Union Capital to me means ‘togetherness’, a village, something I’ve always wanted and needed. “ “
The past year has brought wave upon wave of unpredictable upheaval, uncertainty and attacks on our communities.
At Union Capital we have remained steadfast in our commitment to build social capital as a means of buffeting these waves, overcoming challenges, and sparking sustainable opportunities.
We are: Built On Connections.
Thanks to your support and our incredible networked community, we have not had to curtail programming, cut staff, or limit the rewards and resources going directly to our members in Boston and Springfield, MA.
As this report will detail, we continue to grow strategically and successfully in both our Massachusetts regions.
Our benefit and impact is grounded in our 3-tier model of cultivating community engagement and building social capital: 1) providing resources and rewards, 2) curating trusted community spaces to connect and share, and 3) training and supporting emerging grassroots leaders who create ripples of impact with the new initiatives they lead that benefit our members.
We invite you to read this report, celebrate our gains, and join with us to continue building connections that open doorways of unlimited opportunities and collective community power.
The Union Capital Core Team
Elsa Flores East Boston Network Manager
Diana Garcia Boston Network Manager
Semhar Habtehans Boston Network Support Administrator
Shavonne Herrington Director of Boston Partnerships
Dennis Hicks Director of Leadership
Eric Leslie Founder/Lead Organizer
Roberto “Tito” Martinez Director of Springfield
Heather Salerno Springfield Network Support Administrator
Jalina Suggs Director of Boston
2025 Highlights
2025 provided the opportunity for us to strengthen our three-tiered social capital impact model:
1 2
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Reward community and civic engagement using our mobile rewards app.
Curate community connections at our weekly Network Nights and resource sharing gatherings.
Train and support emerging grassroots leaders who create programs that give back to our collective community.
In 2025 in Boston and Springfield, over 5,500 individual members tracked over 250,000 hours of community engagement, resulting in over $280,000 in earned rewards.
In total we hosted over 145 in-person and virtual Network Nights, Resource Fairs, partner programs, leadership trainings, and other community gatherings with a cumulative total of over 17,000 attendees.
That is an average of almost 3 events per week with over 115 attendees every time, every week of the year.
Boston
Hosted large Resource Fairs and Marketplace Days to spark hundreds of connections and exchanges
Springfield
Union Capital is like the secret gem in our city. If you are involved in Union Capital, you’ll get to see the community in a different way and learn things you didn’t before. “ “
Hosted our first Community Network Breakfast with dozens of civic and nonprofit leaders
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Union Capital helps make the way for others a little more manageable to achieve their own set of goals, all while helping them to get more involved in community events and in turn helping others.
“
Launched UC Clubs, hosted Leadership Luncheons and Network Coordinator Retreats, as we continued to grow our leadership training programs
Celebrated our Sylvia D Brewer Community Leader Awardees and Thomas J Ruffen Community Leadership Fund grantees at our annual Celebration of Leadership in December
Celebrated 2 years of Union Capital in Springfield, growing to over 2,000 members and over $140,000 in earned rewards
Closed the year with a large Resource Holiday Festival and Community Leader Awards Ceremony
2025 Impact
How likely is it that you would recommend Union Capital to a friend or colleague?
Net Promoter Score: 77
Detractors (0-6): 5%
Passive (7-8): 13%
Promoter (9-10): 82%
I identify as a Union Capital Member:
What is your favorite part of Union Capital?
Earning UC points and rewards: 22%
Event and resource information: 44%
Recognition and appreciation: 3%
Relationships and support from the UC community: 28%
Other: 3%
Has Union Capital connected you to any of the following programs, resources or opportunities that have been helpful to you?
Other resources include: Public Safety (17%), Racial, social justice, gender and cultural awareness (17%), Public transportation access and equity (16%), Youth resources and opportunities (15%), Climate change and environmental awareness (15%), Addiction recovery programs and supports (14%)
I love Union Capital and believe in its mission and ability to transform my community and assist with resources and community engagement. “
We asked our members in our annual survey, “What does Union Capital membership mean to you?” A summary of their 900+ responses found:
1. Community and Connection
Family and Togetherness: a “community” and a source of “unity” and “togetherness”.
Support Network: a “support group” where members “don’t have to be alone”, fostering a “close knit family”.
