MetroWest- Human Services Grant Program

The MetroWest Human Services Grant Program, managed by the Foundation for MetroWest, aims to build strong families and communities by providing general operating grants to organizations serving underrepresented individuals. In 2023, priority will be given to those assisting low-income households, homeless individuals, and vulnerable populations such as immigrants and the disabled. This initiative strives to eliminate barriers to essential resources, fostering an inclusive environment for all residents in the MetroWest region.

Human Services - Strong Families, Strong Communities
MetroWest is known for its beauty, strong economy, and affluence. But like many suburban communities, the region has a growing number of families struggling to make ends meet. Here in MetroWest, a range of challenges and barriers prevent families from living healthy, successful lives. This may include poverty and homelessness, hunger, mental illness, domestic violence, underemployment, lack of affordable housing, reliable transportation or age or linguistically appropriate services.
The Community Foundation for MetroWest’s Human Services Grant Program (formerly known as Family Support) awards one-time general operating grants on an annual basis that align with our belief that equitable access to opportunities and resources is central to a strong and healthy region. We envision a diverse and inclusive community where there are no barriers to accessing life changing or enhancing resources and services that improve the quality of life for individuals and households in MetroWest.
2023 Priorities
In 2023, the Foundation will be prioritizing organizations that meet the following:

• serve under resourced or underrepresented individuals and households, including:Low-income households
• Homeless individuals
• Immigrant and/or refugee populations
• Older adults
• Women and girls
• Individuals with disabilities
• Veterans and/or active-duty service members
• LGBTQIA+ communitiesaddress one or more of the following through strong mission and program alignment:Housing and homelessness prevention
• Economic opportunity and security
• Safety and wellbeing
• Mental and behavioral health
• ability to address identified community needs through sustainable client-focused solutions

Eligibility

Applicants must:Have 501(c)(3) tax status as a registered nonprofit organization OR have an eligible fiscal sponsor
Not discriminate in the hiring of staff or the provision of services on the basis of race, religion, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, age, national origin, or disabilityServe one or more of the following MetroWest cities/towns: Acton, Ashland, Boxborough, Carlisle, Concord, Dedham, Dover, Framingham, Harvard, Holliston, Hopkinton, Hudson, Lexington, Lincoln, Marlborough, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Natick, Needham, Sherborn, Southborough, Stow, Sudbury, Walpole, Waltham, Wayland, Wellesley, Westborough, Weston, Westwood

Ineligibility

Healthcare or disease-specific organizations
Organizations solely focused on youth or hunger relief initiativesPlease note, the Foundation for MetroWest reviews youth-serving programs through the Youth Development Grant Program and hunger relief efforts through the MetroWest Hunger Relief Fund. These efforts will not be considered through the Human Services Grant Program.