The Community Foundation for MetroWest is proud to recognize and celebrate its 2023 Human Services and Arts & Culture grant partners. The Foundation has awarded a record $735,000 in general operating grants to 58 nonprofit organizations this fall. This investment aims to have a significant and positive impact on the MetroWest community and brings the Foundation’s total impact in 2023 to over $3.95 million. The Foundation is proud to provide support for a range of community needs, partnering with them to help their continued progress and success.
The Foundation has supported a wide variety of programs throughout 2023, including visual and performing arts, emergency relief, hunger relief, environmental initiatives, human services, immigrant services, historic preservation, mental health counseling, and literacy. Since its founding in 1995, the Foundation has awarded over $31 million to its partners to help create strong, vibrant communities for the 700,000 residents in the region.
“Our donors’ unwavering dedication and support for the past 28 years has allowed us to make a significant impact on the growing needs of our community. This year has been particularly exceptional as we continue to expand our reach as a vital community partner,” said Jay Kim, Executive Director of the Community Foundation for MetroWest. “As we award these grants, we are reminded of the stark disparities within our community that urgently require attention. While we are deeply proud of the support we have provided to these impactful partners, it is crucial to acknowledge that many organizations still lack the necessary resources to serve the people who live and work in MetroWest. Through our continued collaboration and support, we remain steadfast in our commitment to nurturing a vibrant and thriving community across the MetroWest region.”
The Foundation reviewed 150 grant applications through its programs this fall, demonstrating the depth of the unmet need in the region. The Foundation, along with many individuals and organizations, recognizes that there are dozens of deserving nonprofits still seeking funding.
“The continued disparity between the needs in MetroWest and the available resources should serve as a call to action for our community to increase its philanthropic commitment in the upcoming year,” stated Susan Kavoogian, Chair of the Foundation’s Distribution Committee and Foundation Trustee. “Year after year, we encounter a wide range of passionate nonprofits and innovative approaches aimed at enhancing the quality of life for our neighbors. Our goal is to fund to as many of these initiatives as possible, and as we enter 2024, we have an intensified dedication to addressing the challenges facing our region and supporting sustainable solutions.”
Political Asylum/Immigrant Representation Project (PAIR) received funds for the first time this year through the Human Services process. Executive Director, Anita Sharma shared the following, “PAIR is honored to be a recipient of this generous community grant and to work as a partner with the Community Foundation for MetroWest to protect the legal rights of immigrants residing in the MetroWest area. The funds will bring strong support to PAIR’s legal programs, allowing us to serve asylum seekers in need of free legal assistance and a safe haven.”
For a full list of this year’s grant receipts, click here for Arts and Culture and click here for Human Services. To learn more about how to make a lasting impact in the MetroWest region, click here.
