Worcester Business Journal

58 Giving Guide 2026 Worcester Business Journal www.wbjournal.com "I'm honored to serve as Board Chair for the United Way of Central Massachusetts, an organization that plays a vital role in bringing people and resources together to strengthen our communities. This work deeply aligns with Mass General Brigham Health Plan's commitment to improving community health and supporting local organizations. I look forward to partnering with fellow board members and community leaders to expand access to the resources and opportunities that help individuals and families thrive across the Central Massachusetts area and beyond." - Elizabeth Helenius, Board Chair FUTURE GOALS United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) is advancing a transformational journey focused on impact, relevance, and sustainability to ensure all can thrive in our community. In this fiscal year, we will: • Strengthen community resilience through collaboration, partnerships, and coordinated responses to emerging needs. • Increase access to nutritious food, housing supports, and essential health resources for vulnerable populations. • Expand opportunities for youth to thrive through education, mentorship, workforce readiness, and volunteerism. • Advance financial security by supporting pathways to economic mobility and family stability. • Invest in collaborative solutions that address root causes and create lasting community impact. • Deepen community engagement through meaningful volunteer opportunities and civic participation. • Reinforce relationships with donors, volunteers, businesses, foundations, and community partners. United Way of Central Massachusetts United Way of Central Massachusetts 18 Chestnut Street Suite 530 Worcester, MA 01608 Phone: (508) 757-5631 www.unitedwaycm.org Employees: 12 Annual revenues: $7 million Year founded: 1920 MISSION STATEMENT To connect people and resources to improve the community in Central Massachusetts SERVICE AREA We serve 30 cities and towns in Central Massachusetts. TOP FUNDING SOURCES 50% State and Federal Government Grants including ASOST (After School Out of School Time) and ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) Food Insecurity 35% Corporate contributions and workplace campaigns with individual donors 15% Foundation Support • Increase awareness of community needs and United Way's role as a trusted convener, collaborator, and catalyst for change. FUNDRAISING OPPORTUNITIES We're excited to announce the inau- gural United Way of Central Massa- chusetts Half marathon (The Mass Half), coming Spring 2027. is signature community event will unite runners, volunteers, sponsors, and supporters in a shared commitment to improving lives while raising critical unrestricted funds to strengthen our region. We also continue to lead the nation's longest-standing workplace campaign tradition, offering customized corpo- rate giving and employee engagement opportunities that strengthen business- es while creating lasting community impact. Additional signature fundraising events include our Women's Initiative Stepping Up for Girls, Power of the Purse, and the annual Community Im- pact Showcase, celebrating local leader- ship and demonstrating the measurable impact of donor investments. With rising community needs and continued funding uncertainty, every sponsorship, registration, and donation helps ensure UWCM can continue connecting people and resources to improve our community. To learn more about sponsorships and fundraising opportunities, contact leah.larson@unitedwaycm.org. GIVING OPPORTUNITIES Community needs don't follow a calendar, which is why flexible support is so important. At United Way of Central Massachusetts, we bring people and resources together to address immediate challenges while investing in long-term solutions that strengthen our community. Our winter and spring annual appeals provide critical funding, and online donations are welcomed year- round. We also seek sponsorships, in-kind contributions, and commu- nity partnerships that help advance our work across Youth Opportunity, Healthy Community, Financial Securi- ty, and Community Resilience. is past year demonstrated the power of collective action. rough the United Response Fund, donors, businesses, foundations, and commu- nity partners pooled resources to help families navigate the SNAP crisis and other emerging challenges. By aligning support and directing it where it is needed most, we were able to maxi- mize community impact. Unrestricted gis to UWCM's Community Impact Fund are espe- cially valuable because they allow us to respond quickly to emerging needs, invest in innovative solutions, convene partners, support community engage- ment initiatives, and strengthen the network of services that helps Central Massachusetts thrive. Every donation helps build a stronger, more connected, and more resilient community. VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES Volunteerism is at the heart of UWCM's mission to build a stronger, more resilient Central Massachusetts. rough our Volunteer Center, we connect individuals, schools, and busi- nesses with meaningful opportunities to give back year-round. Our Day of Action, the region's largest volunteer event, mobilizes more than 1,000 volunteers each September to complete dozens of nonprofit-led projects throughout Central Massa- chusetts. Businesses can participate through employee volunteer teams, while individuals can sign up inde- pendently. Volunteers are also needed year- round through our online Volunteer Center, which matches community members with opportunities based on their interests, skills, and availability. e Women's Initiative seeks vol- unteer mentors for its Dollar Scholar program, helping girls ages 9–14 build financial literacy, confidence, and life skills. We also continue to see growing interest in youth service opportunities. is year, WooServes received 100 applications from high school students eager to spend part of their summer giving back to the community. Whether you can volunteer for a single project or make a longer-term commitment, there is an opportunity to make a difference. To learn more, contact Idaliana.Medina@unitedwaycm.org. Timothy Garvin President and CEO Elizabeth Helenius Board Chair Che Anderson, UMass Chan Medical School, Chair Elect; Interim Clerk Kathryn Behan, McLean Hospital, Women's Initiative Chair Tim Garvin, United Way of Central Massachusetts, Ex Officio Elizabeth Helenius, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Chair Rev. Clyde Talley, Belmont A.M.E Zion Church, Treasurer Christopher Watson, Webster Five, Community Impact Committee Chair Edward H. White, Consigli Construction, Co., Development Committee BOARD MEMBERS Jill Adams, HeroDevs, Inc. Brian Allen, Worcester Public Schools Doug Belanger, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445 Joseph Carlson, Central Mass Labor Council Kelly Daige, Skanska USA Building Muthukumaran Jeevanantham, Saint- Gobain Abrasives, Inc. Dr. Aarti Madan, Worcester Polytechnic Institute Dan Mastrototaro, The Hanover Insurance Group Victoria McCandless, UMass Memorial Health Kay McNamara, Holy Cross Alumni Sherri Pitcher, Notre Dame Academy Gina Plata-Nino, Food Research & Action Center Alex Richardson, The BASE Geoffrey Spofford, Lian Zarrow Dr. Greg Weiner, Assumption University

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