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52 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com Reliant Foundation Inc. Reliant Foundation Inc. 311 Main St, Ste 202 Worcester MA 01608 Phone: (508) 231-4663 www.reliantfoundation.org Employees: 3 Annual revenues: $1,831,950 million Year founded: 1988 MISSION STATEMENT Advancing community health priorities through strategic philanthropy and collaboration. SERVICE AREA Seventy cities and towns in- cluding all of Worcester County and a selection of towns within Middlesex County. FUTURE GOALS 1. Expand strategic grantmaking to community-based organizations addressing mental health, behavioral health, substance use recovery, and reducing stigma, ensuring resources reach people facing the greatest barriers to care and stability. 2. Advance community awareness around mental health and substance use by showcasing Reliant Foundation's impact, supporting public outreach opportunities, fostering greater under - standing of, and broader engagement in, the Foundation's mission. 3. Grow philanthropic engagement by inspiring individuals, businesses, and community partners to invest in Reliant Foundation's mission, expanding the resources available to support local health initiatives, strengthen nonprofit partners, and improve well-being across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Each year, the Reliant Foundation hosts two major fundraising events that bring together donors, supporters, and the community in support of our health-fo- cused mission. Reliant Foundation 5K: Run or Walk for a Healthier Community is a certified, chip-timed road race held on October 3, 2026 at Shore Park in Worcester, featuring 250+ participants, volunteers, corporate sponsors, student groups, nonprofit partners, entertainment, mas- cots, and family-friendly activities. "Over the course of my career as a physician in this community, I've witnessed individuals and families encounter barriers to the care and resources they need to live healthy lives. Reliant Foundation does incredible work to break down those barriers by helping to expand access to mental and behavioral health services for children and young people; support people seeking and achieving recovery; strengthen education, awareness, and workforce development in these areas; and reduce the stigma associated with mental health and substance use. The work being done by our community partners truly saves lives every day, and it is a great pleasure to support them." - Katharine Barnard, MD, Board Chair Kelsa Zereski President Katharine Barnard, MD Board Chair Drive for a Difference Golf Classic and Auction is held each May and has raised more than $6.8 million in support of health-focused grants and initia- tives. e event features golf, a social reception, dinner, auction, and awards program. Next year's event will be held on Monday, May 24, 2027. e Foundation also participates in the Falmouth Road Race in August, engaging supporters in this well-known community race to raise awareness and funds for its mission. In addition to these signature events, we host smaller donor and community engagement events throughout the year to build awareness, strengthen relation- ships, and support fundraising efforts. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES e Reliant Foundation's Annual Appeal provides an opportunity for supporters to make an unrestricted gi that helps address the most pressing needs in the communities we serve. Donations are accepted year-round, with a special annual appeal conducted each fall through mail and electronic communications. • Donations may be mailed to: Reliant Foundation, 311 Main Street, Suite 202, Worcester, MA 01608. • Secure online giving, including one-time and recurring donations, is available at reliantfoundation.org/give. • Donors are encouraged to check with their employers about matching gi opportunities to maximize their impact. We welcome support from individuals, businesses, and community organiza- tions through financial contributions, sponsorships, charitable partnerships, and matching gi programs. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES e Reliant Foundation welcomes vol- unteers from businesses and the public to support our mission and events. Event volunteers are especially needed for our two major fundraising events: the Reliant Foundation 5K: Run or Walk for a Healthier Community and the Drive for a Difference (DFAD) Golf Classic and Auction. Volunteer respon- sibilities may include guest registration, assisting with event activities, sup- porting set-up and break-down, and helping ensure a positive experience for all participants. Time commitments vary by event but typically range from a few hours to a full day. Behind-the-scenes volunteers are also important, assisting with mailings, preparation tasks, and logistics during peak event periods. ese roles may be short-term or flexible depending on project needs. A Leadership Council for individuals seeking a more ongo- ing volunteer commitment is being developed to support and guide the Foundation's work. Interested individuals can contact us at foundation@reliantfoundation.org to share their interests and be matched with opportunities that fit their skills and availability. Katharine Barnard, MD, UMass Memorial, Chair Kristine Bostek, Fallon Health, Vice Chair Andrew Madigan, F.W. Madigan Company, Clerk Sanjay Shah, Ph.D., EBS Consulting, Treasurer Naomi Sleeper, Imperial Distributors, At-Large BOARD MEMBERS Allison Beckler, DO, TaraVista Behavioral Health Center Elizabeth DeGrush, DO, Community Neuroscience Services Marianne Felice, MD, Retired Pediatrician, UMass Memorial Health / UMass Chan Medical School Joshua Greenberg, MD, FACC, Retired Clinical Cardiologist, St. Vincent Hospital Thomas McNamara, Worcester State University Tiffany Moore Simas, MD, UMass Memorial Health / UMass Chan Medical School