Future Goals
1. Expand strategic grantmaking to community-based organizations addressing mental health, behavioral health, substance use recovery, and reducing stigma, ensuring resources reach people facing the greatest barriers to care and stability.
2. Advance community awareness around mental health and substance use by showcasing Reliant Foundation’s impact, supporting public outreach opportunities, fostering greater understanding of, and broader engagement in, the Foundation’s mission.
3. Grow philanthropic engagement by inspiring individuals, businesses, and community partners to invest in Reliant Foundation’s mission, expanding the resources available to support local health initiatives, strengthen nonprofit partners, and improve well-being across Central and MetroWest Massachusetts.
Fundraising Opportunities
Each year, the Reliant Foundation hosts two major fundraising events that bring together donors, supporters, and the community in support of our health-focused mission.
Reliant Foundation 5K: Run or Walk for a Healthier Community is a certified, chip-timed road race held on October 3, 2026 at Shore Park in Worcester, featuring 250+ participants, volunteers, corporate sponsors, student groups, nonprofit partners, entertainment, mascots, and family-friendly activities.
Drive for a Difference Golf Classic and Auction is held each May and has raised more than $6.8 million in support of health-focused grants and initiatives. The event features golf, a social reception, dinner, auction, and awards program. Next year’s event will be held on Monday, May 24, 2027.
The Foundation also participates in the Falmouth Road Race in August, engaging supporters in this well-known community race to raise awareness and funds for its mission.
In addition to these signature events, we host smaller donor and community engagement events throughout the year to build awareness, strengthen relationships, and support fundraising efforts.
Giving Opportunities
The Reliant Foundation’s Annual Appeal provides an opportunity for supporters to make an unrestricted gift that helps address the most pressing needs in the communities we serve.
Donations are accepted year-round, with a special annual appeal conducted each fall through mail and electronic communications.
• Donations may be mailed to: Reliant Foundation, 311 Main Street, Suite 202, Worcester, MA 01608.
• Secure online giving, including one-time and recurring donations, is available at reliantfoundation.org/give.
• Donors are encouraged to check with their employers about matching gift opportunities to maximize their impact.
We welcome support from individuals, businesses, and community organizations through financial contributions, sponsorships, charitable partnerships, and matching gift programs.
Volunteer Opportunities
The Reliant Foundation welcomes volunteers from businesses and the public to support our mission and events.
Event volunteers are especially needed for our two major fundraising events: the Reliant Foundation 5K: Run or Walk for a Healthier Community and the Drive for a Difference (DFAD) Golf Classic and Auction. Volunteer responsibilities may include guest registration, assisting with event activities, supporting set-up and break-down, and helping ensure a positive experience for all participants. Time commitments vary by event but typically range from a few hours to a full day.
Behind-the-scenes volunteers are also important, assisting with mailings, preparation tasks, and logistics during peak event periods. These roles may be short-term or flexible depending on project needs. A Leadership Council for individuals seeking a more ongoing volunteer commitment is being developed to support and guide the Foundation’s work.
Interested individuals can contact us at foundation@reliantfoundation.org to share their interests and be matched with opportunities that fit their skills and availability.
Katharine Barnard, MD, UMass Memorial, Chair
Kristine Bostek, Fallon Health, Vice Chair
Andrew Madigan, F.W. Madigan Company, Clerk
Sanjay Shah, Ph.D., EBS Consulting, Treasurer
Naomi Sleeper, Imperial Distributors, At-Large
Board members
Allison Beckler, DO, TaraVista Behavioral Health Center
Elizabeth DeGrush, DO, Community Neuroscience Services
Marianne Felice, MD, Retired Pediatrician, UMass Memorial Health / UMass Chan Medical School
Joshua Greenberg, MD, FACC, Retired Clinical Cardiologist, St. Vincent Hospital
Thomas McNamara, Worcester State University
Tiffany Moore Simas, MD, UMass Memorial Health / UMass Chan Medical School
