January, 2019
Dear Friends,

I want to express my heartfelt gratitude to everyone who made a donation to the Foundation for MetroWest's Annual F und. We are happy to have ended the year strong, and that 100% of the funds raised in December will directly support our community in 2019. A special thank you to those who made new and increased donations in response to the challenge. With your support, we were able to achieve our goal and award $ 50,000 in additional funds to organizations providing emergency services in MetroWest . This has proven to be a most needed source of funding during the federal government shutdown, combining the uncertainty of promised federal funding with an increased demand for services in our region.

We have seen an amazing outpouring of support from our communities. Local food pantries have stepped in to help. Utility companies have asked affected employees to be in touch in order to assist them with challenges. Banks and credit card companies have offered their support. It has been inspiring to see our neighbors coming together to care for one another in this time of uncertainty.

If you or someone you know has been affected by the shutdown and are in need of services, please do not hesitate to reach out to the Foundation, so that we can connect you with one of the many organizations in our area that may be able to assist you until this situation is resolved. And thank you to the all the incredible nonprofits on the front lines serving furloughed federal employees and others who are impacted by this shutdown. You have stepped forward, yet again, to help people in a time of need.

Thank you for your support,
Executive Director
New year— new explorations!
The Rose Art Museum of Brandeis University in Waltham was listed as one of the best University Art Museums in America in 2017 by Architectural Digest. Always free and open to the public, they will be establishing a series of multi-disciplinary programs designed for multi-generational audiences and families, partially funded by a grant from the Foundation for MetroWest.
YIP Inspires student years later.
We all need a feel good story every so often, and this month it comes from Neighbor Brigade, a nonprofit that establishes community-specific networks of volunteers that can be mobilized to help residents facing sudden crisis manage day-to-day tasks. They received a donation from a student who completed YIP a couple of years ago. Their class had visited Neighbor Brigade and, although they did not fund them in the end, their mission left a lasting impact.
Save the Date for the Spring Inspiration Breakfast
Thursday, April 25
The Spring Inspiration Breakfast showcases the philanthropic work of MetroWest community members—of all ages!
Join Event Chairs Christine Schuster and Katie Schuster on April 25 to hear from keynote speaker Mary Gordon, Founder and President of Roots of Empathy and to honor Margaret Ramsey with the 2019 Community Philanthropist Award.













Mary Gordon
Founder and President
Roots of Empathy
MetroWest Women's Philanthropy Series
Part 2

Hunger Relief in MetroWest
On January 8, we held the second in our series, focused on Hunger Relief in MetroWest - Can our food systems really play a part in solving hunger?

We kicked off the night with the Merriam-Webster definition of hunger: a feeling of discomfort or weakness caused by lack of food, coupled with the desire to eat. Panelists Joanne Barry from A Place To Turn , Lauren Palumbo from Lovin’ Spoonfuls , and Caroline Murphy from the Foundation discussed innovative ways to tackle hunger and how some organizations are using food waste as a way to combat the issue.
Now Accepting Applications for the Emerging Leaders Academy
The Emerging Leaders Academy is a free seven-session series that provides a substantial yet accessible introduction to nonprofit leadership development. The program is specifically tailored for those emerging leaders who are new to, or aspiring towards, senior management positions.

Do you know someone who would benefit from our Emerging Leaders Academy ?
2018 Emerging Leaders Academy
Community Endowment of Lexington (CEL) Competitive Grant Program opens Monday
Are you a registered 501(c)(3) or public agency serving the Lexington Community? The CEL Competitive Grant Program opens on Monday. CEL awards grants to organizations working in the areas of health and human services, arts and culture, the environment, and community building; provides ways for donors to give back and leave a legacy; and encourages innovative and collaborative solutions to issues facing Lexington, MA.
You make all this possible!
 Make a gift today to support your Community Foundation.