Future Goals
1. Mobilize the region’s individual, family, and business philanthropy to elevate the quality of life in North Central Massachusetts.
2. Advance the economic wellness of residents of North Central Massachusetts by increasing their access to education and effective career development initiatives.
3. Enhance the vitality of North Central Massachusetts communities through local arts, culture, creativity, civic engagement, and community development.
4. Preserve, restore, and provide public access to the natural environment of the region and promote the humane treatment of animals through education, advocacy, and services.
5. Advance the community health of residents in Nashoba Valley communities.
6. Support efforts by local nonprofit organizations to strengthen and improve their operational effectiveness.
7. Advance racial justice and equity in North Central Massachusetts by
providing grants to nonprofit organizations that work to serve and empower communities of color and address systemic and institutional racism.
8. Support the creation of a childcare funding model that combines employer, employee and public sector contributions that will increase the supply and quality of childcare available to working families in North Central Massachusetts.
Fundraising Opportunities
Individuals, families and businesses that want to understand the needs of our community, give as a family, streamline their giving and tax receipts, sell a company, or update their estate plans can contact Erin Thomason at ethomason@cfncm.org, or 978-345-8383.
Giving Opportunities
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts offers a wide range of opportunities for individuals, families, and businesses to support the causes they care about. In addition to our many Donor Advised Funds, Designated Funds, Agency Funds, and Scholarship Funds, we also steward several strategic grantmaking initiatives focused on meeting critical needs across our region.
Every year, the funding requests we receive through our competitive grant programs exceed our available resources by more than three to one. That means for every impactful project we support, there are many more we are unable to fund—despite their value to the community. Philanthropic contributions to the funds below enable us to say “yes” more often and extend the reach of our shared mission.
We invite you to join us in driving positive change by contributing to one or more of the following funds:
Career Readiness & Educational Access – Invest in local talent by supporting education and training pathways that lead to family-sustaining careers. This fund prioritizes post-secondary education, workforce development, and other initiatives that help residents build brighter futures.
Community Enrichment – This fund supports a vibrant and connected region by promoting arts, culture, community development, and civic engagement. Contributions foster creativity, resilience, and a sense of belonging across our towns and cities.
Community Health (Nashoba Valley) – Focused specifically on the Nashoba Valley area, this fund strengthens local health outcomes through support for preventative care, mental health services, wellness programs, and other community health initiatives.
Environmental Preservation & Animal Welfare – Help protect what makes North Central Massachusetts special. This endowed fund supports efforts to preserve natural landscapes, expand outdoor access, and ensure the humane treatment and care of domestic animals.
North Central Massachusetts Racial Equity Fund – Advance equity by investing in organizations and initiatives that promote racial justice, inclusion, and opportunity. This fund helps address systemic barriers and fosters a stronger, more equitable region for all.
Organizational Development – Nonprofits are the backbone of a thriving community. This fund supports local nonprofit organizations as they build capacity, enhance governance, and pursue long-term sustainability.
North Central Mass Women’s Fund – Supporting nonprofits operating in North Central Massachusetts to address a wide range of needs to empower women and girls to achieve their aspirations. Funding focused primarily on education, financial literacy, health, and community.
To explore these giving opportunities and more, visit www.cfncm.org and click on DONATE, or contact Erin Thomason at ethomason@cfncm.org or 978-345-8383.
Leadership
Stephen Adams President & CEO
William E. Aubuchon, IV, W.E. Aubuchon Company, Inc., CEO. Westminster, MA, Chair
Steven Stone, Sterilite Corporation, Executive Vice President. Townsend, MA, Treasurer
Leslie Garrison, Boxborough, MA, Vice Chair
Stephen Adams, CFNCM, President. Recording Secretary
Ben Urquhart, NEWW Inc. Vice President. Gardner, MA, Clerk
Board Members
Jay Drake, Royal Steam Heater, President. Gardner, MA
Kimberly Ansin, Rally Sound, President, Ashburnham, MA
Thomas F. Bagley, III, Anderson, Bagley & Mayo Insurance. Leominster, MA.
Achla Bahl Madan, Minuteman Int’l. Fitchburg, MA.
John Barrett, Attorney, Townsend, MA.
Janet Chambers, Leominster, MA.
Phil Richards, Financial Services Consultant, Sterling, MA.
Mary Dean, Clinton Savings Bank, CEO. Clinton, MA.
Jan Cochran, Groton, MA.
David McKeehan, Westminster, MA.
Allen Rome, Gloucester, MA
