September, 2018
Dear Friends,

The weather has turned cooler - apples and pumpkins are starting to replace peaches at farm stands and farmers markets all across MetroWest. It certainly feels like fall is in full swing!

Here at the Foundation for MetroWest the onset of fall means many things.

  • It means that we are even closer to the Community Leadership Breakfast on October 26, where I look forward to honoring our friend and community philanthropist, Bob Brack.

  • It means that we are now accepting applications for our Winter and Spring Youth in Philanthropy Programs and encouraging our next generation of philanthropists.

  • It means that our Distribution Committee is hard at work reviewing grant applications from local nonprofits doing great work in our community. 

Did you also know that next week is Mental Illness Awareness Week ? Despite mental illnesses’ reach and prevalence, stigma and misunderstanding are also, unfortunately, widespread. We are proud to support many local nonprofits working to educate and support those whose lives are affected by mental health conditions. 

Warmly,
Tickets are now available for the 7th Annual Community Leadership Breakfast
Friday, October 26, 2018, 7:30-9:30 am
Purchase your tickets today to hear from Keynote Speaker, Dan Kenary, the Chief Executive Officer and Co-Founder of Mass. Bay Brewing Company, aka, the Harpoon Brewery.

Connecting local business and local needs for a stronger MetroWest, the Community Leadership Breakfast explores the essential connection between businesses and community philanthropy.

Youth in Philanthropy Applications Open for Winter and Spring
We currently have four Winter Programs and five Spring Programs accepting applications, including inaugural programs in Needham, Southborough, and Wayland.

The deadline to apply for the Winter Programs is quickly approaching! Visit our website for more information or to have your student apply.
Mental Illness Awareness Week
Each year, millions of Americans face the reality of living with a mental health condition. However, mental illness affects more than just those living with a condition, indirectly touching the lives of family, friends or coworkers. If you or someone you know is looking for resources on this topic, we would like to direct you to some of the wonderful nonprofits working to serve our neighbors facing mental illness and combat the associated stigma. 
You can make a difference in MetroWest.
This month, our Distribution Committee is hard at work reviewing grant applications and visiting local nonprofits who are out there doing great work in our community. Unfortunately, we are unable to provide funding to all of these great organizations, but you can help. Make a donation today to help increase the number of nonprofits we are able to support, and help preserve and improve the quality of life for everyone in MetroWest.
   
Ways for Teens to Give Back This School Year
Did you miss The Take last month featuring Executive Director Judy Salerno? Watch it now .

As teens begin their new year of high school, many are already thinking ahead to how they can improve their college applications. But after school activities and volunteering are also key for preparing teens for real world development.
Celebrating the 50th Anniversary of the
Wild & Scenic Rivers Act
On October 2, 1968, President Lyndon Johnson signed the Wild & Scenic Rivers Act to preserve certain rivers (including the Sudbury, Assabet and Concord Rivers) with outstanding natural, cultural, and recreational values in a free-flowing condition for the enjoyment of present and future generations. Celebrate it's 50th anniversary Sunday, October 14, 2:00-5:00 pm, Concord, MA    
We are going to make History. Together.
We just launched our very first giving campaign to support Youth in Philanthropy. Between 9/21-12/31, we've got an ambitious goal: 300 Gifts in 100 Days to support Youth in Philanthropy. Every gift will count in the campaign as we aim to reach this record-breaking number of supporters.

You make all this possible!
 Make a gift today to support your Community Foundation.