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Monthly Newsletter January 2015
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Thank You! Thank You! Thank You!
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You are making a difference and
we can't thank you enough!
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The Foundation for MetroWest would like to take this opportunity to sincerely thank all of our Holiday Appeal supporters. Because of you, we were able to surpass our annual fundraising goal! These dollars support the integral work of the Foundation and contribute to our Regional Competitive Grant Program for 2015.
And speaking of grantmaking, we are excited to announce close to $1.3 million has been distributed through the Foundation for MetroWest in 2014. These grants provide essential support for a lot of people in need, so thank you again!
You may be wondering how you can contribute to that kind of impact, and we'd love to show you. Contact Cynthia Wachs, our Chief Development Officer, to discuss your options for giving, including starting a fund or becoming a member of our MetroWest Legacy Society. Of course, you can always make a donation online, at anytime, too. Thank you!
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YIP students at The Meadowbrook
School of Weston
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Our Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program has positively impacted youth, since 1997, by providing them the opportunity to learn about and engage in philanthropic giving in their communities.
A recent survey asked Youth in Philanthropy graduates - If they were given the opportunity, would they repeat the program? - 99% of respondents said YES; 100% said they would recommend the program to another student; and 100% said the program was good or excellent. Respondents also reported that the skills they gained such as public speaking, understanding budgets, leadership skills and consensus building helped them with future endeavors and volunteer opportunities. Another 81% reported they are currently involved with a nonprofit initiative. Needless to say, we are feeling pretty great about the impact of the program.
Since inception, our Youth in Philanthropy program, one of the largest in the country, has graduated over 1,000 students and distributed nearly $800,000 to nonprofits serving youth development - and we could not be more proud.
Do you know a student that needs some motivation and inspiration? Perhaps they would like to give back to their community but don't know how? Let us help them become a philanthropist! Check our website and future newsletters for application dates and information. Jennifer Ubaldino, our Program Officer, is here to help you too.
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STRENGTHENING OUR COMMUNITY
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Massachusetts Audubon Society
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Field study along the Sudbury River
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The Foundation for MetroWest has a special interest in protecting our environment and local watershed. We also believe in educating the next generation of environmentalists. With your help we have been able to do both. We have proudly supported Massachusetts Audubon Society over the years. In 2014, the Foundation funded The River School program held at Drumlin Farm. The program was designed to connect students to our watershed along the SuAsCo rivers and to help them develop a deeper understanding of the importance of earth science. Since the program started, The River School has reached 1,800 youth and adults during in-school and after-school programs - an amazing accomplishment.
This year we were able to fund another worthy and exciting program. In the spring of 2015, Mass Audubon teachers will guide students through a hands-on experience using scientific protocols to learn about water conservation and wetland habitats. This program will educate over 500 children in our region.
So how can you help? Support integral programs like these by making a donation to the MetroWest Fund for the Environment. Massachusetts Audubon Society and the Foundation for MetroWest thank you!
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Do You Love Where You Live?
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Town Funds enhance the quality of life
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When you feel a strong tie to your city or town, you want to make sure it remains a great place to live. However, many of us are not sure how to accomplish that goal. At the Foundation for MetroWest, the answer is simple - Town Funds.
We recognize that each town and city in our region has diverse needs, and the best way to address those needs is by channeling and managing the "support from within" - each town fund is led by an advisory committee of area residents who have a deep understanding of local needs and the nonprofits that address them. These committee members oversee fundraising, review applications based on published criteria and award grants annually with support and guidance from the Foundation for MetroWest. Ultimately, creating a secure future for the community they love.
The Foundation for MetroWest currently has town funds benefiting Lexington, Southborough and Wellesley. You may have heard or read about the impact these funds are making in our region. Most recently, the Southborough Community Fund was featured in the Community Advocate.
Now imagine the impact you can make where you live. Initiate a town fund by contacting Amy Axelrod, our Director of Institutional Advancement.
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CENTER FOR PHILANTHROPY EDUCATION
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Capacity Building for Our Future
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Nonprofits learn and engage at each seminar
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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 Seminars:
Email Marketing. Plus 60 Ways to Grow Your List - February 3 [REGISTER NOW]
What's the best way to reach your supporters and clients where they are every single day? In their own inbox! This session will reveal some simple but effective best practices and considerations for the small nonprofit seeking to reach their current and potential supporters more effectively.
This seminar will focus on elements of conflict, different conflict management styles, how to communicate better, tools to use in difficult conversations and how to explore creative ways for resolving and managing differences.
This hands-on workshop will guide attendees through the first steps of creating an email marketing piece, from choosing a template, to changing fonts and colors, to uploading photos, links, and videos. It is strongly suggested that attendees bring a laptop and have a Constant Contact account or a free trial in order to work on your emails during the workshop.
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Your Community Foundation
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