Monthly Newsletter                                                                                              October 2015
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In This Issue
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Autumn is always a busy time at the Foundation. Whether you've attended one of our recent events, participated in a Center for Philanthropy Education workshop, or generously sponsored our Community Leadership Breakfast, I thank you for your involvement and commitment to making MetroWest a stronger, more vibrant place to live and work. 

At this time, I am delighted to share with you that Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation has made a lead gift of $500,000 to endow our Center for Philanthropy Education, $250,000 of which will be a matching grant. 

The Center for Philanthropy Education provides free educational programming to more than 600 nonprofits throughout MetroWest in the areas of fundraising, board governance, communications, and leadership training. The workshops and trainings increase nonprofit visibility, while improving the connections and expertise necessary to advance MetroWest nonprofits' missions and successfully address the needs in our region. 

Since its founding, the Foundation for MetroWest has regarded Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation as a key community partner, and together we have a long history of collaboration with a singular purpose of strengthening MetroWest communities. We agree that education is one of the most effective ways for us to enable nonprofits to meet their daily challenges with high-functioning, skilled staff and boards who are able to effectively engage the community in their mission. This gift will enable the Foundation to continue and expand this important program. 

The Center for Philanthropy Education is offering valuable programs in  the coming weeks and months. Please take a moment to review the trainings and workshops to see how they may help you or your favorite nonprofi t

With the continued support of partners like Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation and friends like you, we can make a world of difference in our own backyard. 

Best, 
Judith G. Salerno


IMPACT
"Philanthropy is essential to our mission"
     - Gary Hirshberg, Chairman of Stonyfield Farm
A special thank you to everyone who was able to join us to learn more about the essential partnership between business leaders and community philanthropy at our fourth annual Community Leadership Breakfast at the Boston Marriott, Newton on October 23. The morning was full of high-caliber networking and inspirational speeches by both keynote speaker Gary Hirshberg, Chairman of Stonyfield Farm and 'Just Label It' and Young Philanthropist honoree Ben Fischman, CEO of LAUNCH. 

Hirshberg shared his inspiring story of growing a small farm with seven cows into the nation's largest organic yogurt supplier in large part due to philanthropy being at the core of Stonyfield's mission. Addressing a room of nearly 350 local business and nonprofit leaders, Hirshberg said, "Philanthropy is essential to our mission. Our association with causes is critical to our success," to which event honoree Ben Fischman added, "Providing a means for the team to give back was essential to building Lids, Rue La La, and M.Gemi."  

Many thanks to our event sponsors who made the morning possible. To see more photos from the event, please visit our Facebook album
"Suburban hunger looks like me, looks like us" 
     - Michael Tobia, Mt. Calvary Community Supper 

On October 7, more than 100 community members joined us for an afternoon of discussion regarding what moderator Jonathan White, Director of the Bentley Service-Learning Center calls, "One of the most pressing issues of our time- hunger in America." Each of our five panelists spoke passionately about what needs to be done in order to bring an end to hunger in MetroWest, and how through collaboration, understanding, and a will to make a difference we can ensure that every person living in MetroWest can meet their most basic daily needs. 

To read more about the Foundation for MetroWest Hunger Relief Fund and how you can be part of the solution, please visit us at our website
Grant Brings Lovin' Spoonfuls to MetroWest
The Foundation for MetroWest is proud to have joined a coalition of local funders including the MetroWest Health Foundation, the  Sudbury Foundation, and  Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation to bring more fresh fruits and vegetables, lean proteins and whole grains to the pantries and tables of those most in need in our communities. Over the next three years, we have collectively pledged more than a quarter of a million dollars to support the expansion of  Lovin' Spoonfuls- a nonprofit dedicated to bridging the gap between abundance and need through its proven mission of food rescue. 

Food support organizations are ready to take in more fresh food. Joanne Barry, Executive Director of A Place to Turn in Natick said,  "A Place to Turn is thrilled to hear that local foundations will be funding Lovin' Spoonfuls in our area as they have a proven record of encouraging businesses and other food establishments to donate food that is currently going to waste. This new collaboration will absolutely result in more food delivered to organizations like our that can then distribute it immediately to people in need in our community."
 
Learn More About the Importance of Early Childhood Education Programming
Please join us and the Associated Grant Makers to learn about The Irene E. & George A. Davis Foundation's successful approach to funding early education programs in Springfield, including an overview of the Cherish Every Child initiative which focuses on improving the lives of Springfield's children from birth through age five and their families, by helping to ensure that children enter Kindergarten ready to succeed. 

Wednesday, November 4, 2015
12:30 PM - 2:00 PM 
Morse Institute Library
14 E. Central, Natick, MA 

This program is geared towards funders with  interest in collaborative, hands-on approaches and/or early childhood funding. 
Grant Application Deadline Extended
Wellesley Youth Development Competitive Grant Program
Organizations serving Wellesley, Needham, Natick, and Weston youth are encouraged to consider this opportunity. Learn more here.
Application deadline is 5:00 PM Friday, November 30, 2015
CENTER FOR PHILANTHROPY EDUCATION
Capacity Building for Our Future
Nonprofits learn and engage at each seminar
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:
Thursday, November 12
9:30 AM - 11:30 AM
Presenter:  Julia Campbell
Location: Concord, MA

Wednesday, November 18
5:30 PM - 7:30 PM
Presenter:  Amy and Susan of  Cahners & Donahue Associates LLC  
Location: Wayland, MA
Please note, this workshop is only available to executive directors accompanied by board chair or board leadership. 

Regional Arts & Culture Convening
Wednesday, December 2, 2015
8:30 AM - 10:30 AM
Co-Sponsored by the MetroWest Visitors Bureau
Location: Wellesley, MA
LEARN MORE & REGISTER NOW
 

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. 
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