Foundation for MetroWest Broke Giving Record In 2019

NATICK, MA — The Foundation for MetroWest is reporting a record-breaking year for giving. In 2019, the nonprofit gave out $1.9 million in grants, which went to organizations working on homelessness, hunger, the environment, and more.

In the latest round of giving for 2019, the foundation awarded $519,000 across 119 separate grants. The foundation serves 33 cities and towns in a large area between I-495 and Route 128 from Carlisle to Walpole.

Here's more from a foundation press release:

Holding true to its mission of making a positive, lasting impact across the region, the Foundation for MetroWest, the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns of MetroWest, has awarded $519,000 to area nonprofits in its last round of funding this year. Of the 117 grants awarded, 76 support hunger-relief efforts, while the others help combat homelessness, support families, and strengthen environmental and cultural endeavors across the region. The grants bring the Foundation’s total awarded in 2019 to $1.9 million – the largest single year of giving in its 25-year history.

The Foundation supported a wide range of programs and projects in 2019, including visual and performing arts, career training, immigrant services, historic preservation, mental health counseling, literacy, environmental initiatives, and resources for the elderly and victims of domestic abuse. The Foundation has awarded nearly $19 million over the past quarter century to help create strong, vibrant communities for the 700,000 residents in its footprint.

“For 25 years, our donors have generously supported countless worthy causes, and our efforts reached new heights this year,” said Judith G. Salerno, executive director, Foundation for MetroWest. “Awarding these grants reminds us that there are stark disparities within our community that demand immediate attention. We’re deeply proud of the support we’ve provided to these groups meaningfully impacting our region, yet it’s important to remember that many organizations lack the necessary resources to serve our citizens.”

The Foundation reviewed nearly 200 grant applications in 2019, demonstrating the depth of the unmet need in the region. Many individuals and organizations are recognizing that there are dozens of deserving nonprofits still seeking funding. In that spirit, the Foundation’s board chair, president of Wellesley Investment Partners Louis Crosier, and his wife, Hope, have pledged a dollar-for-dollar match for any new donation or increase in a previous donation to its Annual Fund, up to $50,000.

“The persistent gap between MetroWest’s needs and resources should galvanize the community to redouble its philanthropic efforts in the new year,” said Susan Kavoogian, chair of the Foundation’s Distribution Committee. “Each year, we’re presented with an array of innovative ideas, projects and programs designed to improve our neighbors’ quality of life, and we strive to help as many as possible succeed. We’re entering 2020 with a renewed focus on our region’s challenges and commitment to supporting solutions.”

For a full list of this year’s grant receipts, click here. To learn more about how to make a lasting difference in the MetroWest region, click here.