To fund the upgrade of second floor art galleries to better showcase art, and to build-out the catering kitchen. A better space will encourage more artists to participate, improving display and sales opportunities for hundreds of artists. The upgraded gallery will compliment the state-of-the-art performance spaces on the first floor. To learn more, visit: www.amazingthings.org

On the left: Michael Moran, Executive Director of Amazing Things, with Anne Thompson, enjoying the grant event. On the right: Ken Vona, Board Chair of the Foundation, and Meg Ramsey, Chair of the Grant Distribution Committee, present the grant to AnneThompson and Michael Moran of Amazing Things Art Center.

To fund the purchase of new Hearing Assistance Devices for an elderly and hearing disabled audience, replacing the outdated system currently in place. Upgraded equipment keeps this population as active participants and attendees, and allows theater lovers to continue to attend local, cost-effective productions. To learn more, visit: www.concordplayers.org

Ken Vona, Board Chair of the Foundation, and Meg Ramsey, Chair of the Grant Distribution Committee, present the grant to Jill Henderson, Vice President of Operations and Development and Jay Newlon, President of the Board of Concord Players.

To fund development, creation, and marketing of hands-on, interactive school programs that enrich the energy, engineering, and design curriculum of state frameworks. Exploration Field Trips and Traveling Science Workshops will engage as many as 1000 children in thoughtful consideration of how design and engineering choices relate to energy conservation. To learn more, visit: www.discoverymuseums.org

Ken Vona, Board Chair of the Foundation, joins Meg Ramsey, Chair of the Grant Distribution Committee, as the grant is presented to Neil Gordon. CEO, of the Discovery Museums.

To fund the installation of a new, larger 4-stop elevator closer to the main entrance with easy access to the community resource areas, providing complete access to the building for all users. This meets the Mass Architectural Access Board requirements and provides ADA-compliant accessibility, allowing more elderly and disabled individuals to take part in the programming. To learn more, visit: www.emersonumbrella.org

On the left: Owen Beenhouwer, Board Chair, and Kathleen Brittan, Director of Development and Marketing, Emerson Umbrella for the Arts, watch and listen as grants are presented. Kim Thomas, Executive Director of New Hope, is in the foreground. On the right: Ken Vona, Board Chair of the Foundation, and Meg Ramsey, Chair of the Grant Distribution Committee, present the grant to Kathleen Brittan and Owen Beenhouwer, Emerson Umbrella for the Arts

To fund the provision of an afterschool orchestral string program for 3rd and 4th graders in partnership with Dedham Public Schools. The program should serve 40-50 families, and ensure that no child who wants to study music is left out because of financial difficulties associated with the recession. To learn more, visit: www.dedhamschoolofmusic.org

On the left: Charol Chan of the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest joins Gabriella Sanna and Fred Wofford of Music Access/Dedham School of Music, at the grant event. On the right: Ken Vona, Board Chair of the Foundation, and Meg Ramsey, Chair of the Grant Distribution Committee, present the grant to Gabriella Sanna, Executive Director of the Dedham School of Music and Fred Wofford, President of Music Access.

To fund a part-time coordinator for the music lesson afterschool program operating in 8 Framingham public schools. This program fills the gap left by the elimination of the 4th and 5th grade band and string instruments program previously offered by the public system. The goal is to expand the program from 200 to 300 students. To learn more, visit: www.pacmetrowest.org

Ken Vona, Chairman of the Board at the Foundation, and Meg Ramsey, Chair of the Grant Distribution Committee, present the grant to Sherry Anderson, Executive Director, and Carol Chan, Board Chair, of the Performing Arts Center of MetroWest.