E-Newsletter June 2010

Introduction

Summer has officially begun, and with the beginning of summer comes the beginning of our Discretionary Grant Cycle. Below is information about our 2010 Grant Application Process and some ways for you to use the summer to teach your children about philanthropy.

2010 Discretionary Grant Applications

The applications for the Foundation for MetroWest’s 2010 Discretionary Grant program are now available online. Applications are due by 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 19, 2010.

Note: Grant decisions are contingent upon the organization’s successful evaluation and reporting of past grant awards from the Foundation for MetroWest. The 2010 Grant Evaluation report is available to download here.

If you have any questions, please email .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or call (508) 647 – 2260.

We look forward to reading your application.

Summer Philanthropists

The Foundation for MetroWest works to promote philanthropy in our region. If you’re a parent, you probably think it’s important for your children to understand the need for helping those less fortunate.

If you believe, as we do, that this is an important trait to cultivate, there’s no better time than the down time that awaits kids this summer. Kids can take advantage of the many volunteer opportunities that exist in MetroWest and gain both the knowledge that comes with awareness of the needs of others, as well as the satisfaction that comes with making a difference.

Children are more likely to become volunteers later in life if they have an opportunity to help at a young age. Although some agencies are reluctant to take kids on as volunteers unless accompanied by an adult, a parent can speak with agencies to determine if there is a portion of a job that can be allocated safely to a child. Then they can volunteer together, giving the child that chance to serve at an age appropriate level.

Below is a list of ideas and organizations that encourage families to get involved.

For the youngest kids (4-8):

• Make cards/gifts to bring to elders at a community home and have a much-appreciated visit with them
• Visit local animal shelters to bring pet supplies and play with the animals at places like Buddy Dog
• Donate outgrown picture books and bring them to share with other kids at homeless shelters, libraries, and hospitals. Two great places are Reach out and Read and More than Words
• Visit your local library. Host a story or craft time for kids in your community
• Have them plant and take care of a few additional fruits & vegetables to donate to a food pantry through Ample Harvest
• Talk them for a walk through a local nature reserve to teach them about the environment. Some offer tours and activities for children, such as New England Wildflower Society's Garden in the Woods

For tweens (9-12):

• Collect hygiene and/or school supplies for kids in homeless shelters such as The Home for Little Wanderers
• Collect school supplies and fill backpacks for kids in their own or another school
• Collect food for a local food pantry and help fill their shelves with your donations. See our food pantry guide to find one near you
• Read to home-bound senior citizens or play an instrument at a nursing home. Contact Minuteman Senior Services for opportunities
• Have a bake sale or lemonade stand to raise money for an important cause and deliver the check to the recipient(s)
• Visit local historical societies, beginning with the one in your own town. One example is the Framingham History Center

For teens:

• Volunteer at a Boys & Girls Club or YMCA by teaching a skill you have
• Work for an environmental cause such as the Sudbury Valley Trustees which seeks youth involvement to help it further its mission to conserve land and protect wildlife habitat
• Get involved in an ESL class based on your second language skills such as the Framingham Adult ESL
• Get involved with the Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy program
• Look for an organization that matches your interests at VolunteerMatch or Boston Cares

Make kids aware of the causes important to you and let them see how you donate your time and money. Ask them what they would like to get involved with and when they do, make sure you praise them for their efforts. By combining the optimism of children that they can make things better and the adults who can demonstrate exactly how to do it, we can indeed make MetroWest a better place!

The Foundation is Hiring

The Foundation for MetroWest is currently looking to hire Development Associate to focus on outreach to the Corporate and Professional Advisor communities. For a more detailed description and to apply for the position, visit our Career Opportunities page.

Grantwriting Seminar

The Foundation is once again offering a grant writing workshop for nonprofits on July 21, from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. In this workshop, we will explore good research and writing practices that strengthen the case for funding, build information infrastructure, and expand grant-seeking capacity. Cynthia Hall Kouré will lead the workshop, which will take place at the Wellesley Free Library in the Wakelin Room.

For more information and to register for this free event, please click here.

Professional Advisor Networking Event

On Monday, June 7th, members of the Professional Advisor Committee, Foundation staff, and professional advisors from the region attended a networking event at Biagio Restaurant in Waltham. Attendees had the chance to meet the members of the Professional Advisor Committee, learn more about our plans for the coming year, and enjoy some great food.

Submit an Event

To submit and event, please send an email to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) with the event details and date.

Community Events

June 26 & July 10, 2010: Waltham Land Trust: Trail Work Days >
July 1, 2010: Natick Friends of the 4th: Children's Concert on the Common >
July 17, 2010: Waltham Walks at Stonehurst >
Saturday’s This Summer: Wayside Inn Farmer’s Market >
Friday’s in July: DeCordova Museum Free Friday Nights >

How to Help

Volunteer >
Donate >
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