E-Newsletter June 2011

Introduction

The beginning of summer is a notable time for us as this is when our discretionary grant process begins. Receipt of grants will continue until mid-August, followed by evaluation. We are supporting our applicants this year by offering Grant Writing Workshops and holding an Information Open House to address specific questions they may have. This is a meaningful time for us, as the process deepens our understanding of community needs, and enables us to identify those areas where the Foundation will make a difference during 2012.

In this issue we are announcing the election of a new Trustee Emeritus and introducing a new staff member, as well as talking about our participation in Hudson Fest, and suggesting a good article on wealth transfer planning. We are happy to share this information with you.

All the best,

Judy Salerno, Executive Director

Announcing: 2011 Discretionary Grant Cycle Now Open

We are now accepting applications for the 2011 Discretionary Grant Cycle. This year we are funding grants in four areas – Family Support, Arts & Culture, the Environment, and Youth Development.

All applications must be submitted online and be received by 5 p.m. on Friday, August 12. Applications, guidelines, and other information are available online. Grants will be awarded in December 2011.

Note: Grant decisions are contingent upon the organization’s successful evaluation and reporting of past grant awards from the Foundation for MetroWest.

Upcoming Non-Profit Grant Writing Workshops

Non-profit consultant Cynthia Hall Kouré will present two workshops designed to improve grant research and writing to improve the process and increase the chances of success. Both will be held at the Wellesley Public Library.

Best Practices for Successful Grantwriting
July 20, 2011 9 am – Noon

Writing Effective Grant Proposals
July 27, 2011 9 am – Noon

Best Practices for Successful Grantwriting: This workshop focuses on ways to manage the time consuming process of grant writing. 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. Register >

Writing Effective Grant Proposals: This workshop focuses on professional writing practices that will make the writing process easier, focus your writing, and result in more polished proposals. You may bring along a one-page executive summary or a page from a recent proposal (community needs section preferred) to hand in for instructor feedback. Register >

Discretionary Grant Cycle Information Open House

On Tuesday, August 2, 2011, we will be offering the opportunity for organizations in the process of applying for a discretionary grant to ask questions during an informal session to be held at the Foundation for MetroWest office. Please choose either the morning session, beginning at 9:30 am or the afternoon session beginning at 1:30 pm.

RSVP to .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).

Congratulating Our New Trustee Emeritus

We are pleased to announce the election of Pat Poitras as Trustee Emeritus. While living in Holliston, Pat served on the boards of many local service organizations. This gave her first-hand knowledge of how difficult it can be for small, local non-profits to raise money. Pat was, thus, drawn to the idea of a community foundation. She served on the first Foundation for MetroWest board and then served as chairman of the board from 2000-2004.

Woolsey Conover, our other Trustee Emeritus, has this to say about the announcement: “I am truly delighted that Pat Poitras will be joining me as a Trustee Emeritus of the Foundation for Metrowest. Since the organization’s inception she has worked diligently, skillfully and with great effectiveness to see that it had an honest chance for long term success and a true sense of permanence. She followed me as Board Chair and provided strong and inspirational leadership at a time when it was needed. Quite some time ago Pat’s husband, Jim, and she established the “Forever Fund”, aptly named, to provide operating funds for FMW when those kind of resource were thin…and they have established several Funds that provide valuable grantmaking funds for the FMW. So, welcome, Pat, we could not have done it without you!”

Introducing Our New Staff Member

Please join us in welcoming our newest staff member. Debbie Botos is now the Manager for Communications and Community Relations. Prior to joining our staff, she applied her background of over 20 years experience in IT service marketing and internal consulting as a volunteer in several organizations. Learn more >

MetroWest at Hudson Fest

A “good time was had by all” as the Foundation participated in Hudson Fest on June 4. This event proved to be a good way for us to meet Hudson residents, share information about the Foundation, and feature a few of the non-profits we support. The highlight of our table was the “guess the number of Starburst candies in the jar” contest.

We are especially grateful to the organizations that provided the prizes. Our lucky winners were rewarded with a family membership to the Discovery Museums, tickets to an Arts Alliance performance, and free passes to visit the New England Wildflower Society’s Garden in the Woods. Our thanks go to each of these non-profits for helping to make our presence at the event meaningful and successful.

2010 Annual Report Available

The 2010 Annual Report describing our mission, funds, donors, and grant recipients over the past year is now available. You may wish to view or download a copy.

The 2010 Tax Relief Act and Its Implications for Wealth Planning

At the Foundation we like to share information that impacts our donors and the decisions they make. The latest edition of Wealth magazine, published by Northern Trust Corporation, has an excellent article that describes the 2010 Tax Relief Act and what it means for wealth transfer planning. While the act provides excellent short-term planning opportunities, it does not provide any long term permanence in the transfer tax arena.

Northern Trust Corporation is a provider of investment management, asset and fund administration, fiduciary and banking solutions for corporations, institutions and affluent individuals worldwide.

The Foundation for MetroWest staff is always available to speak with you about planned giving options. You may contact .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) or .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address) to learn more.

Community Events

Decibels 9th Annual Charity Golf Touurnament Monday, June 20, 2011
Help the Decibels Foundation raise money to assist children with hearing loss with a day of competition, prizes and food. The event is held at the Wedgewood Pines Country Club in Stow from 9:00 am to 6:30 pm. More information>

Greater Waltham Arc Art Show Opens Monday, June 20, 2011 and runs through June 23
Join Greater Waltham Arc at a reception on June 20, from 4:00 to 6:00 pm. The show features the work of GWArc artists and artist-in-residence Pablo Friedmann. More information>

Annual Celebration, Wayside Youth & Family Support Network: A Night to Shine Thursday, June 23, 2011
Enjoy food, conversation, and participate in silent and live auctions. More information>

Submit an Event

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

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