About Us

Our History

Since 1995, the SouthCoast Community Foundation has given rise to philanthropic giving across the SouthCoast region.

In its first year of operation, the SouthCoast Community Foundation received its first charitable gift of $100,000. In 1997, we invested $1 million to establish Youth Entitled to Success (Project YES), spearheading drug abuse prevention and education efforts in our community.

For 25 years, we have supported personal and corporate philanthropy by offering a range of innovative giving options. We offer a variety of funds to help every donor meet their philanthropic goals.

The SouthCoast Community Foundation currently manages $50 million in charitable assets in support of more than 200 funds established by nonprofits, families, and businesses across Southeastern Massachusetts.

Dukes County
Gosnold

Norfolk County
Avon
Stoughton

Our Financials

The SouthCoast Community Foundation was established in 1995 with its first charitable gift of $100,000. For 25 years, we have shown significant growth. We now manage $50 million in charitable assets in support of more than 200 funds established by our dedicated nonprofit, individual, and corporate fundholders.

To view our most recent financial statement, click below.

Board of Directors

Leonard M. Lee
President & CEO

508-996-8253 ext. 201
llee@southcoastcf.org

Leonard joined the organization in April 2022 as President and CEO. Lee comes to the Community Foundation from his post as General Manager and Curator for the Massachusetts Department of Conservation and Recreation and as a consultant to Kelley Chunn & Associates, an award-winning agency providing strategic communications and cause marketing. Previously, Lee held senior leadership roles for the Massachusetts Department of Public Health and several nonprofits, including Action for Boston Community Development (ABCD) for the Dorchester Neighborhood Service Center; Opening the Doors Wider in Nursing (ODWIN) Learning Center; Mission Works; and the Roxbury YMCA.

A native Bostonian who grew up in the Franklin Field Housing Development in Dorchester, Lee holds a degree in business management from Johnson & Wales University and a Certificate in Nonprofit Management from Boston University. An avid urban beekeeper and drummer, Leonard is a member of Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., a father of three adult children, and a proud new grandfather.

Werlaine Badio
Programs Officer

508-996-8253 ext. 202
wbadio@southcoastcf.org

Werlaine Badio joined the Foundation in April 2021 as the Programs Officer. Previously, she was a Recruiter for the human resources company, Aston Carter, and Management Assistant/Customer Services Manager for the rental company, Enterprise Holdings. While attending the University of Massachusetts – Dartmouth, she was the Events & Marketing Manager for the Haitian Student Association (HASA). Werlaine grew up in Brockton and currently lives in Fall River.

Nhamaa Cortes
Accounting Clerk

508-996-8253 ext. 218
ncortes@southcoastcf.org

Nhamaa Cortes joined the Foundation in April 2021 as the Accounting Clerk. Nhamaa is a recent graduate from Bridgewater State University where he majored in Accounting with a minor in Management. While he was a student, he worked in the foodservice industry. Nhamaa was born and raised in New Bedford where he currently resides.

Kim Goddard
Director, Marketing & Communications

508-996-8253 ext. 217
kgoddard@southcoastcf.org

Kim Goddard joined the organization in October 2020 as the Marketing & Communications Manager and was promoted to Director in January 2022. Originally from California, Kim worked in advertising and marketing for companies such as Lucasfilm and Bose Corp. Upon moving to the area, Kim began consulting for start-ups and several nonprofits such as Community Boating Center, DATMA, Our Sisters’ School, and Superflat NB. She also served on the board for Coastal Neighbors Network. 

Tricia Grime
Development Manager

508-996-8253 ext. 203
pgrime@southcoastcf.org

Adrianna Heard
Donor Services Associate

508-996-8253 ext. 214
aheard@southcoastcf.org

Adrianna Heard joined the Foundation in July 2020 as the Development Systems Administrator and in January 2021 was promoted to Donor Services Associate. Adrianna was born and raised in New Bedford and graduated with honors, from Westfield State University with a bachelor’s degree in Psychology.

Kim Heard
Office Administrator

508-996-8253 ext. 215
kheard@southcoastcf.org

Charles Holley
Director of Finance and Administration

508-996-8253 ext. 204
cholley@southcoastcf.org

Charles Holley joined the organization in December 2020 as the Director of Finance & Administration. Most recently Charles was the Director of Finance & Administration for Boston Harbor Now and Chief Financial Officer for Dudley Street Neighborhood Initiative. He is currently the Board Treasurer for Mystic River Watershed Association.

Sarah Rose
Director of Engagement

508-847-6119
srose@southcoastcf.org

Sarah Rose joins the organization in January 2021 as the Director of Engagement. Sarah most recently served as the Deputy Director for Education and Outreach for Plimoth Patuxet Museums and the Vice President for Education and Programs for the New Bedford Whaling Museum. She is on the Board of the Henry L. Ferguson Museum and Friends Academy.

AHA! (Art, History and Architecture!)
Candace Lee Heald
AHA! Director

508-996-8253 ext. 205
ahacoordinator@southcoastcf.org