The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts recently launched its new Women in Philanthropy: Giving with Purpose conversation series, bringing together community members, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropic advisors for an evening of learning and discussion. The event highlighted the growing role women play in charitable giving and explored practical ways to align personal values with meaningful community impact.
The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts recently welcomed community members, advisors, nonprofit leaders, and philanthropists to Women in Philanthropy: Giving with Purpose, an evening dedicated to exploring the many ways women are shaping the future of charitable giving in our region and beyond.
Led by CFNCM Director of Philanthropy Erin Thomason, the event brought together attendees from across North Central Massachusetts for a thoughtful discussion about philanthropy, financial decision-making, legacy, and community impact. Panelists Allison Gormier, Leslie Garrison, Erin McBee, and Shannon Ouellette shared their expertise and personal perspectives on charitable planning, financial stewardship, and the many ways individuals can align their values with their giving.
Throughout the evening, participants explored practical tools for charitable giving, strategies for creating lasting impact, and ways philanthropy can become a meaningful part of both personal and financial planning. The conversation reinforced an important message: philanthropy is not reserved for a select few. It is about intentionally using our time, talents, and resources to strengthen the communities we care about.
The timing of this conversation is especially significant. By 2030, women are expected to control much of the estimated $30 trillion wealth transfer underway in the United States. At the same time, women already influence or make the majority of household charitable giving decisions. As their financial influence continues to grow, so too does their ability to shape the future of philanthropy and direct resources toward the causes and communities they care about most.
"One thing I hope people took away from the evening is that philanthropy isn't about waiting until someday. It's about being intentional with whatever resources you have today and making a real plan for what you want that someday to look like. Women are already driving many of the financial decisions being made in our families and communities, and this trend is only going to continue. Our goal was to create a space where people could learn, connect, and feel empowered to make an impact in ways that are meaningful to them."
One of the strongest themes to emerge from the discussion was the importance of relationships. Effective philanthropy is not simply about financial resources. It is about understanding community needs, building trusted partnerships, and connecting people who want to make a difference with organizations that are creating meaningful change.
Philanthropy isn't about waiting until someday. It's about being intentional with whatever resources you have today and making a real plan for what you want that someday to look like.
- Erin Thomason, Director of Philanthropy, Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts
For more than two decades, the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts has served as a bridge between generous individuals, families, businesses, and the nonprofit organizations working to improve quality of life throughout the region. Since its founding in 2001, the Foundation has grown to steward more than $120 million in charitable assets and has distributed over $100 million in grants and scholarships across North Central Massachusetts.
Women in Philanthropy: Giving with Purpose was intentionally designed as the first in an ongoing series of conversations focused on charitable giving, community impact, financial empowerment, and the evolving role of women in philanthropy. Future events will continue to provide opportunities for learning, connection, and meaningful dialogue while helping participants explore practical ways to support the causes they care about most.
The Community Foundation extends its sincere thanks to the panelists, attendees, and partners who helped make the evening a success. Their willingness to share experiences, ask questions, and engage in thoughtful conversation reflects the collaborative spirit that strengthens communities across North Central Massachusetts.
As this new series continues, the Foundation welcomes the opportunity to help connect those who care with the causes that need support, ensuring that generosity continues to create lasting impact throughout the region.
Interested in future Women in Philanthropy events? Contact Erin Thomason, Director of Philanthropy, at ethomason@cfncm.org or 978-345-8383 to learn more and stay connected.
