Foundation for MetroWest Announces $75,000 in Emergency COVID-19 Grants
First round of grants will benefit 12 local nonprofits helping the region through time of crisis
(Natick, MA) April 2, 2020 – Less than one week after announcing its grant process, the Foundation for MetroWest today provided the first round of 12 emergency grants to local nonprofits helping vulnerable residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Totaling $75,000, these one-time grants are the first to be distributed from the newly established MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund and the Feed Framingham COVID-19 Fund, both recently created to meet the growing need for an array of urgent resources and services.
“We know so many nonprofits are responding rapidly and thoughtfully to increasing needs for emergency support across our region as this public health emergency progresses,” said Caroline Murphy, the Foundation’s Director of Programs. “Our goal is to get the funds out as quickly as possible to aid them in their critical efforts.”
Initial grantees include: Advocates, Inc., Brazilian American Center (BRACE) , Daniel’s Table, Food Link, Inc., Gaining Ground, HOPEworldwide, Framingham Food Pantry, Jewish Family and Children Services, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Latino Health Insurance Program, Natick Service Council, Project Just Because, and Wayside Youth and Family Support Network.
“For 25 years, the Foundation for MetroWest has served as a central resource for this community and the local nonprofits that provide essential resources for our neighbors,” said Judy Salerno, Executive Director of the Foundation for MetroWest. “These first grants reflect the strong partnerships we have built across our region and the amazing work being done in our communities to care for all our neighbors. These efforts will provide critical resources for community organizations on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to support our most vulnerable populations during this challenging time.”
To date, the Foundation has raised more than $500,000 through the two emergency funds. Major donors include the Barr Foundation, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, Tripadvisor Foundation, many donor-advised funds, friends of Foundation for MetroWest and generous community members.
The Foundation will continue to raise and distribute emergency funds throughout this crisis on a rolling basis as the region’s needs grow and change. To find more information on the Foundation, the MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund, and the Feed Framingham COVID-19 Fund, visit www.foundationmw.org.
MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund Grantees:
Lovin’ Spoonfuls: to support their expanded efforts to distribute fresh rescued produce to food support organizations across MetroWest during the pandemic.
Jewish Family & Children Services: to support efforts to meet increased demand through their Family Table food pantry and client assistance efforts to access diapers/wipes and other basic hygiene products
Advocates, Inc.: to support their efforts to provide safe, healthy environments for their group homes, deliver critical telehealth support, and deliver food and medicine to vulnerable clients.
Wayside Youth & Family Support Network: to support their vulnerable clients in accessing food assistance and other basic toiletry and protective supplies.
Gaining Ground: to support additional costs incurred due to modifications to growing and harvesting procedures to meet production goals for their produce.
Natick Service Council: to support their Food Pantry efforts to safely provide and deliver food to vulnerable clients.
Food Link, Inc.: to support efforts to provide safe and increased food distribution in Lexington, Waltham and Dedham, including transportation costs and rental of additional cold storage.
Project Just Because: to support increased demand for food and basic toiletry products through their Hopkinton-based food pantry.
Feed Framingham COVID-19 Fund Grantees:
Daniel’s Table: To support their efforts to provide food to an increasing number of vulnerable residents of Framingham.
Latino Health Insurance Program: to support their efforts to outreach to and aid low-income families with children and older adults in applying for federal nutritional program benefits to increase access to food.
HOPEworldwide Framingham Food Pantry: to support their efforts to safely respond to increasing demand for food and basic hygiene products due to COVID-19.
Brazilian American Center, Inc (BRACE): to support their efforts to meet increasing demand for access to their delivery of food and basic necessities to immigrant populations in Framingham.
About Foundation for MetroWest
Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the 33 cities and towns in the region, encompassing 700,000 residents from Westborough to Waltham and Acton to Walpole. The Foundation promotes philanthropy across the area, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serves as a resource for local nonprofits and enhances the quality of life for all its residents. The Foundation is supported by a wide range of businesses, individuals, community groups and other philanthropic organizations. Since inception, the Foundation has granted $19 million to its nonprofit partners and currently stewards more than $26 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more, please call 508-647-2260.
