Monthly Newsletter
March 2015
From the Executive Director
Spring has arrived and inspiration is in the air. I continue to be encouraged by the students who are developing invaluable skills through our Youth in Philanthropy program, by the volunteers who are working to create a permanent source of philanthropy in their own towns through our Town Fund initiative, and by the hundreds of nonprofits in our region who are making a difference every day. 

We are looking forward to our second annual Spring Inspiration Breakfast on May 7, 2015 at the Wellesley Country Club. Our keynote speaker, Nini Meyer, the energetic founder and president of Positive Tracks will share her personal story of her family's tradition of philanthropy as inspired by the deep generosity of her grandmother. Nini's talk will also highlight the inspiration behind her innovative organization that empowers the next generation to "get active and give back" using the power of sport.

This year, our Young Philanthropist Award will be given to Wellesley resident Ashley Kaye Bernon. We are thrilled to honor Ashley for her spirit of volunteerism and philanthropic engagement in a wide-range of local charitable causes.
 
To learn more about our Spring Inspiration Breakfast, view a list of our many generous sponsors, and purchase tickets, click here. 
  
I hope you will join us for a morning of inspiration!

 
Judith G. Salerno


Give

Massachusetts Tax Credit Benefits Donors, Communities

 

We wanted to make you aware of a tool that provides Massachusetts taxpayers with a 50 percent tax credit for donating to selected community development corporations (CDCs).


The Community Investment Tax Credit (CITC) was signed into law in 2012, and took effect in 2014. It "is designed to support high-impact community-led economic development initiatives" through a market-based approach that could generate up to $66 million in new investment, according to the Massachusetts Association of Community Development Corporations (MACDC). Some $6 million in tax credits will be available each year until 2019, when the credits expire.

For a minimum donation of $1,000, donors receive a tax credit equivalent to half their contribution, so a $5,000 gift to the organization would result in a $2,500 credit on their tax return.

CDCs are nonprofits dedicated to improving low and moderate-income neighborhoods by, for example, providing job training and supporting local businesses.
 
We are fortunate to have a CDC in Waltham, WATCH, which has been awarded a Foundation for MetroWest grant for their Breaking Barriers program. They are an important community resource. To learn more about WATCH, click here. For more information, see the MACDC brochure or fact sheet.
Strengthening our Community
Strengthening our Community
Foundation for MetroWest
Tom Crotty, Trustee, Foundation for MetroWest
  
Foundation for MetroWest Trustee Tom Crotty of Southborough was recently interviewed by Southborough Access Media. The video includes important messages around the work the Foundation does in the community, as well as our Town Fund initiative. To watch the video, click video above or click here.

 

Town Funds work to build the quality of life for all residents in their town. The funds support innovative programs and services in the areas of health and human services, recreation, community building, environmental protection, and the arts. Making life safer, healthier, and more enjoyable for all members of the community.

Currently, the Foundation has established funds benefiting the following towns:
Are you interested in learning more about Town Funds? If so, please contact Amy Axelrod, Director of Institutional Advancement or call 508.647.2260
  
Strengthening our Community
Center for Philanthropy Education
Upcoming Events

 

CPE ANNUAL REPORT SEMINAR   
  
  
WEBINAR: How to Find Capacity and Performance - April 8  
Great organizations will follow strategic planning with restructuring of the organization to match their new strategy. This webinar is designed for senior leaders with direct staff reports that are interested in boosting performance through staffing capacity.
 
Introduction to Grants Research - April 28  
During this introductory workshop, we will demystify the grant proposal process and help you on the road to successful grants research.

Thank you to our donors and Middlesex Savings Bank Charitable Foundation for supporting the Center for Philanthropy Education. MetroWest nonprofit staff, volunteers, board and committee members are welcome to attend.
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