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United Way of Tri-County Inc

Annual Giving
$0.2M

United Way of Tri-County Inc

Quick Stats

  • Annual Giving: $188,003 in grants (2023, 7 awards); $7+ million total community investment
  • Total Revenue: $11.4 million (FY 2024)
  • Program Efficiency: 81% of funds to community programs
  • Geographic Focus: 34 communities in Norfolk, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties, MA
  • Service Model: Hybrid - both direct service provider and grant maker
  • Established: 1997 (merger of five local United Ways)

Contact Details

Address: 46 Park Street, Framingham, MA 01702 Phone: 888-811-3291 Office Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM Website: www.uwotc.org Email: Contact form available on website Tax ID: EIN 04-2104231

For Referrals:

  • Mass 2-1-1: Dial 2-1-1 or 877-211-6277
  • Call2Talk (Mental Health/Suicide Prevention): 508-532-2255

Overview

United Way of Tri-County (UWTC) was incorporated in 1997 through the merger of five Massachusetts United Way organizations: United Way of Assabet Valley, United Way of Neponset Valley, United Way of Metrowest, Westborough United Way, and Clinton Community United Way. As an independently governed 501(c)(3) organization, UWTC serves as MetroWest's largest community-based investor in Health, Education, Financial Stability, and Basic Human Needs.

With total revenues of $11.4 million in FY 2024, UWTC operates a unique hybrid model, both running significant direct services and providing grants to certified partner agencies. The organization invested over $7 million in programs and services annually, maintaining an impressive 81% program efficiency rate—far exceeding the national average of 65%. In 2023, UWTC distributed $188,003 in grants across 7 awards to partner organizations, while directly operating three food pantries, two community cafés, and critical helplines serving the region's 34 communities.

The organization's mission is "to increase the organized capacity of people to care for one another," implemented through both direct service delivery and strategic partnerships with community organizations addressing critical needs across the MetroWest/495 corridor region.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

UWTC provides funds to Certified Partner Agencies through two primary funding categories:

Keeping Kids On Track: Programs supporting youth development, education, after-school activities, and affordable daycare.

Community Safety Net: Programs providing essential services including job training, transportation for the elderly, and basic needs support (food, shelter, emergency assistance).

Funding decisions are made annually through a volunteer-driven allocation process where community members review partner agency requests and determine fund distribution based on program effectiveness and community impact.

Priority Areas

  • Health: Mental health services, suicide prevention, health information and referral
  • Education: Early literacy (Ready to Read program), school readiness, youth development
  • Financial Stability: Job training, economic security programs
  • Basic Human Needs: Food security, emergency assistance, housing support, transportation

Direct Services (In Addition to Grant-Making)

UWTC operates extensive direct service programs:

  • Three food pantries: Pearl Street Cupboard & Café (Framingham), Marlborough Community Cupboard, WHEAT Community Cupboard & Café (Clinton)
  • Two community cafés serving hot meals
  • Mass 2-1-1: Free 24/7 statewide information and referral service
  • Call2Talk: 24/7 mental health and suicide prevention hotline
  • Ready to Read: Literacy program
  • Volunteer Center: Connecting volunteers with community needs
  • Gus the Grocery Bus: Mobile food pantry (funded by $300,000 Cummings Foundation grant, 2024)

In 2024, UWTC distributed over $6.2 million worth of food and served over 120,000 hot meals through these direct services.

What They Don't Fund

While not explicitly stated in available materials, UWTC's focus on the 34 communities in their service area suggests they do not fund:

  • Organizations outside Norfolk, Middlesex, and Worcester Counties
  • Programs that don't align with their four focus areas (Health, Education, Financial Stability, Basic Human Needs)
  • Individual assistance (they refer individuals to 2-1-1 for service connections)

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

Paul Mina - President & Chief Executive Officer; also serves as Executive Director of Mass2-1-1. Mina earned $268,004 in compensation (FY 2024).

Moe Edwards - Chief Financial Officer

Key Directors:

  • Jennifer Bray - Director of Development
  • Joe Mina - Director of Food Security
  • Eileen Davis - Vice President of Mass 2-1-1; Mental Health Line Program Director
  • Julianna Randell - Director of Marketing
  • Barbara LaGrenade - Director of Volunteerism

2025-2026 Board of Directors

Executive Committee:

  • Kristen Pope (Board Chairperson) - Pope Productions
  • Roger Challen (1st Vice Chair) - DDI, Inc.
  • Michael Scardigno (2nd Vice Chair) - TJX Companies, Inc.
  • Robert Cozzone (3rd Vice Chair) - Avidia Bank
  • Robert Moran Jr. (Immediate Past Chair) - National Grid
  • Garrett Morand (Treasurer) - Clear Sky Cannabis

Board Members:

  • Joseph Corazzini - Clark University, Government Affairs
  • Rev. Dr. J. Anthony Lloyd - Greater Framingham Community
  • Francisco Ramos - New Vue Communities
  • Renee Franzosa - Robert Half Management Resources
  • Amanda Formica - National Grid
  • Neha Misra - Penguin Solutions
  • President Nancy S. Niemi, Ph.D. - Framingham State University
  • Aastha Sharma - McLane Middleton
  • Karsys Starsiak - UPS
  • Scott Richardson - Gorman Richardson Lewis Architects
  • Aldo Cipriano (General Counsel) - Marlborough, MA

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

United Way of Tri-County operates through a Certified Partner Agency model. The organization does not appear to have a publicly available open application process on their website. Instead, they work with established partner organizations that undergo certification.

