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

Requests for emergency support as a result of COVID-19 are reviewed on an ongoing basis until further notice.

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 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 Arts & Culture Grant Program application closed October 2.

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 Foundation will not offer a 2020 Environment Grant Program. Please check back in 2021 for updates.

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

Due to the ongoing challenges across MetroWest as a result of COVID-19, the Foundation has made the decision to continue focusing on our emergency relief response efforts through the end of 2020. To see the current guidelines for our 2020 COVID Relief Grant Program, please click here.

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 that primarily work to alleviate food insecurity should apply to our Hunger Relief Grant Program.

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 Fall 2020 Cycle

Application Opens: August 24

Applications Due: September 25

Learn More about Youth in Philanthropy

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.

Community Endowment
of Lexington

Medfield Foundation Legacy Fund

Southborough
Community Fund

Community Fund for Wellesley

The Sherborn Fund

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.

Can I apply for general operating support?

Yes. Proposals may be submitted for general operating support, for new or existing programming support, or for capacity building. The Foundation does not provide event sponsorships.

Can I apply for capital support?

We will consider proposals only for specific capital projects. We do not provide grants for capital campaigns.

Can I apply for emergency assistance?

We do not provide grants for emergency assistance, nor do we award grants to individuals in crisis. If you are an eligible organization that serves families and/or individuals in crisis, you may be eligible to receive support through our MetroWest Fund for Families or the MetroWest Hunger Relief Fund. See About Grants for more details.

Do you provide multiple-year grants?

At this time, the Foundation does not provide multi-year grants. Organizations that complete their projects and expend all funding are eligible to apply for funding on an annual basis.

Can I apply for funding with another nonprofit?

Yes! We love collaborations. Combining resources and expertise to have an even greater impact on our communities can be great when done well. We encourage two or more eligible organizations to submit a joint proposal if they’ve come up with a great idea. We just ask that the proposal clearly indicates the primary organization and a clear division of responsibilities of each organization.

How do you define MetroWest?

We define MetroWest as the following 33 cities and towns: Acton, Ashland, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Dedham, Dover, Framingham, Harvard, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Milford, Millis, Natick, Needham, Sherborn, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Weston, and Westwood.

How do I submit a proposal to a Donor Advised Fund?

Most funds at the Foundation do not currently accept formal proposals. If you’d like to share your work with our fundholders, we encourage you to provide us with a 1-2 page document that provides a brief organization overview and details of any funding priorities. Having this on file allows us to share your information with fundholders when they seek our guidance and expertise. Please email your overview to Caroline Murphy.