Foundation for MetroWest recently surpassed $5 million in emergency grants supporting organizations on the front lines of serving people in need during the pandemic.
The Natick-based organization, which supports initiatives by nonprofits and municipalities in MetroWest, began the emergency grant program in spring 2020 to help groups in the region meet the rising demand for food, housing, and other services due to COVID-19.
In announcing the $5 million milestone, the foundation said it had awarded 588 separate rapid response grants since the start of the program, which continues to operate. The grants were funded by private donations to the foundation, monies raised through community funds established in Lexington and Wellesley, and funds created by private individuals.
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“This year has illuminated the critical need for a strong community foundation in the region that is able to mobilize resources for the community during unprecedented times,” Jay Kim, the foundation’s executive director, said in a statement.
John Laidler can be reached at laidler@globe.com.