Engagement: promoting “community engagement” and “getting people involved, active, and ready to initiate”.
2.
Resources, Learning, and Empowerment
Resource Provision: “providing resources to help people” and being “full of resources”.
Knowledge and Information: a place to “learn a lot” and a source of “valuable information” about the community.
Personal Growth: Members describe feeling “empowered” and having the “opportunity” to “contribute my knowledge”.
3. Safe Space and Open Expression
Judgment-Free Zone: A key value is being “a place where I can express my ideas without judgement”.
Respectful Conduct: The community is described as a place where people are “respectful, responsible” and where members can “talk to people” in a positive environment.
2025 Union Capital Annual Member Survey Results
What is your primary employment status?
What is your Credit Score?
Boston
Springfield
“
To me, Union Capital is more than just an app; it’s a pathway for people to transform their lives and their neighborhoods. The rewards system is a brilliant motivator, it celebrates hard work and shows that doing good for others has real value. “
2025 Union Capital Annual Member Survey Results
Did you vote in the November 2025 Municipal election? Boston
Grassroots Leadership: A Year of Growth and Impact
2025 was a landmark year for the Union Capital Leadership Program, reflecting both the growing demand for leadership development and the strong commitment of our members to lead in their communities. We received the highest number of applications in the program’s history, with 108 members from Boston and Springfield applying to participate in our leadership programs.
To meet this demand, we continued offering two UC Learns classes and piloted UC Aprende, the Spanish-language version of the program. While the first cohort was small, the participants’ dedication reinforced the importance of expanding leadership opportunities for Spanishspeaking members. We are excited to continue this work with the next UC Aprende class launching in Spring 2026.
In 2025, we also launched UC Clubs, memberled groups designed to deepen connection and shared learning within our community. The program quickly grew to eight active clubs,
including a thriving Toastmasters group with more than 20 members building their public speaking skills in a supportive environment.
Summer of S.O.L. (Spotlight on Leadership) continued to grow in its second year, with eight facilitators leading workshops that engaged 85 Boston members through creative, skill-building experiences rooted in leadership.
We also introduced Quarterly Leadership Summits, a new talk-show style series on Zoom that highlights inspiring leaders from our community in candid, engaging conversations. In addition, our Leadership Luncheons expanded with guest facilitators, including Naeemah Elias of Elias Presence, who led an impactful session titled “The Perfect Year Blueprint: From Dreams to Done.”
Together, these initiatives reflect Union Capital’s continued progress in building a vibrant leadership ecosystem where members learn, connect, and grow as community leaders.
Grassroots Leadership: Investing in Emerging Leaders
The Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund
The Thomas J. Ruffen Fund continues to catalyze grassroots leadership by providing one-time seed funding to emerging leaders across the Boston area launching initiatives in civic engagement, community service, and entrepreneurship.
In 2025, the fund supported three inspiring leaders: Lucas Phillips, Tiffany Williams, and Kennysha Wrencher. Their projects reflect the spirit of community-driven leadership and demonstrate how providing resources and support empowers leaders to create meaningful impact in their communities.
“Receiving funding from the Thomas J. Ruffen Community Leadership Fund means so much to me because it allows me to grow Fibroids to Flowers under my organization, Her Womb Essence: Wellness & Advocacy Collective. My organization focuses on holistic womb wellness, education, and advocacy for women in the community. This funding helps me continue this important work by creating spaces for learning, healing, and open conversations that connect both holistic and medical care so women can make informed choices about their health.”Kennysha Wrencher
David R. Leslie Small Project Fund
Established in 2024 in honor of the father of our Founder and Lead Organizer, Eric Leslie, the David R. Leslie Small Project Fund provides awards of up to $1,000 to support community-driven initiatives that spark connection and create meaningful impact across Boston.
This year, two leaders were selected to bring their ideas to life through the fund:
Daniel Laurent: Visual Premier of Nobody Knows
Tiffany Williams: Grandeur Finds By Tiffany Fashion Show
Both recipients will showcase their projects in 2026, offering our community the opportunity to learn from their work and celebrate the impact of member-led initiatives made possible through this fund.
Grassroots Leadership: Member Voices
Participants shared powerful reflections about how the leadership programs have shaped their growth.
