Monthly Newsletter                                                                                              November 2015
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In This Issue
GIVE 
We are fortunate to live in an affluent area with beautiful open spaces, diverse arts and cultural opportunities, great schools, and safe neighborhoods. But if you look a little closer you will see that there are needs right in your backyard.
 
What if you could help a neighbor in need?
 
The neighbor who -
  • Struggles to care for a loved one with special needs
  • Doesn't always have enough to eat
  • Is the victim of domestic violence and doesn't know where to turn
Each year, the Foundation carefully considers grant requests from nonprofit organizations serving MetroWest. The Foundation has to make difficult decisions about funding, leaving some worthy organizations without a grant. We aspire to do more, and you can help.
 
This year, 100% of all gifts donated to our Year End Appeal will be distributed directly to our community. The more we raise, the greater our impact! 

I am asking you to please consider making a gift which will ensure our most vulnerable neighbors receive the resources they need and our communities will remain strong and vibrant now and in the future. 
IMPACT
Leslie and Colin Masson Challenge
Lexington residents Leslie and Colin Masson, have agreed to match, dollar for dollar, all gifts made to Community Endowment of Lexington (CEL), through the end of the year up to $100,000. "We love Lexington and we chose to live here because of its deep-rooted history of neighbors helping neighbors," said Leslie Masson. Her husband, Colin added, "This philosophy is what makes Lexington such a great place to live, and keeping this spirit of giving alive is our collective responsibility."

Join the Community Endowment of Lexington by participating in the Leslie and Colin Masson Challenge. Your gift will support projects that benefit Lexington residents today and provide a permanent source of funding to strengthen Lexington tomorrow. Please consider making a donation today. It is up to you to ensure the Massons' generosity is fully realized. 
Southborough Community Fund Grants $50,000
The Southborough Community Fund, a fund of the Foundation for MetroWest, is proud to announce that it has made $50,000 in grants as part of their second annual competitive grantmaking program. Grants were awarded to:

Please join us in congratulating the Southborough Community Fund and all of the great nonprofits and town agencies working tirelessly to make Southborough a better place to live and work!   

 

LEARN MORE 

DISCOVER
"Youth in Philanthropy is a truly amazing program. It gave me a new perspective on my community and how I can help."
     - Teen Participant
Do you know of a MetroWest high school students who is interested in... 
  • Enhancing their leadership skills?
  • Developing their financial literacy skills?
  • Making a positive impact on their community?
  • Granting money to local nonprofit organizations of their choice?
If so, encourage them to apply for our spring Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) programs!

YIP - Sudbury, Spring Semester
Wednesday evenings, 7:00 - 8:30 PM (Full program schedule)
The Sudbury Foundation's office in Sudbury, MA
Applications due by December 18, 2015

YIP - Wellesley*, Spring Semester
*Open only to high school students who live in Wellesley
Monday evenings, 7:00 - 8:30 PM (Full program schedule)
Wellesley Police Department, Kingsbury Room
Applications due by December 1, 2015

MetroWest high school students in grades 9-12, don't miss out! 
CENTER FOR PHILANTHROPY EDUCATION
Capacity Building for Our Future

Through the generous support of our donors and the Middlesex Savings 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 Seminars:
Regional Arts & Culture Convening
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Co-Sponsored by the MetroWest Visitors Bureau
Location: Wellesley, MA
 
Tuesday, December 15
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Presenter: Amy and Susan of Cahners & Donahue Associates LLC
Location: Natick, MA
Please note, this workshop is only available to executive directors accompanied by board chair or board leadership. 
WHAT WE'RE READING
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