "That's very important, and it's very welcome," said Jim Klocke, CEO of the Massachusetts Nonprofit Network, representing more than 650 members across the state. The level of federal cuts will end up somewhere between the huge cuts everyone fears and more modest reductions, Klocke said. Nonprofit leaders will need to reimagine funding, as no one source will make up for lost federal dollars. A 2025 survey of MNN members found that 89% of organiza- tions receiving federal money expect federal funding to decrease. That was across all programs, not just those seen as Trump targets such as diversity, equity, and inclusion and climate change. Networking will be key to increasing financial support from other sources, he said, by getting out and sharing the organization's story and mission with prospective donors. It can be done even with a lean staff when all employ- ees leverage their connections. continued from page 7 Not your parents' trickle-down economics Peter Dunn, Greater Worcester Community Foundation Julie Bowditch, executive director of CASA Project Worcester County, described how federal budget cuts impact organizations serving vulnerable populations – even if they aren't federally funded. Need Extra Capital to Take Your Business to the Next Level? 800-939-9103 cornerstonebank.com Member FDIC | Member DIF We're here to support your growth and success. Our tailored financing solutions address your unique needs for construction, equipment, expansion, and working capital, helping your business thrive. Scan the QR code to learn more.

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