Community Foundation for MetroWest

08/31/2026

Philanthropy doesn’t have a perfect formula.

Many donors, especially those with business backgrounds, look for a “right way” or a clear return-on-investment equation. But giving doesn’t work like business.

Instead, philanthropy is more like venture capital for social change: high risk, uncertain outcomes, and often no immediate or guaranteed results. The goal isn’t perfection. It’s participation, learning, and impact over time.

And while there may not be a formula for success, a trusted partner can help you navigate the journey. The Community Foundation is there to provide philanthropic guidance, insight, and support every step of the way.

Learn more about how we support thoughtful, effective giving at communityfoundationmw.org

Thank you to Orson Watson, a philanthropic advisor, for this insightful conversation. For the full video, visit our YouTube channel.

08/24/2026

Passionate about causes that reach beyond our borders?

While our work is rooted right here in MetroWest, many of our fundholders care deeply about global challenges like health, education, and humanitarian relief. International giving offers incredible opportunities, but it also comes with unique complexities.

To help you navigate it all, we sat down with Mary Bradach, Director of Business Development at CAF America, to share essential strategies and expert perspectives on supporting the causes you care about anywhere in the world.

Read the full Q&A: https://www.communityfoundationmw.org/about/news-updates/expanding-horizons-why-international-giving-matters-for-our-community/

08/21/2026

📚 Become a Reading Coach with Literations !

Volunteer in Framingham, MA to:
🎓 Help 1st–4th grade students build reading confidence and essential life skills
🎓 Meet with students twice a week at their school from October 2026 through June 2027

No experience required. Literations provides all the training you need. Coaching is conducted in English.

Visit literations.org to register and learn more about the program.

CFMW is proud to partner with Literations through our Equity in Education Action Project.

08/18/2026

Here at the Community Foundation for MetroWest, we recognize that this region is a vibrant canvas for arts and culture. That’s why supporting the arts has remained at the core of our work for more than 30 years.

To continue that commitment, we launched ARTbuilds MetroWest, an Action Project on strengthening arts and culture across the region. Through partnerships with local organizations, ARTbuilds MetroWest helps expand access to the arts, create more inclusive and engaging experiences, and encourage collaboration and resource-sharing among cultural institutions.

To learn more about how the Foundation is investing in the future of arts and culture across MetroWest, read more here: http://communityfoundationmw.org/artbuilds

📸 Images courtesy of Bellforge Arts Center & Amazing Things Arts Center

08/17/2026

Do you know a high school student looking to make a meaningful impact in their community? Applications are now OPEN for the Fall 2026 Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program in Lexington.

This experiential learning program will help students:

💡Build leadership & teamwork skills
💡Support local nonprofits
💡Make funding decisions that matter

Don’t just take our word for it - here’s what a past participant had to say:

“Youth in Philanthropy is truly impactful and educational. I learned a lot about my community and how to communicate with a group to work for the same cause.”

To learn more and apply, visit yipmetrowest.org.

Spots fill up fast!

06/24/2026

The Community Foundation for MetroWest is honored to be recognized by The Center For Arts Natick (TCAN) with its Founders Award. We are grateful to have a community partner like TCAN that ensures that the arts continue to thrive in MetroWest.

06/12/2026

The Community Foundation for MetroWest congratulates our Spring 2026 Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) graduates, as well as our Spring 2026 Youth Development Grant nonprofit partners: Massachusetts Adoption Resource Exchange - MARE, Waltham Partnership for Youth, Jeff's Place, and One Can Help, Inc.

A big thank you as well to our inspiring speaker, Dr. Darya Herscovici MD, a 2015 YIP graduate. Darya shared her philanthropic journey, offering valuable insights to the new graduates about how a giving perspective can be applied to any career path.

Interested in joining the next cohort? Learn more and apply for YIP Fall 2026 at yipmetrowest.org.

06/04/2026

Please join us in welcoming three distinguished new members to our Board of Trustees: Michelle T. Miller, PH. D., Antonio J. Gutierrez, and Michael Stephens.

We are also proud to announce Susan Kavoogian as Chair and Neeti Ciolino as Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees.

Together with our dedicated existing board leadership, these accomplished leaders bring remarkable expertise, vision, and commitment to our community. Their stewardship will help strengthen the Foundation's mission and guide our work across the region for years to come.

05/14/2026

We are deeply saddened by the loss of United Way of Tri-County's President and CEO, Paul Mina. Paul lived a life of service and was deeply dedicated to MetroWest. His commitment to community and his generosity has touched countless lives, and his impact on our region will be felt for years to come. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his family, friends, colleagues, and all who had the privilege of knowing him.

Paul L. Mina, President & CEO May 1955 - May 2026 It is with profound sadness that we share that Paul Mina, President and CEO of United Way of Tri-County, passed away on Friday, May 8, as a result of injuries sustained in a car accident. Through his leadership, compassion, and unwavering commitment....

04/30/2026

What did you do today that was uncomfortable or inconvenient?

It’s a simple question. And a powerful one.

At our Spring Inspiration Breakfast, Holly Fogle of the Monarch Foundation reminded us that meaningful giving is not about doing more. It is about showing up when it matters most.

Through work like the Bridge Project, families are moving from impossible choices toward stability and dignity.

That kind of change starts with people who are willing to step in.

Read the full story: https://www.communityfoundationmw.org/about/news-updates/growing-into-more-meaningful-giving-reflections-from-spring-inspiration-breakfast/

📸 Jenna Joyce