The Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts hosted our donors, board and committee members to an evening to celebrate the life-changing investments made in our community through their support and passion. Specials guests Ivy Sasu, a senior at Leominster High School, Ayn Yeagle of Growing Places, and Massachusetts State Representative Natalie Higgins highlighted important initiatives supported by the generosity of our Fund Holders.

The evening would not have been possible without the generous support of our sponsors, Bemis Associates, Inc. and Mason Investment Advisory Services, Inc.

The evening's presentations included:

• Ivy Sasu, a senior at Leominster High School offered a report on the success of the Woman of Color speakers’ series she is producing. The speaker’s series was made possible by a grant from the Community Foundation’s Racial Equity Grant Program.
• Ayn Yeagle, Executive Director of Growing Places, described the regional food system project she is leading with the help of COVID relief funds distributed by the Community Foundation.
• Representative Natalie Higgins (Leominster) talked about the success of the Housing First Working Group launched by the Community in partnership with the Central Massachusetts Housing Alliance.

• Director of Philanthropy Erin Thomason announced the launch of our campaign to establish the North Central Massachusetts Women’s Fund . With the help of the Women’s Fund Committee, the campaign launch will take place on March 12th, 2023, at the Bull Run in Shirley featuring Gloria Steinem. The Women’s Fund Committee plans to create a $1 million endowed fund to provide grants to local nonprofits supporting women and girls in the areas of education, health, and community.

Through their philanthropy the Fund Holders of the Community Foundation have led the charge in enhancing the quality of life in the North Central region since 2001. In 2022 alone the Community Foundation distributed $4.5 million to local agencies at the recommendation of our Fund Holders and board of directors.

For more than 20 years the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts has brought together donors and the causes they care about to create a unique and lasting impact in the region. Learn how you can make a difference by establishing a fund at the Community Foundation of North Central Massachusetts.