Worcester Business Journal

www.wbjournal.com Worcester Business Journal • Giving Guide 2016 5 From the Sponsors Fostering an educated, healthy, stable community E ach year, United Way and all its partners work together with one goal in mind – that everyone in our community has the opportunity to live a good life. Starting with our youngest residents, we make sure those from birth to age five have access to literacy opportunities and safe, high-quality early education programs. Once children are in school, United Way provides resources focused on mentors, out-of-school programming, and school-based mental health services to give students the best chance of graduating from high school. We know that children cannot learn effectively when they are hungry or living in an unstable environment, so we also support programs that provide emergency food and shelter, housing assistance, support for survivors of domestic violence, and opportunities for access to family-sustaining income. These are just a few examples of the work we have done in our local community for more than 97 years. Because of the efforts of our supporters, each year we move one step closer to our goals: one step closer to all our community's students graduating from high school ready for college or a career; one step closer to families having good jobs, a safe roof over their heads, and enough food on their tables; one step closer to a healthy community where every person has access to nutritious foods and physical activity. Reaching our goals depends upon the community working together. Individuals, corporations, foundations, partner agencies, and local citizens like YOU all work together to help create a more vibrant, healthy community. This year alone, United Way of Central Massachusetts granted more than $5 million to organizations and programs that change the lives of more than 66,000 individuals in our area. Companies that have made corporate philanthropy part of their business philosophy, whether through fundraising, donation drives, or volunteer efforts, are truly the foundation of our community. The corporate support this community enjoys is part of the fabric of our history as well as the future of our workforce. Donor support ensures this community has the vitality and quality of life that encourages businesses and families to make their home here. Donations come from hundreds of companies that open their doors to our staff and volunteers - giving their employees the opportunity to GIVE, VOLUNTEER, and ADVOCATE. Will you consider joining us this year? Thank you for working together to change lives in our community! A s one of the fastest growing philanthropy organizations in Worcester County and one of the region's largest grant makers, Greater Worcester Community Foundation is your resource for giving. Since our founding forty years ago, we have distributed more than $100 million in grants and built an endowment that exceeds $135 million – a pooled fund that is built to last and ready to respond to the everchanging needs of our community. Our grants support multiple, interrelated goals to foster a citizenry that is able to participate more fully in the life of our community. Recent grants now focus on family economic security, child wellness, and the protection of our natural and human resources. We invite you, as active and engaged members of the business community, to call on us. Work with us to improve your world in your own way. By establishing a fund, your philanthropic intentions are honored year after year while the investment grows as part of the Foundation's strong, wellmanaged endowment. You create the fund and we do the rest—handling all administration and grant making on your behalf. Together we can do more. Together we can make a difference. The Power of More Tim Garvin President/CEO United Way of Central Massachusetts Ann T. Lisi President/CEO Greater Worcester Community Foundation Tim Garvin Ann T. Lisi T he nonprofit sector remains a large and important part of the Central Massachusetts economy. Not only are the region's nonprofit organizations some of our top employers, but many also rely heavily on executives and other influential individuals from the community to play a leadership role in their organization. Successful nonprofits have a sharp eye on long-term strategy, quality of service and the delivery of real value to their clients and customers. Today's donors are focused on how effectively their contributions are put to use, and how well the organization is achieving its mission. In an effort to shed more light on some of our region's leading nonprofits, we are proud to be publishing our 7th annual Central Massachusetts Giving Guide. This directory aims to deliver an easy-to-read snapshot that outlines each organization's mission and goals, top volunteer activities and major events, as well as a list of board members and leadership. While you may be familiar with many of these organizations, we're confident that you'll discover a few new things you didn't know. We've got a dynamic nonprofit community, and the best organizations are always evolving and adapting their services to meet the changing needs of the marketplace, as well as sharpening their message. Business leaders have a long tradition of giving back to the Central Massachusetts community, and you'll see the names of many top executives and committed corporate citizens on the boards of these nonprofits. Engaging with our nonprofit community is not only energizing for those on the board of directors, but also for a wide variety of companies and their employees who have found many ways to get involved and give back. Supporting our nonprofit community is integral to the mission of our partners in the Giving Guide, the United Way and the Greater Worcester Community Foundation. It is great to be teaming up with them again to produce this annual directory. The Central Massachusetts business community has a rich tradition of engagement with our nonprofits. Done right, it is a rewarding partnership for both parties. If you or your company want to become more involved, start by reading through the many opportunities in this issue. n Peter Stanton Publisher/CEO New England Business Media From the Publisher

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