Issue link: https://nebusinessmedia.uberflip.com/i/1546059
34 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com FUTURE GOALS 1. Grow youth and adult membership across our footprint through strong outreach and communication by expanding outreach, strengthening vol- unteer support, and creating welcoming pathways into Girl Scouts. 2. Expand Community-Based Programs (CBPs) in partnership with community partners to reach more underserved communities, increasing access to Girl Scouts through community-based pro- grams that remove barriers and serve girls in schools, community spaces, and other local settings. 3. Increase access to outdoor experi- ences and camp participation across all four camp properties by expanding camp and outdoor experiences that fos- ter confidence, resilience, and a lifelong connection to nature. 4. Strengthen programming for all age levels, including innovative leader- ship pathways like Girls in Policy that prepare girls to lead and advocate for change. 5. Design programming that meets girls where they are and reflects their lived experiences. Design programs that Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts 115 Century Drive Worcester, MA 01606 Phone: (508) 365-0115 www.gscwm.org Employees: 30 year-round, 60 seasonal Annual revenues: $4,366,731 Year founded: 1912 MISSION STATEMENT To build girls of courage, confidence, and character, who make the world a better place SERVICE AREA Girl Scouts of Central and West- ern Massachusetts serves mem- bers in 186 cities and towns in Berkshire, Franklin, Hamp- shire, Hampden and Worcester Counties and a tiny portion of Middlesex County. TOP FUNDING SOURCES Grants, individual donations, fundraising events, and other contributions comprise 25% of total revenue. reflect girls' voices, interests, and lived experiences, ensuring every girl feels seen, valued, and empowered. 6. Continue expanding leadership, STEM, financial literacy, and life skills programming by expanding hands-on STEM, financial literacy, entrepreneur- ship, and life skills programming that prepares girls for future success. 7. Deepen outreach and engagement with middle school girls during key transition years by creating meaning- ful experiences that build belonging, confidence, and lasting connections, prioritizing targeted strategies to support girls as they transition into middle school, when engagement oen declines. 8. Strengthen partnerships and col- laborative delivery models to expand reach and sustainability. Continue to build and deepen relationships with corporate, school, and community partners to enhance programming, in- crease capacity, and ensure sustainable, high-quality Girl Scout experiences across the region. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts offers meaningful oppor- tunities for individuals, businesses, and community partners to invest in the next generation of girl leaders through sponsorships, in-kind donations, and program support. Fork It Over (March 2027): Sponsors, local chefs, and auction item donors are needed for our signature culinary fundraiser featuring Girl Scout Cook- ie-inspired creations. Geek is Glam STEM Expo (October 2026): Event sponsors and workshop facilitators help provide hundreds of girls with hands-on STEM experiences that inspire curiosity, confidence, and future career exploration. Gold & Silver Award Celebration (June 2027): Sponsorships support our annual recognition of Girl Scouts earning the organization's highest awards for leadership, innovation, and community impact. Camperships: Donations ensure every girl can attend day or overnight camp. MakerZone: We seek a dedicated STEM partner to help expand our MakerZone, providing innovative, hands-on learn- ing experiences in science, technology, engineering, and design. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts offers a variety of ways for individuals, businesses, and com- munity partners to support our mission throughout the year. Our annual giving program includes Fall, End-of-Year, and Spring Appeals supporting two critical priorities: Girl Programming and Camperships, ensuring every girl can access life-changing leadership, STEM, outdoor, and life skills experiences regardless of financial circumstances. In addition to financial contributions, we welcome in-kind donations that support our MakerZone, including STEM supplies, equipment, and tech- nology, as well as donations for our four camp properties to enhance outdoor programming and the camp experience for girls. For additional information about giving opportunities, sponsorships, or in-kind donations, please contact Kimberly Anne McDermott at kmcdermott@ gscwm.org. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Troop Leaders: Lead or co-lead a troop by guiding girls through meetings, ac- tivities, and adventures. Time commit- ments vary based on troop schedules, with most troops meeting two to four times per month. Cookie Volunteers: Support troop cook- ie coordinators by helping manage the annual Girl Scout Cookie Program. Employee Resource Groups (ERGs): Lo- cal businesses and corporate teams can volunteer together through Employee Resource Group opportunities. STEM & High Adventure Volunteers: Volunteers with backgrounds in sci- ence, technology, engineering, math- ematics, outdoor education, climbing, paddling, or other high-adventure activities support camp programs and special events. "My leadership journey began as a Brownie in Troop 532. Long before I became a university president, Girl Scouts taught me lessons about confidence, service, resilience, and community. Joining the Board of Girl Scouts of Central and Western Massachusetts feels like a return to where that journey started, and I am honored to support an organization that continues to help girls find their voices, discover their strengths, and see themselves as leaders." - Dr. Donna Hodge, Member-at-Large Theresa Lynn Chief Executive Officer Nicole Messier Board Chair Nicole Messier, Raytheon Technologies, President/Chair Christine Cassidy, Retired, Fallon Health, First Vice President Roberta McCulloch-Dews, Greylock Federal Credit Union, Second Vice President Ryan Matson, Braley Wellington Insurance Group, Secretary Sheryl Zarozny, A3 Management Consulting, Treasurer BOARD MEMBERS Jennifer Cluett, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Member-at-Large Lyn Farris, Hanover Insurance, Member- at-Large Neliana Ferraro de Mitchell, Baystate Health, Member-at-Large Sara Flynn, Fidelity Health at Fidelity Investments, Member-at-Large Dr. Donna Hodge, Fitchburg State University, Member-at-Large Jennifer Hubert, Bay State Bank, Member- at-Large Abigail Mensah (Orleans-Thompson), Worcester Academy, Member-at-Large Jennifer Merton, Isenberg School of Management at the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, Member-at-Large Kim McCullen, College of the Holy Cross, Member-at-Large Katie Rozenas-Hanson, Massachusetts Department of Agricultural Resources, Member-at-Large Chris Schwantner, New England Public Media (WGBY-TV), Member-at-Large Stefanie Silva, Worcester Regional Chamber of Commerce, Member-at-Large Christina Walker, Greylock Federal Credit Union Member-at-Large