Foundation for MetroWest awarded grants yesterday to Danforth Museum of Art, Advocates, Inc., Framingham History Center, Framingham Court Mediation Services, Inc., MetroWest Outreach Connection, and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network.

The Framingham organizations received, in total, $16,500, as part of the Foundation's 2010 grant cycle.  The announcement was made at an event at  Garden in the Woods in Framingham yesterday. The Foundation announced it would award $106,000 throughout the region. 
 
Danforth Museum of Art was awarded a $2,500 grant to fund the free "First Sunday Drop into Art" program to be held January through May 2011. 

 Advocates, Inc. was awarded a $5,000 grant to fund staffing at the Advocates Community Counseling Outpatient Clinic. 

Framingham History Center was awarded $2,500 to support the History Center's $50,000 Leadership Challenge. 

Framingham Court Mediation Services was awarded $2,000 to support community mediation services. 

MetroWest Outreach Connection was awarded $2,500 to provide one-time rental/mortgage assistance for low-income families and individuals at risk of losing their homes. 

Wayside Youth & Family Support Network was awarded $2,000 to support staffing needs at the Tempo Young Adult Resource Center. 
 
"The Foundation for MetroWest believes it is incredibly important to support organizations that are improving the quality of life in the region, such as Framingham's MetroWest Outreach Connection and Wayside Youth & Family Support Network," said Judith Salerno, executive director of Foundation for MetroWest.  "With the challenging economic climate continuing to persist we are glad that in a small, but targeted way we can help these organizations fulfill their mission to serve their community."  

In 2010, the Foundation for MetroWest, located in Natick, distributed $500,000 throughout the region and has distributed more than $6.5 million, since its inception in 1995. 

Foundation for MetroWest (www.FoundationforMetroWest.org)  connects philanthropic opportunity with demonstrated need in MetroWest. The organization promotes philanthropy in the region, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serves as a resource for local nonprofit organizations, and enhances the quality of life for all of our citizens.