In the Community - Message to Nonprofits

May 2009

Dear Nonprofit:

We would like to thank you for your interest in learning about Westfield?s community investment efforts. As you know, the stock market collapse has affected almost everyone, including Westfield Insurance Foundation. For seasoned foundations, stock market volatility may not have presented as large an issue as it did for our recently endowed foundation, which did not have time to grow and flourish before assets were drastically reduced. Since last summer, the board of trustees, community investment staff and grant review committee has worked to adapt and strategize for the future with each new turn in the economy. Most recently, we made the difficult decision to suspend our community grant program for the remainder of 2009.

We know that this is a difficult time for nonprofits. For many, your financial needs increase at times like these. Please know that we did not make this arduous decision lightly. The conclusion was reached that it this is in the best interest of everyone, as it will give Westfield Insurance Foundation an opportunity to recover and have true, meaningful impact for the long term.

We want to maintain open communication with you. We will use this web site to communicate when funding will be available again. During this time period we want to hear from you and discuss other ways Westfield can help your organization, such as volunteer recruitment, in-kind donation drives, and connecting and collaborating with other nonprofits and businesses with which Westfield partners.

Westfield remains committed to United way, community revitalization, and safety and education efforts - what better way to show appreciation for the trust placed in Westfield to protect families and businesses?