Monthly Newsletter                                                                                                  August 2015
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In This Issue
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
I hope you and your family have been enjoying the beautiful summer we've been having. Things at the Foundation remain busy and for a second year, we celebrated the start of summer with two Summer Institutes for Youth Leadership. For three days, thirty local high school students learned about the importance of philanthropy, visited some of our nonprofit partners, and ultimately recommended grants to Mass Audubon's LEAF at Drumlin Farm and Plugged In Teen Band. 

It was inspiring to watch the participants engage in philanthropy education, come together as a team, and ultimately agree on which nonprofit to support with funding. Watching them in action reinforced my belief that the future is bright for it is in the hands of our very capable and very compassionate children.  

A sincere thank you to Eastern Bank, Bentley University, Let's Get Ready, The Food Project, The Discovery Museums, Waltham Fields Community Farm and Plugged In Teen Band for their help in making our Summer Institute such a success. This program wouldn't be the same without you. Thank you.  
  
Looking towards a new school year, we are now busy planning for our fall Youth in Philanthropy programs in Sudbury, Natick, and Concord. I encourage you to follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram to watch our students develop new skills and become part of the next generation of philanthropists this fall. Their journeys' have inspired me; I hope they'll inspire you as well. 

Enjoy these remaining days of summer,
Judith G. Salerno
IMPACT
$110,000 Granted to Local Hunger Relief Agencies
Last month, we launched a $55,000 Summer Hunger Challenge to support the Foundation's MetroWest Hunger Relief Fund. The outpouring of support was incredible and at this time, we are thrilled to announce that we have achieved our goal of distributing $110,000 to hunger relief agencies throughout MetroWest! Surpassing the $100,000 milestone and growing the program by more than 25% are particular points of pride for us and we recognize that none of this would be possible if not for the generosity of people like you - Thank you! 
  
To honor and celebrate the important work of our grantees, we invite you to join us on Wednesday, October 7, 2015 from 4:00 - 5:30 PM at Bentley University for a panel talk: "Hunger in MetroWest," followed by a celebration of our MetroWest Hunger Relief Fund grantees. This event, co-sponsored by the Bentley Service-Learning Center is open to all who are interested in learning more about hunger in our region and the work being done in our community to address this need.
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STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY
Grants in Action: Waltham Family School 
Waltham Family School (WFS) recently celebrated families graduating from their program as their children are moving from preschool to Kindergarten. Parents spoke of their experience at WFS and their hopes for the future.
 
"When I was a little girl in Uganda, I did not have a chance to go to school. WFS gave me a chance... Now I can read signs, forms at the doctor's, questions for the Citizenship test, also my Nursing Assistant book with help and even my son's IEP," said a graduate from the program. 
 
The graduation celebrated the end of an exciting school year for WFS. With the support of a $6,000 Family Support grant from the Foundation for MetroWest, WFS was able to expand from 32 to 44 families and to include weekly Interactive Literacy classes for parents and children together.
 
Want to help make more success stories possible?
Support integral programs like WFS by making a donation to the MetroWest Fund for Families. WFS and the Foundation for MetroWest thank you!
Now Accepting Grant Applications
Southborough Community Fund Competitive Grant Program
If you are an agency or town department serving the Southborough community, we encourage you to consider this opportunity. Learn more here.
Application deadline is 5:00 PM Friday, September 11, 2015
  
Regional Youth Development Competitive Grant Program
Organizations serving youth in the MetroWest area are encouraged to consider this opportunity. Learn more here.
Application deadline is 5:00 PM Friday, October 2, 2015
 
Wellesley Youth Development Competitive Grant Program
Organizations serving Wellesley, Needham, Natick, and Weston youth are encouraged to consider this opportunity. Learn more here.
Application deadline is 5:00 PM Friday, October 2, 2015
CENTER FOR PHILANTHROPY EDUCATION
Capacity Building for Our Future
Nonprofits learn and engage at each seminar
Through the generous support of our donors and the Middlesex Savings Bank Charitable Foundation, we are able to offer the Center for Philanthropy Education. These services and resources help build the capacity, visibility, connections, and expertise that our local nonprofits need to deliver their missions, and, in turn, strengthen the MetroWest region. MetroWest nonprofit staff, volunteers, board and committee members are welcome to attend.

Upcoming Leadership Development Series:
The Foundation for MetroWest is delighted to be partnering with Fredia Woolf, Principle of Woolf Consulting  for a series that will explore the three essential components of Sustainable Leadership: Excellence, Effectiveness and Ease. Please note, this leadership development series has six parts and is only available to executive directors.

Upcoming Seminars:
The Foundation for MetroWest is delighted to be partnering with the MetroWest Visitors Bureau to co-sponsor this workshop with brand strategist, Michele Levy. At this event, Michele will discuss the practical ways to ensure that your "inner circle" supporters can deliver your brand message and enhance your marketing communications efforts. 

In order for nonprofit organizations to achieve their goals and fulfill their mission, they need to have a highly effective Board of Directors. Amy and Susan of Cahners & Donahue Associates LLC will discuss building a high-performing board through understanding board roles and responsibilities, strong board-staff relations, and the ideal board committee structure. 
Please note, this workshop is only available to executive directors accompanied by board chair or board leadership. 
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