Grant Programs
Foundation for MetroWest awards Competitive Grants annually to strengthen the capacity and programming of nonprofit organizations working to improve the quality of life for our residents.
Eligibility requirements vary based on the guidelines of the grant program. Please refer to the guidelines for each focus area.
Emergency Funds
The MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund was established to enable the rapid delivery of financial resources to MetroWest-based nonprofit organizations working to serve our communities during broad-based emergencies, including natural disasters, financial crises, and public health emergencies.
The Feed Framingham COVID-19 Fund was created in partnership with the City of Framingham and Framingham Public Schools to provide responsive, critical financial support to nonprofit organizations who are helping to ensure access to food and basic hygiene necessities to vulnerable populations across the city.
Arts and Culture
The MetroWest Fund for Arts and Culture seeks to support, promote, and provide access to arts and cultural programming that celebrates creative expression, fosters an appreciation of diversity, and preserves our area’s collective history and heritage.
The typical grant ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
Environment
The MetroWest Fund for the Environment is based on our belief that protecting and enhancing our region’s natural resources is fundamental to the well-being of our community. We focus primarily on water-related issues, as water is essential to public health, to our natural ecosystems, and to sustaining a strong regional economy.
The typical grant ranges from $1,000 – $7,000.
Family Support
The MetroWest Fund for Families is based on our belief that equitable access to opportunities and resources is central to a strong and healthy region. We seek to address a broad spectrum of current and emerging community issues, including the aging population, domestic violence, housing and transportation, mental health and special needs, community education and outreach for newcomers, and more.
The typical grant ranges from $1,000 to $10,000.
Note:
Organizations whose missions are to primarily serve youth and/or projects where youth would be the primary beneficiaries are not eligible for our Family Support grants. Please contact Youth In Philanthropy to discuss your eligibility for our Youth Development Grant Program.
Hunger Relief
Our mission for the MetroWest Hunger Relief Fund is to invest in local organizations that work across the food system to eliminate hunger and provide food security to all MetroWest residents. We award grants annually to nonprofits and town agencies to provide immediate aid to residents in MetroWest.
Typical grants range in size from $500-$5,000.
Youth Development
Foundation for MetroWest awards grants to support initiatives designed to improve the lives of children and youth in our region. Proposals for a grant from the MetroWest Fund for Youth Development will be evaluated and awarded by local high school students participating in the Foundation for MetroWest’s Youth in Philanthropy program.
Note: This program is by invitation only. To be considered for a grant in this category, please contact Youth In Philanthropy to discuss your eligibility.
Youth Development Spring 2020 Cycle
Town Funds
Foundation for MetroWest currently has funds that benefit the individual towns of Lexington, Medfield, Southborough, Sherborn, and Wellesley. They provide support to organizations and town agencies whose programs address health and human services, recreation, community building, environmental protection, and the arts.
Grants FAQs
Can I apply to more than one grant area?
Yes and no.
Your organization may apply for funding from only one of the following focus areas: Arts and Culture, Environment, or Family Support. Your organization may be eligible to receive additional funding from a Town Fund. Youth Development grants are by invitation only. For specific questions, contact us to schedule a time to speak with a member of the Foundation’s Program Team.