Dear Friends,

red-bar-2Here at the Foundation for MetroWest, we believe it is our community’s collective responsibility to care for our neighbors, invest in our future and love the place we call home.

As a community foundation, we are advocates for community-based philanthropy for the MetroWest region of Boston. Our work focuses on the issues that matter most to our region, such as supporting families and youth, nurturing the arts and the environment, and meeting basic human needs.

We then ensure the sustainability of our work through philanthropic literacy programs for area students and local nonprofit organizations.

Thanks to your support, our impact continues to grow. In 1995, our first year of grantmaking, the Foundation for MetroWest awarded $57,000. In 2016, our 21st year, we awarded over $1.3 million.

Throughout this report, you will find stories, quotes, and figures reflecting the past two fiscal years, FY15 and FY16. As philanthropists, volunteers and partners, you are the reason this organization exists and continues to grow.

Thank you for your commitment to securing a bright future for the place we love: MetroWest.

Sincerely,

Judith G. Salerno
Executive Director

Garry R. Holmes
Chair, Board of Trustees

programming to engage, inspire and educate

orangeThe Foundation for MetroWest’s mission is to connect philanthropic opportunity with demonstrated need. We promote philanthropy in the region, help donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serve as a resource for local nonprofit organizations, and improve the quality of life for all of our citizens. By collaborating with philanthropists on their giving goals, educating and supporting nonprofits and youth, and partnering with business leaders, we are working together to build a bright future for everyone in MetroWest.

community conversations:
learn, lead & celebrate

orangeThroughout 2015-2016, the Foundation for MetroWest gathered donors, business leaders and community members to celebrate local philanthropy and engage in conversations on how to make MetroWest a better place to live and work.

2015 SPRING
INSPIRATION BREAKFAST

About
Community members honored inspirational philanthropists in support of Youth in Philanthropy.

Keynote
Nini Meyer, Founder and CEO of Positive Tracks

Honoree
Ashley Kaye Bernon of Wellesley

2015 COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST

About
Business leaders gathered in support of corporate philanthropy and social responsibility.

Keynote
Gary Hirshberg, Chairman, former President and CEO of Stonyfield Farm

Honoree
Ben Fischman of Wellesley

2016 SPRING
INSPIRATION BREAKFAST

About
Community members celebrated Youth in Philanthropy and heard inspiring stories about giving back.

Keynote
Carrie Morgridge, Vice President of the Morgridge Family Foundation

Honoree
Clair Windsor of Needham

2016 COMMUNITY
LEADERSHIP BREAKFAST

About
Attendees explored the benefits of corporate philanthropy and supported the work of the Foundation’s Center for Philanthropy Education.

Keynote
Brian Kelley, Vice Chairman of the Board, Keurig Green Mountain

Honoree
Kenneth Vona of Sudbury

Voices from the field

Through Youth in Philanthropy, I learned that there are so many ways to get involved in your community. You can give your time, give your talent, or give your money. Even just spreading the word about what your favorite nonprofit does to make the world a better place is helping. I had no idea there were so many ways to make a difference, and I had no idea that no matter what you do—it matters.

Whitney SinsYouth in Philanthropy alumni

To me, being a leader in a community is not only providing my time, energy and resources but also reminding those around me to do the same. The Foundation for MetroWest has created an organization based on many of the values I have mentioned above. I want to thank the Foundation for this honor and more importantly thank everyone involved in the organization for the amazing work you do day in and day out.

Ben FischmanFounder & CEO, LAUNCH; CEO of M.Gemi; and 2015 Community Leadership Breakfast Young Philanthropist Honoree

We know our organization exists because of our philanthropic partners in the region.  As we expand and become more self supportive through our social enterprise organizations, the commitment from the Foundation from MetroWest has made the efforts successful. The work is ongoing.

Toni WolfExecutive Director of Employment Options, 2015 Foundation for MetroWest grantee

Of all partners, the Foundation for MetroWest is the foundation I owe the most for financial support, and most importantly for my professional development. I attended so many of your workshops and training sessions, and I have learned so much from the incredibly experienced and knowledgeable speakers you chose for your workshops. I can’t thank you enough!

Gabriella Sanna Former Executive Director of Dedham School of Music

We have been delivering STEM programming both here onsite and in schools for more than 23 years, and this is a great opportunity to build upon that and expand our capacity to serve children outside of the classroom. The Foundation for MetroWest is generously providing the means for us to impact students who otherwise might not be reached.

Neil GordonCEO of The Discovery Museums, 2015 Foundation for MetroWest grantee

We are so grateful to the Foundation for MetroWest for its continued support of our work. This funding will allow us to go into the community and talk about the range of services we provide victims of rape and domestic violence. We know that sexual assault and domestic violence continue to be pervasive issues in our society and it is gratifying that an organization like the Foundation understands that and is there to support our mission.

Mary GianakisDirector of Voices Against Violence, 2015 Foundation for MetroWest grantee

join us in making an impact on MetroWest

With more than 20 years of experience and deep ties to local communities, the Foundation for MetroWest has a unique understanding of our region and a practical, highly personalized approach to ensure that every gift makes the greatest possible difference. Together, let’s make an impact in our community.

Foundation for MetroWest
3 Eliot Street, Natick, MA 01760
Phone: 508.647.2260

Contact Us

The Foundation for MetroWest has a simple philosophy: You can make a world of difference in your own backyard.