Future Goals
United Way of Central Massachusetts (UWCM) is activating a transformational journey focused on impact, relevance and sustainability to ensure all can thrive in our community. This fiscal year we will:
· Increase access to nutritious food and essential health resources for vulnerable populations;
· Expand opportunities for youth to thrive through education, safety, and mentorship;
· Support financial stability for families through partnerships in housing, employment, and basic needs;
· Invest in programs that address systemic barriers and advance opportunities for all;
· Deepen community engagement through inclusive, year-round volunteer opportunities;
· Reinforce donor relationships through personalized and meaningful engagement;
· Leverage community impact success to amplify diverse revenue efforts;
· Increase brand awareness and digital engagement to grow our reach and relevance
Fundraising Opportunities
UWCM is evolving to meet today’s challenges and tomorrow’s needs. As we transform toward greater impact, relevance, and sustainability, our events now combine celebration and fundraising with hands-on community involvement as demonstrated at our Annual Celebration this past June.
We are proud to be the oldest nonprofit to lead workplace campaigns: customizable corporate donation opportunities that align with business values, boost employee morale, and build a stronger local community. To host a campaign, contact christy.kosak@unitedwaycm.org.
Our Women’s Initiative (WI) kicks off each fall with Stepping Up for Girls (October), empowering female leaders and strengthening adolescent girls through mentorship, education, and financial literacy. It is followed by our signature WI event, Power of the Purse, which raises critical funds for the year.
We also host an annual Community Impact Showcase, highlighting the outcomes made possible by donor investment.
Now more than ever, your financial support is critical. With rising needs and funding cuts affecting vital services, we rely on donors and partners to sustain programs that provide food, shelter, after-school support, financial security, and crisis response. Every dollar creates real, local impact. To sponsor or participate, contact leah.larson@unitedwaycm.org.
Giving Opportunities
Investing in our community keeps In this time of deep economic uncertainty, your support matters more than ever. The rising cost of living and widespread funding cuts have left thousands in our region vulnerable, with real and growing needs. As a trusted global brand rooted in Central Massachusetts, United Way stands apart: we unite people and resources to deliver real, local impact.
Our annual appeals, during winter and spring, raise essential funds, while online donations are gratefully accepted year-round. We welcome in-kind contributions for seasonal efforts, including the T& G Santa Drive, our year-round appeal for YouthConnect where seven agencies collaborate to support teens in the city and the Tiny Homes project for seniors and their families. Yet, it is unrestricted funds that allow us to continuously support youth opportunities, financial security and a healthy, resilient community so all can thrive through UWCM’s Community Impact Fund.
Donations through mail or online are always accepted, greatly appreciated, and impactful.
Volunteer Opportunities
Volunteerism is at the heart of UWCM’s mission to build a stronger, more resilient Central Massachusetts. We connect individuals, schools, and businesses with meaningful opportunities to give back year-round.
Our Day of Action on Sept. 12 the region’s largest day of volunteerism, brings together over 1,000 volunteers to complete 70+ nonprofit-led projects.. Beyond that, our Volunteer Center at volunteer.unitedwaycm.org matches volunteers to community needs all year long and is available anytime.
At our fundraising events, we now integrate hands-on Community Impact Projects so guests can actively participate in service while supporting UWCM and the community.
The Women’s Initiative seeks volunteer mentors for Dollar Scholar sessions—empowering girls ages 9–14 with financial literacy and life skills throughout the school year.
And our WooServes summer program broke records this year when 129 high school students preregistered to GIVE BACK for six weeks of service.
Get Involved. Give Back. Take Action. Explore opportunities today. Contact Idaliana.Medina@unitedwaycm.org
Leadership
Timothy Garvin President and CEO
Dan Mastrototaro The Hanover Insurance Group
Board Chair
Elizabeth Helenius, Mass General Brigham Health Plan, Community Impact Committee Chair
Rev. Clyde Talley, Belmont A.M.E. Zion Church, Treasurer
Sheilah H. Dooley, Pernet Family Health Services, Inc., Clerk
Board Members
Jill Adams, Appfire CMO, retired
Brian Allen, CMO, Worcester Public Schools
Ché Anderson, UMass Chan Medical School
Doug Belanger, United Food and Commercial Workers Local 1445
Joseph Carlson, Central Mass Labor Council
Dr. Matilde Castiel, City of Worcester
Kelly Daige, Skanska USA Building
Muthukumaran Jeevanantham, Saint-Gobain Abrasives, Inc.
Dr. Aarti Madan, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
Victoria McCandless, UMass Memorial Health
Kay McNamara, College of the Holy Cross alumni
Sherri Pitcher, Notre Dame Academy
Gina Plata-Nino, Food Research & Action Center
Alex Richardson, The Base
Geoffrey Spofford, Lian Zarrow
Christopher Watson, Webster Five
Dr. Greg Weiner, Assumption University
Edward H. White, Consigli Construction
