Thursday, April 16, 2020

Foundation for MetroWest & MathWorks Provide $285,000 to Local Nonprofits

The Foundation for MetroWest, the community foundation serving the cities and towns of MetroWest, and MathWorks, the leading developer of mathematical computing software, in response to the COVID-19 pandemic, have adapted and accelerated their 25th Anniversary Grant Program partnership to provide immediate support to all eligible program applicants.

The Grant Program, which was originally slated to provide $250,000 in funding to a select few non-profit organizations chosen through a community voting process, is instead delivering $5,000 grants to 57 MetroWest-serving nonprofits, increasing the total amount awarded to $285,000. The grants will help an array of nonprofits address any pressing needs they themselves identify, including family support, food insecurity and youth development.

“The COVID-19 pandemic is putting significant additional strain on community organizations that were already working to support so many neighbors in need,” stated Judy Salerno, executive director of the Foundation for MetroWest. “The decision to accelerate the grant program was immediately apparent and we are grateful to MathWorks for their partnership and their ongoing dedication to this community.”

The launch of the 25th Anniversary Grant Program coincided with the launch of Impact MetroWest, an interactive website designed to identify the area’s strengths and challenges and to jumpstart investments in long-term solutions and programs. The initiative highlighted strong civic engagement, generous open land and low crime rates as successes in the region while population changes, financial hardships, and educational disparities were noted as challenges impacting the daily lives of MetroWest residents. 

The Foundation, in partnership with MathWorks, planned to award $250,000 in grants to organizations that used the Impact MetroWest findings to create positive change in their community. In February, dozens of nonprofits submitted their innovative ideas through creative video applications, and a community-wide vote was scheduled for mid-April to select the winners.

“In difficult times like these, it is especially important that MathWorks supports our local community through the non-profit organizations serving it,” said Jeanne O’Keefe, senior vice president and CFO at MathWorks. “Adjusting the Grant Program to benefit more organizations sooner was simply the right thing to do.”

“The Foundation is grateful to all applicants for rising to the challenge and creating thoughtful and inspiring videos, and sharing their vision for a better, stronger MetroWest. COVID-19 has shown us that their passion and determination to better their community is truly indispensable,” added Salerno.

“We are humbled by the generosity and support of the Foundation for MetroWest and MathWorks,” said Lino Covarrubias, CEO of Jewish Family Service of Metrowest. “The 25th Anniversary Grant has enabled us to continue doing our important work, even in the face of the extraordinary challenges presented by the COVID-19 pandemic. We’re committed to helping our neighbors endure and emerge from this period stronger than before.”

To learn more about the Foundation for MetroWest or support their relief efforts, visit https://foundationmw.org/.

About Foundation for MetroWest
Established in 1995, the Foundation for MetroWest is the only community foundation serving the cities and towns in the region, encompassing 700,000 residents from Westborough to Waltham and Acton to Walpole. The Foundation promotes philanthropy across the area, helps donors maximize the impact of their local giving, serves as a resource for local nonprofits and enhances the quality of life for all our residents. The Foundation is supported by a wide range of businesses, individuals, community groups and other philanthropic organizations. Since inception, the Foundation has granted $19 million to its nonprofit partners and currently stewards more than $26 million in charitable assets for current needs and future impact. To learn more, please visit www.foundationformetrowest.org or call 508-647-2260.

About MathWorks
MathWorks is the leading developer of mathematical computing software. MATLAB, the language of engineers and scientists, is a programming environment for algorithm development, data analysis, visualization, and numeric computation. Simulink is a block diagram environment for simulation and Model-Based Design of multidomain and embedded engineering systems. Engineers and scientists worldwide rely on these product families to accelerate the pace of discovery, innovation, and development in automotive, aerospace, electronics, financial services, biotech-pharmaceutical, and other industries. MATLAB and Simulink are also fundamental teaching and research tools in the world’s universities and learning institutions. Founded in 1984, MathWorks employs more than 5000 people in 16 countries, with headquarters in Natick, Massachusetts, USA. For additional information, visit mathworks.com.

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