MFE IN THE News
Thanks to Middlesex Savings Bank for their extremely generous donation of $50,000.00 to our mission. Check out this link to read more or see below:
MEDWAY - The Medway Foundation for Education (MFE) is celebrating the largest donation in its history, and is hoping to use the money to further supplement learning in the schools.
The group announced this month that it had received a $50,000 gift from the Middlesex Savings Bank, part of a series of donations the bank is making to similar foundations. Brian Gray, president of the Medway foundation, said that amount equals what the group would typically receive over several years of fundraising.
“It was pretty amazing when we got the news,” he said. “Fifty thousand dollars, for us, is very big.”
Susan Olson, the MFE’s vice president, said the group’s mission is to enhance instruction in the town beyond what is provided in the school budget. Teachers approach the foundation to fund worthwhile educational activities, and it awards grants based on the application it receives.
Olson said the foundation has funded such programs as the “Science Olympiad” and “Beebots,” which are used at the McGovern School to teach programming basics to young children.
“When Chris Herren (the former Celtic who speaks to students about drug addiction) came to town, the PTO brought him to the schools, but the MFE funded a parent and community night with him,” she said. “We helped start ‘science Saturdays for girls.’ We funded the first year and, since then, the school budget has taken over the program.”
Gray said other foundation-funded initiatives had followed similar paths.
“I view it almost like we’re venture capitalists,” he said, as the group can often provide seed money to establish a continuing program. “This money from Middlesex Savings makes it easier for us to work in that capacity.”
“We’re always looking for ways to help students learn more effectively,” he added.
The donation, said Olson, likely won’t be spent all at once, since the foundation typically awards between $15,000 and $18,000 in a given year. A portion of the money, she said, may go to the group’s endowment, to ensure it is able to continue offering future grants.
In a statement, Middlesex Savings Bank President and CEO Michael McAuliffe noted the benefits wrought by local education foundations.
“They work hard to support projects and programs that foster learning and creativity,” he said. “We hope these donations will make their jobs easier this year, and are excited to see their existing academic programs flourish or new ones come to life.”
MFE Press Release: Medway Foundation for Education (MFE) Receives $50,000 from Middlesex Savings Bank
Gift will be used to fund innovative programs and technologies that will enhance the teaching and learning experience across the Medway schools community of teachers, students and parents.
Medway, Mass., February 12, 2018 – Medway Foundation for Education (MFE) today announced it received a $50,000 gift from Middlesex Savings Bank. The support will allow MFE to provide grant funding for innovative learning programs and technologies across the Medway schools.
The community of teachers, students, administrators and parents will benefit significantly from MFE’s enhanced ability to provide grant funding across traditional subject areas such as science & technology, arts & humanities, among others as well as community learning opportunities that enhance cultural diversity, health and wellness.
“The support we have received over the years from Middlesex Savings Bank has been consistent and impactful to our mission for sure. This particular gift represents the equivalent of several years of fundraising efforts all in one. I speak for all of the MFE volunteers in saying that Middlesex has significantly moved the needle in a positive direction for our community here in Medway,” said Brian Gray, President of MFE. “The gift will allow us to enhance the learning environment for our students, teachers and parents. That makes all of our volunteers very happy, especially considering how much time and effort goes into running an education foundation each year.”
“Middlesex Savings Bank has great respect for the education foundations in our community,” said Michael McAuliffe, President and CEO of Middlesex Savings Bank. “They work hard to support projects and programs that foster learning and creativity. We hope these donations will make their jobs easier this year and are excited to see their existing academic programs flourish or new ones come to life.”
“Having the support of the business community is crucial to the success of the MFE. This gift from Middlesex Savings Bank will go a long way to providing grants for programs such as; Fostering Curious Reads, Playtime Meets Programing, Permanent District Student Art Collection, Waterbug System, and Maker Spaces among others. Said Susan Olson, Vice-President of the MFE. “These programs and technologies help to enhance an already strong educational system in Medway, preparing our students for bright futures.”
