The United Way of Central Massachusetts’ efforts to establish an emergency fund for the region’s nonprofits have been boosted through an additional $100,000 matching donation from a charity founded by a Sutton couple.
The Esler Family Foundation’s donation brings its total contribution to the United Response Fund up to $200,000, after an initial investment of $100,000 the foundation made last month, according to a press release issued by UWCM on Monday.
UWCM launched the United Response Fund this summer with a $500,000 seed investment, hoping it would provide a safety net for local nonprofits in the case of crises, disasters, and emergencies. The launch of the fund came as many local nonprofits are reeling from cuts in federal funding made by the President Donald Trump Administration.
“The overwhelming support of our board and community partners, including the generous leadership of the Esler Family Foundation, fills me with gratitude and hope,” Tim Garvin, president & CEO of UWCM, said in the Monday press release. “The United Response Fund is built to harness that collective energy; to bring people together, catalyze action, and ensure that when urgent needs arise, the Greater Worcester region is ready to respond. This is not just a United Way initiative, it’s an invitation to the entire community to rise together.”
The Esler Family Foundation has made 92 grants to 65 recipients in the past five years, totalling over $3.68 million, according to nonprofit data website Candid. The foundation was created by John and Jeanne Esler. John was the founder of Rhode Island home improvement firm Esler Cos. and launched the foundation after he retired from the company in 2019, according to his LinkedIn profile.
“Through our foundation, we focus on healing minds and strengthening spirits, but we know that kind of work only happens when people’s basic needs are met,” John Esler said in the Monday press release.
Other Central Massachusetts organizations which have received funds from the foundation include the Worcester Art Museum, Legendary Legacies, and the YMCA of Central Massachusetts, according to Candid.
Eric Casey is the managing editor at Worcester Business Journal, who primarily covers the manufacturing and real estate industries.
