2024 Power 100: Stephen Adams
Photo | Courtesy of Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
Stephen Adams, president and CEO of Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
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Whether it’s a new phone system and computers for the local Habitat for Humanity chapter, fresh food delivery to a designated food desert in the Quabbin region, or funding for early college courses for high school students, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts casts a wide net to find and fund worthy projects to improve the quality of life in North Central Massachusetts. Leading the charge is Stephen Adams, leader of the nonprofit public charity since 2019.
The Community Foundation serves a quarter million people in 33 communities with nearly $80 million in philanthropic assets.
Adams has had a long career in business policy and advocacy, gathering experience on a range of issues facing businesses and the wider community, such as workforce initiatives, challenges facing urban entrepreneurs, and tax policy in Massachusetts and nationally. That’s readied him to serve the unique needs of the often overlooked North Central region, which is challenged by issues such as lack of public transportation, reduced access to health care, and higher poverty rates than more affluent communities closer to Worcester and Boston.
Managing numerous charitable funds, the Community Foundation directed $7 million in grants to area nonprofits in the last year. One initiative established a housing task force, created almost 100 units of non-congregate shelter for people facing homelessness in and around Fitchburg, Leominster, and Gardner. The foundation directed $2 million in federal funds to local farms to help expand production and to help establish a food hub. Addressing another top economic issue – childcare access – the Community Foundation formed a coalition focused on employer-sponsored childcare.
“People here return calls and almost always find a way to help,” Adams said.
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