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36 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 1. Launch and implement three new initiatives tied to our 50th anniversary investments, including a Worcester County library arts grant program, an emergency fund for scholarship recipients facing unexpected expenses and a predevelopment loan program to support affordable housing through Community Development Corporations. 2. Expand and strengthen the Nonprofit Support Center by increasing access to workshops, board training through Nourishing Tomorrow's Leaders and funding opportunities such as Nonprof- it Effectiveness Grants and the Mergers and Shared Services Fund. 3. Advance the Facing Change initiative by supporting a cohort of 15 organi- zations with multi-year funding, peer learning and mentorship, while intro- ducing a new Nonprofit Effectiveness grants opportunity for smaller organi- zations in Worcester and a Nonprofit Loan Fund. 4. Implement the Small Towns Initia- tive in partnership with Community Heart & Soul, a national organization that seeks to broaden access to resi- dent-driven community engagement strategies. 5. Grow local philanthropy by expand- Greater Worcester Community Foundation Greater Worcester Community Foundation 1 Mercantile St. Ste 010 Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 755-0980 www.greaterworcester.org Employees: 15 Annual revenues: $22.5 million (gifts and donations) Year founded: 1975 MISSION STATEMENT To enhance our community, now and in the future, through philanthropic leadership SERVICE AREA The Foundation serves the 60 cities and towns in Worcester County. TOP FUNDING SOURCES Individuals Private & Nonprofit Foundations Business and Government ed legacy giving and donor advised fund programs through new outreach materials and deeper relationship build- ing to expand charitable support and donor participation. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES We offer a range of giving options for individuals and organizations. Whether a donor wants to give now or plan for the future, remain closely involved or take a more hands-off approach, we provide the expertise and local knowl- edge to turn philanthropic goals into meaningful, lasting impact. Funds can begin making grants once they reach $10,000, or $30,000 for scholarship funds. Aer a fund is estab- lished, individuals and organizations can contribute at any level. In addition to creating a fund, donors may give to existing funds that address current needs and opportunities. ese include our Community Leadership Fund, which allows us to respond to emerging community priorities, as well as our General Scholarship Fund, Worcester County Green Fund and Creative Worcester County Fund. We welcome year-round online dona- tions, partnerships with businesses and support that strengthens the region through flexible, community-informed philanthropy. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Participation from the community is a cornerstone of our work and essential to our operations. More than 250 individuals from the business community, educational sector, and local nonprofits serve the Foundation annually as corporators. Corporators are volunteers who act as ambassadors, applying their expertise, talent, and knowledge to help the Foun- dation grow its philanthropic impact across the region. Corporators may serve as many consecutive terms as they would like. Board members also serve as corporators and may be elected to up to two four-year terms on the board. We also engage volunteers on staff-led grantmaking and scholarship commit- tees. ese volunteers review appli- cations, share insights and help guide funding decisions that reflect commu- nity needs and priorities. Volunteer opportunities are designed for individuals who want to make a meaningful contribution without a dai- ly time commitment. Most roles involve periodic meetings and seasonal review work. Together, these volunteers help ensure our grantmaking is thoughtful, inclusive and grounded in the commu- nities we serve. "Serving as board chair deepens my appreciation for how Greater Worcester Community Foundation brings people together to create lasting impact. Also, as a fundholder, what resonates most is the collective power of philanthropy done thoughtfully and close to home. The past 50 years have built an extraordinary legacy, and I'm inspired by the opportunity to help shape the next 50 by strengthening communities and expanding opportunity across Worcester County." - Joycelyn Augustus, Board Chair Pete Dunn President & CEO Joycelyn Augustus JCassand, Inc. Board Chair Joycelyn Augustus, JCassand, Inc., Chair Maria Heskes-Allard, Fidelity Bank, Chair- Elect Dennis Kerrigan, The Hanover Insurance Group, Clerk Thomas J. Bartholomew, Bartholomew & Company, Inc, Treasurer Ché Anderson, UMass Chan Medical School, At-Large Michael P. Angelini, Prince Lobel, At-Large BOARD MEMBERS Linda T. Cammuso, Estate Preservation Law Offices Marybeth Campbell, Worcester Community Action Council Christine Cassidy, Community Volunteer Germán Chiriboga, UMass Chan Medical School Ross K. Dik, Knight-Dik Insurance Agency Charran Fisher, Fisher Contracting Corporation Matthew V. Fletcher, Moneta Group Linda T. Cammuso, Estate Preservation Law Offices Lauren Howe, empHowered PR Naomi Sleeper, Imperial Distributors, Inc. Eric Torkornoo, Fidelity Bank Ann K. Tripp, Community Volunteer Julian Davis Wade, Davis Publications, Inc. Elizabeth Wambui, Fontaine Bros., Inc. Valerie Zolezzi-Wyndham, Promoting Good LLC