GROWING CONFIDENCE
“My confidence in speaking in front of others has increased. My network of community members has expanded.”
“I used to be nervous about public speaking. Now I feel much more confident because of UC Learns.”
FINDING THEIR VOICE
“My voice was reinforced as valuable to the community. What I have to offer has made me stronger to speak my truth.”
“Leading Table Talks reminds me that my story has value and that people want to hear it.”
COMMUNITY IMPACT
“I started a nonprofit called Jessie’s Helping Hands to connect people in need with food and resources.”
“I help people in my community and share positive messages to inspire others.”
LEADERSHIP CONFIDENCE IS GROWING
The vast majority of respondents report increased confidence in speaking, organizing, and leading.
PROGRAMS ARE PRODUCING REAL COMMUNITY LEADERS
Members are not only learning—they are launching initiatives, leading programs, and supporting community organizations.
UNION CAPITAL IS STRENGTHENING CIVIC ENGAGEMENT
Participants are becoming advocates, mentors, and connectors within their communities.
DEMAND
FOR CONTINUED LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES
Members are eager to continue their leadership journey through programs like:
• Network Coordinators
• Table Talks
• Leadership grants and funds
Grassroots Leadership: Data and Metrics
Since launching our leadership programs, 132 members have participated in one or more of our leadership programs.
Summer of S.O.L. 12
UC Clubs 8
Union Capital leadership programs continue to have a powerful impact on members’ confidence and ability to lead:
85% of respondents reported that Union Capital leadership programs increased their confidence as leaders.
Nearly 70% strongly agreed that they feel more confident working with people from different backgrounds and nationalities.
Leadership in Action
Among survey respondents:
share information about Union Capital with friends and family
serve on committees in their community, school, or church
Future Plans:
Looking ahead, we are energized by the continued momentum of our leadership community. In Spring 2026, we launched our second UC Aprende class, now open to members across the state, expanding leadership opportunities for Spanishspeaking members.
The Summer of S.O.L. (Spotlight on Leadership) series returns in July 2026 with a stronger focus on in-person, hands-on creative and artistic leadership experiences. Members will continue sharing their talents through workshops that build confidence, creativity, and facilitation skills.
Over 90% said the programs helped them develop leadership skills they actively use in their communities.
volunteer with organizations they care about have started new initiatives or organizations lead workshops, conversations, or community discussions
We are also excited to expand UC Clubs in early summer 2026, creating more opportunities for members to connect around shared interests and lead their own community spaces.
Finally, we will continue hosting our Leadership Summits, featuring inspiring conversations with leaders from Boston and Springfield that highlight stories of resilience, insight, and community impact.
Together, these efforts reflect our ongoing commitment to building a vibrant and inclusive leadership community where members learn, connect, and lead with purpose.
Year 1 of our Strategic Plan: Building Bridges to Strengthen Social Capital
After a year of thorough review and analysis with our stakeholders, we made a commitment to take the next five years to improve the opportunities and pathways for our members to strengthen their social capital. We aim to do this by creating connections of our members within their own groups and neighborhoods (bonding social capital), across different groups (bridging social capital), and spanning a variety of socioeconomic groups (linking social capital).
We have embarked on doing this work in three levels and stages over the course of the next five years:
In 2025 we launched our new 5-year Strategic Plan. You can review our full plan by scanning or clicking this QR Code 1 2 3
Member Recruitment and Activation: improving the outreach and welcoming process for members to join our network in a way that is welcoming and not restrictive
Member Engagement and Continuity: defining and measuring the types of member engagement, better understanding disengagement, and creating leadership-led programs to improve member involvement that drives greater impact
Member Impact and Bridging Social Capital: piloting new programs, engagement events, leadership funds, and other opportunities to bridge our communities and spark new pathways for upward mobility and community power
We are only partway through Year 1 and have already accomplished a lot!
Piloted Lead Coordinators: we have elevated and increased the stipends and responsibilities of three of our contracted Network Coordinators in both Boston and Springfield. These Lead Coordinators – Darien, Shondell, and Tarina – have taken on new member outreach, member app and rewards support, and event logistics and coordination. This has increased the welcoming and relational engagement goals of Bonding Social Capital in our plan. We have already measured increased attendance and Visa gift card rewards in 2026.
