MetroWest Daily News – Foundation for MetroWest Announces $75K in Emergency COVID-19 Grants

This article appeared in the MetroWest Daily News on April 3, 2020

Less than one week after announcing its grant process, the Foundation for MetroWest provided the first round of 12 emergency grants to local nonprofits helping vulnerable residents impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

Totaling $75,000, these one-time grants are the first to be distributed from the newly established MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund and the Feed Framingham COVID-19 Fund, both recently created to meet the growing need for an array of urgent resources and services.

“We know so many nonprofits are responding rapidly and thoughtfully to increasing needs for emergency support across our region as this public health emergency progresses,” said Caroline Murphy, the foundation’s director of programs. “Our goal is to get the funds out as quickly as possible to aid them in their critical efforts.”

Initial grantees include Advocates Inc., Brazilian American Center (BRACE), Daniel’s Table, Food Link Inc., Gaining Ground, HOPEworldwide, Framingham Food Pantry, Jewish Family and Children’s Services, Lovin’ Spoonfuls, Latino Health Insurance Program, Natick Service Council, Project Just Because and Wayside Youth and Family Support Network.

“For 25 years, the Foundation for MetroWest has served as a central resource for this community and the local nonprofits that provide essential resources for our neighbors,” said Judy Salerno, executive director of the Foundation for MetroWest. “These first grants reflect the strong partnerships we have built across our region and the amazing work being done in our communities to care for all our neighbors. These efforts will provide critical resources for community organizations on the front lines of the COVID-19 pandemic, helping to support our most vulnerable populations during this challenging time.”

To date, the foundation has raised more than $500,000 through the two emergency funds. Major donors include the Barr Foundation, Eastern Bank Charitable Foundation, Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation, many donor-advised funds, friends of Foundation for MetroWest and generous community members.

The foundation will continue to raise and distribute emergency funds throughout this crisis on a rolling basis as the region’s needs grow and change. To find more information on the Foundation, the MetroWest Emergency Relief Fund, and the Feed Framingham COVID-19 Fund, visit www.foundationmw.org.