About Medway Foundation for Education (MFE)
MFE is a non-profit community foundation charged with raising capital to fund innovative, educational projects throughout Medway’s public schools. Using the money generated from community events, contributions, and educational grants, MFE allocates funds through a grant process to teacher-sponsored projects. These projects dramatically impact the quality of education in the Town of Medway. Since its inception in 2002, MFE has provided over $270,000 in grants across all Medway schools while making progress in building a long-term endowment fund that can be used by future generations to augment annual fundraising efforts. Find more information on MFE by visiting our website www.MFEducation.org, our Facebook page www.facebook.com/MedwayFoundationforEducation, or by following us on Twitter: @MFE_Medway or Instagram: @MFE_Medway
About Middlesex Savings Bank
Founded in 1835 and headquartered in Natick, Mass., Middlesex Savings Bank has been right there with its community for nearly 200 years. The Bank takes a customer-first focus when it comes to offering products, technology, and an unparalleled level of customer service. Middlesex Savings Bank provides funds to local nonprofits and organizations through corporate giving and community sponsorship, as well as through its philanthropic arm – the Middlesex Savings Charitable Foundation. The FDIC and DIF insured bank has 30 branch offices located in 25 communities – Acton, Ashland, Bedford, Bellingham, Boxborough, Concord, Framingham, Franklin, Groton, Holliston, Hopkinton, Littleton, Maynard, Medfield, Medway, Millis, Natick, Needham, Sherborn, Southborough, Sudbury, Walpole, Wayland, Wellesley, and Westford. For more information, please visit www.middlesexbank.com, www.facebook.com/connectwithmsb and www.twitter.com/middlesexbank.
Bank donates $50K to Medway education foundation
By Mike Gleason
Daily News Staff
Posted Feb 20, 2018 at 8:08 PM
MEDWAY - The Medway Foundation for Education (MFE) is celebrating the largest donation in its history, and is hoping to use the money to further supplement learning in the schools.
The group announced this month that it had received a $50,000 gift from the Middlesex Savings Bank, part of a series of donations the bank is making to similar foundations. Brian Gray, president of the Medway foundation, said that amount equals what the group would typically receive over several years of fundraising.
“It was pretty amazing when we got the news,” he said. “Fifty thousand dollars, for us, is very big.”
Susan Olson, the MFE’s vice president, said the group’s mission is to enhance instruction in the town beyond what is provided in the school budget. Teachers approach the foundation to fund worthwhile educational activities, and it awards grants based on the application it receives.
Olson said the foundation has funded such programs as the “Science Olympiad” and “Beebots,” which are used at the McGovern School to teach programming basics to young children.
“When Chris Herren (the former Celtic who speaks to students about drug addiction) came to town, the PTO brought him to the schools, but the MFE funded a parent and community night with him,” she said. “We helped start ‘science Saturdays for girls.’ We funded the first year and, since then, the school budget has taken over the program.”
Gray said other foundation-funded initiatives had followed similar paths.
“I view it almost like we’re venture capitalists,” he said, as the group can often provide seed money to establish a continuing program. “This money from Middlesex Savings makes it easier for us to work in that capacity.”
“We’re always looking for ways to help students learn more effectively,” he added.
The donation, said Olson, likely won’t be spent all at once, since the foundation typically awards between $15,000 and $18,000 in a given year. A portion of the money, she said, may go to the group’s endowment, to ensure it is able to continue offering future grants.
In a statement, Middlesex Savings Bank President and CEO Michael McAuliffe noted the benefits wrought by local education foundations.
“They work hard to support projects and programs that foster learning and creativity,” he said. “We hope these donations will make their jobs easier this year, and are excited to see their existing academic programs flourish or new ones come to life.”
Mike Gleason can be reached at 508-634-7546 or mgleason@wickedlocal.com. For news throughout the day, follow him on Twitter @MGleason_MDN.