Launched UC Clubs: as shared in our Leadership report, we have launched a new Clubs Facilitation training program and support for 8 UC leaders to launch new small groups and gatherings. This provides new targeted entry points for our members to connect with Union Capital in a way that meets specific interests and that is in a smaller relational space to spark both Bonding and Bridging Social Capital. Clubs range from public speaking, to maternal health, to parent-toparent resource sharing, to support for survivors of domestic violence.
Hosted Stated Resource Sharing Nights: our talented team has begun to host monthly Virtual Resource Sharing Nights with our members from
both Boston and Springfield totaling over 300+ attendees each time. These Nights have a focused topic requested by our members, such as Medical Know Your Rights and Summer Program Resources for children, creating Bridging Social Capital.
Hosted Bridging Social Capital Dinners: we have begun to host small bi-annual dinners for developing UC Leaders to connect with UC supporters and advisors. These intimate gatherings are structured like our Network Nights in order to facilitate connection and collaboration spanning a variety of backgrounds and socioeconomic groups, creating Linking Social Capital.
Launched Root Cause Analysis Working Group: in an effort to keep analyzing and learning about our program needs and improvements we have formed a committee of over 20 Union Capital staff, leaders, members, and advisors. This group has been meeting since September 2025 analyzing our member activation and engagement, making proposals, and evaluating our pilot programming impact. A main focus of this group has been preparing for a series of Listening Sessions in Spring 2026 that will shape Year 2 of our Strategic Plan.
Looking Ahead to Year 2 of our Strategic Plan
As we enter into Year 2 of our Strategic Plan, we have a lot of momentum to build on. Starting in May 2026 Union Capital will be conducting five Listening Sessions with our members in both Boston and Springfield.
With input and guidance from our Root Cause Analysis Working Committee we have identified five Union Capital Member Interest Priority Areas:
1 3 4 5 2
Individual, time-bound needs and resources
Civic, community engagement interests
Leadership-driven, entrepreneurial goals
Social Connection, Well Being & Belonging
UC gift card rewards
At the Listening Sessions we aim to:
• Get input on these Interest Priority Areas
• Get feedback on how UC is best meeting and matching the needs and interests of each of the Member Interest Categories
• Brainstorm new initiatives, programs, or alterations to improve how UC engages with each Member Interest Category
Feedback from these Listening Sessions, including follow-up surveys, will be analyzed in the Summer of 2026 and used to develop new pilots, projects, and programs to continue to improve UC Member activation and engagement.
We will be particularly attentive to how new ideas and programs can both strengthen relational connections that drive bonding and bridging social capital, and that also are cost effective. Given the current fiscal climate for nonprofits, our plan intentionally does not call for rapid growth and expansion. We believe we can continue to sharpen and refine our member engagement programs, steadily grow our membership base, and maintain a manageable balanced budget. Year 1 of this new strategic plan demonstrated our ability to accomplish each of these balancing goals, and we are confident we can do the same in Year 2.
Additionally, this coming year will be an opportunity for Union Capital to continue to
reflect on future ways to deepen and strengthen our mission. We aim to embark on a 12-month feasibility study to evaluate the possibility of developing physical Community Hub spaces in both Boston and Springfield. Building social capital requires having community infrastructure; these are the physical places and mechanisms for gathering and connecting.
We are fortunate to be in partnership with so many organizations where we can host our Network Nights and programs. We are also curious to evaluate the risks and rewards of having our own large Community Hub spaces where we can:
1 3 4 2
Grow our gathering programs
Support our members in new ways with new services and offerings
Work in collaboration with other organizations
Deepen our leadership training programs and work spaces for our talented leaders to develop their initiatives and organizations.
We will be carefully evaluating not only whether we could develop Community Hub spaces, but whether we should. Stay tuned in the coming year as we further explore this potential journey!
Matching our Budget with our Values
We are grateful that thanks to generous support and careful planning we are able to run and grow our programs. In the past year, with the collective support of our community, our annual revenues surpassed $1.75 million. We intentionally design a budget that is not overly reliant on one source or sector of funding and that matches our spending with our key programs: 1) the UC Rewards App, 2) Network Nights and Events, 3) Network Coordinators and Leadership Training. We heavily invest in our team and value their work so that they can invest in our programs and people.