Key Process Elements:

  • Certified Partner Agencies submit funding requests for specific programs
  • Requests are reviewed by volunteer committees comprising residents who live and work in the 34 communities served
  • Volunteers annually decide where funds are invested based on program effectiveness and community impact
  • Staff regularly monitor funded agencies to ensure responsible financial management and positive results

Organizations interested in becoming a certified partner agency should contact UWTC directly at 888-811-3291 or through their website contact form to inquire about the certification and funding process.

Decision Timeline

While specific application deadlines are not publicly available, the funding process is described as annual, with volunteer review committees evaluating requests from certified partners on a yearly cycle. Money raised in each community stays in that community, with local volunteers making allocation decisions.

Application Success Factors

Based on UWTC's stated priorities and operational approach, successful funding requests likely demonstrate:

Program Effectiveness and Evidence: UWTC emphasizes "program effectiveness and impact evidence" as key criteria. Staff regularly monitor funded programs to ensure they "produce positive, impactful results."

Responsible Financial Management: Organizations must demonstrate they "manage their money responsibly," with strong internal controls and financial accountability.

Community Focus: Programs should address critical needs in one or more of UWTC's 34 served communities, with clear connection to local residents.

Alignment with Funding Categories: Programs must fit within "Keeping Kids On Track" or "Community Safety Net" categories, addressing health, education, financial stability, or basic human needs.

Measurable Outcomes: Given UWTC's focus on "impact evidence" and their own rigorous monitoring, applications should include clear metrics and expected outcomes.

Community Volunteer Support: Since community volunteers make final allocation decisions, programs with demonstrated community support and local relevance are advantaged.

Established Track Record: The "Certified Partner Agency" model suggests UWTC prefers working with established organizations with proven capacity.

Geographic Service Area

UWTC serves 34 communities across three counties, with the principle that "money raised in these communities, stays in these communities."

Middlesex County (9 communities): Ashland, Framingham, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Marlborough, Maynard, Stow, Woodville

Norfolk County (11 communities): Bellingham, East Walpole, Franklin, Medfield, Medway, Norfolk, Norwood, Sheldonville, South Walpole, Walpole, Wrentham

Worcester County (14 communities): Berlin, Blackstone, Bolton, Clinton, Fayville, Hopedale, Lancaster, Mendon, Milford, Millerville, Millville, Northborough, Southborough, Westborough

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

  • Hybrid Model: UWTC operates significant direct services alongside grant-making, so understand they may meet community needs internally rather than through external partners in some areas (particularly food security and information/referral services).

  • Relationship-Based: The Certified Partner Agency model suggests UWTC prefers established relationships over open competitive grants. Building a connection before seeking funding is likely essential.

  • Community-Driven Decisions: Local volunteers make final funding decisions, so demonstrating strong community ties and local support in your served area is critical.

  • Evidence-Based: UWTC strongly emphasizes measurable outcomes and program effectiveness. Come prepared with data demonstrating impact and strong evaluation frameworks.

  • Geographic Specificity: Serve one or more of the 34 designated communities and make clear which communities benefit from your programs.

  • Efficiency Matters: With 81% program efficiency, UWTC values organizations that minimize overhead and maximize program impact. Be prepared to demonstrate financial responsibility.

  • Contact Directly: Without a public application process, organizations interested in funding should proactively reach out to UWTC to learn about the certification process and current funding priorities.

  • Recent Strategic Focus: UWTC is expanding through Gus the Grocery Bus to reach 5-10 additional communities, suggesting potential openness to partnerships supporting this expansion.

Financial Information

FY 2024 Financials (Fiscal year ending June 2024):

  • Total Revenue: $11,355,954
  • Total Expenses: $11,919,815
  • Total Assets: $5,665,159
  • Net Assets: $3,381,802

Revenue Sources:

  • Contributions: $9.3 million (82.3%)
  • Program Services: $1.8 million (16.3%)
  • Other sources: Minimal

Grants Made (2023): $188,003 across 7 awards

Note: FY 2024 audit identified material weakness and significant deficiency in internal controls, though this does not impact their grant-making capacity.

Charity Ratings:

  • Charity Navigator: 4/4 stars, 95% rating

References

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