Community Foundation for MetroWest

As we celebrate Women’s History and Women’s Empowerment Month this March, we are proud to highlight one of our non-profit partners, RIA, INC. – ready?inspire?act. Through their one-to-one services, they are equipping women who have been exploited through the commercial sex trade with the tools to transform and build independent lives. The Foundation spoke with RIA, Inc.’s Executive Director and Founder, Heather Wightman, to learn more about the incredible work RIA, Inc. is doing in MetroWest to empower women every day. https://lnkd.in/gQKcYyY4 Photo Courtesy of RIA, Inc.

?? Get a cup, give a cup! This winter, Common Good Co., a locally owned coffee shop in Waltham, invited the Foundation to be part of their Giving Wall. When you order a “Common Good Coffee,” you will be charged for two cups – one for you to enjoy and one for the Foundation. You will get a token equivalent to the proceeds of the second cup that you can place in our box on the Giving Wall. Thank you to everyone who has already stopped in to support this local MetroWest business and the Foundation! If you still want to grab a cup of coffee and show your support, our partnership with the coffee shop will continue through the end of this month (March 2025). Common Good Co. is fueled by its mission to “create a wave of positive change for all mankind.” To learn more about Common Good Co., visit: https://lnkd.in/d7dyD3n4

Each month, the Boston Business Journal (BBJ) recognizes business and nonprofit partners who are implementing innovative strategies to make a positive impact in their community. This month, BBJ highlighted the Foundation's partnership with MathWorks. Since 2021, MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, has been a valued community partner in the success of our Equity in Education Action Project. The initiative is invested in developing increased access to high-quality and evidence-based programs that create and solidify a foundation for academic success in literacy and STEM. ?? Literations

We are thrilled to share that MetroWest resident Emily Sarazin will be running the 129th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 21, 2025, in support of the Community Foundation for MetroWest. We recently chatted with Emily to learn about her marathon story and why she chose the Foundation. https://lnkd.in/e5mPBWKU If you’d like to support Emily in her fundraising for our ONEmetrowest Fund, visit https://lnkd.in/enMQyMzD All funds raised will help the Foundation to channel resources towards addressing some of the region’s most pressing issues. From providing hunger relief and fostering youth development to promoting equity in education and nurturing arts and culture.

Each month, the Boston Business Journal (BBJ) recognizes business and nonprofit partners who are implementing innovative strategies to make a positive impact in their community. This month, BBJ highlighted the Foundation's partnership with MathWorks. Since 2021, MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, has been a valued community partner in the success of our Equity in Education Action Project. The initiative is invested in developing increased access to high-quality and evidence-based programs that create and solidify a foundation for academic success in literacy and STEM. ?? Literations

The Foundation and Board of Trustees recently welcomed donors and supporters of the Foundation to an Open House at our Natick office. This was an opportunity to personally thank friends of the Foundation and to celebrate all that we've accomplished together. Guests enjoyed a wine and cheese tasting, hosted by Marlborough’s The VinBin, as well as a chance to meet our staff. We are deeply grateful to all of our donors and supporters whose generosity helps make MetroWest a vibrant and welcoming place to call home.

The Community Foundation for MetroWest (CFMW) congratulates our Fall 2024 Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) graduates! In January, our Natick and Hopkinton programs concluded with a Graduation ceremony at the Weston Community Center. The celebration was a wonderful opportunity to highlight the students' hard work and hear about their experiences throughout the program. We were thrilled to have Jacob Binnall, a 2015 YIP graduate and MetroWest-based Business Immigration Attorney, as an inspiring keynote speaker. Jacob shared his philanthropic journey, offering valuable insights to the new graduates. The ceremony concluded with an acknowledgment of our 2024 Youth Development grant partners, including Hoops and Homework, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Mass & Metrowest, Inc. , The Children's Room - Caring grief support for children, teens and families, and Dignity Matters, Inc.. Jon Gay, Executive Director of The Children’s Room, delivered heartfelt remarks on behalf of our community nonprofit partners, thanking the students for their support of these critical programs. A big congratulations to the newest members of the YIP alumni network! To learn more, visit https://yipmetrowest.org/

On World Wetlands Day, a day dedicated to highlighting the importance of protecting our wetlands, the Foundation would like to recognize two of our trusted environmental nonprofit partners: OARS and Charles River Watershed Association. These organizations play a crucial role in protecting and educating the public about the rivers that flow through MetroWest, including the Sudbury, Assabet, Concord, and Charles Rivers. Swipe to learn more about the missions of OARS and the Charles River Watershed Association.

mentorship- noun: influence or guidance given by a trusted counselor or teacher In honor of National Mentorship Month this January, we’re spotlighting Caryn O’Leary Conway, Lead Instructor for the Community Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program. Over the past seven years, Caryn has played a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring students as they embark on their journeys as philanthropic leaders. We recently sat down with Caryn to learn more about how she got involved with YIP, what she finds most rewarding about mentoring, and her advice for others interested in following a similar path. https://lnkd.in/eN99A_Dj

In times of crisis, Community Foundations act as a vital bridge, connecting local nonprofits with needed support to ensure the swift and effective distribution of funds and resources. In the wake of the devastating fires across LA County, the California Community Foundation, Pasadena Community Foundation, and Ventura County Community Foundation are actively working to address the critical needs of those impacted by the fires. As California faces the immediate aftermath and long-term challenges of these wildfires, we invite you to consider donating to these community-focused organizations. California Community Foundation: https://lnkd.in/gPY-uGU3 Pasadena Community Foundation: https://pasadenacf.org/ Ventura Community Foundation: https://lnkd.in/guV5UTxk Our thoughts are with our neighbors in California during this challenging time.