FY26 & Prospective FY27 budgets (July-June)
Union Capital Board of Directors
R. Nikki Barnes Chair of the Board Executive Director KIPP MA
Brian Hale Treasurer Self-employed Technology Consultant
Phillip Borras UCS Member
Michael Kincade Director of Diversity Recruitment Massachusetts Alzheimer’s Disease Research Center
Christian Putnam Client Relationship Executive PwC
Gratitude
Our work is only made possible by the incredible partners, leaders, advisors, and funders that believe in our mission and support our program through their time, talent, and monetary support.
Boston Partner Organizations:
Addiction and Recovery Support Group (Member-led)
Boston Builds Credit
Boston Public Schools
Codman Square Health Center
Codman Square Neighborhood Development Corporation
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Greater Boston Interfaith Organization
Higher Ground Boston
KIPP MA Schools
Lives Are Meant To Be Changed (Member-led)
Mass ParentCorps
NeighborHealth (formerly East Boston Neighborhood Health Center)
Project HOPE
Seniors In Power and Purpose (Member-led)
STEPRox Recovery Support Center
The Sacred Womb Project (Member-led)
Transitional Remedies Solutions (Member-led)
Urban Edge
Vital CXNs
Women’s Money Matters
Springfield Partner Organizations:
Baystate Health
Brightwood Elementary School
Dana-Farber Cancer Institute
Dress for Success of Western Massachusetts
Holyoke Safe Neighborhood Initiative
Home City Development
New North Citizens’ Council
Springfield Public Schools Family & Community Engagement
Square One
Veritas Preparatory Charter School
Women’s Money Matters
Boston Network Coordinators:
Karla Brown
Latawnda Brown
Missy Brown
Shondell Davis
Lydia Deloney
Leah Dotten
Zenaida Gonzalez
Maureen Greenaway
Tarina Harrison
Cornelius Hood
Mirlande Joseph
Ana Martinez
Jehova Mejia Hernandez
Rubén Ulises Orellana
Springfield Network Coordinators:
Mahogony Payne
Erika Rodriguez
Maria Vargas
Pamela Walker
Lashaunda Watson
Frank Williams
Kennysha Wrencher
Lourdes Balestier
Altavise Chinn
Gina Delfino
Matt DeLoria
Ali Haqq
Precious Jones
Angie Melendez
Eneida Molina
Glynis Phillips
Sharay Salters
Darien Santiago
Hans Torres
Gratitude
Advisory Council
Matt Aronson
Naomi Baruch
Lina Cañon
Joe Coupal
Lucy Darragh
Bonnie Delaune
Saskia Epstein
Seth Evans
Alex Fischbein
Monté Foster
Jennifer Gilbert
Rick Grudzinski
Alexis Horn-Snyder
Delisa Joseph
Lyn Kobsa
Jeff Kushner
Becky Lin
Lucas Orwig
Rich Schneider
Matt Stein
Gosia Tomaszewska
The Union Capital Advisory Council supports the impact of Union Capital by
• Providing counsel and resources to advance the organization’s mission.
• Connecting UC leadership to opportunities, key stakeholders, and strategies that the organization could not otherwise access.
• Exploring additional future engagement possibilities that align to interests and capabilities.
The Council meets twice a year, along with additional optional strategic advice and planning meetings. Interested in learning more about joining our Council? Please contact Eric Leslie directly at eric.leslie@unioncapital.org.
Philanthropic support
Barr Foundation
Baystate Health
Beacon Bank
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts
Eastern Bank Foundation
Imago Dei Fund
Irene E. and George A. Davis Foundation
Liberty Mutual Foundation
Lynch Foundation
M&T Bank Charitable
Foundation
MassMutual Foundation
Needham Bank
One8 Foundation
PNC Bank Foundation
Roy A Hunt Foundation
Shah Family Foundation
The Boston Foundation
Trefler Foundation
United Way of Massachusetts Bay
Upland Gardens Fund
We would like to thank Madison Bizjak, our College for Social Innovation intern this past semester, for her research used in this report, and Michael “JOHN ALIVIXI” Guadarrama www.alivixi.com for his design of this report.
