Community Giving through the Chelsea Groton Foundation

Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc. was established in 1998 as a Section 501(c)(3) organization. Initially endowed with a $2 million dollar donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has awarded over $6.79 million in grants to non-profit organizations in the Bank’s Connecticut and Rhode Island market areas.

The Foundation’s mission is to support the ongoing commitment in partnership to the long-term growth of our community. Along with Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation is committed to belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusio n, ensuring an ongoing sense of belonging for all, today and in the future.

Eligible organizations are invited to submit a grant application to the Foundation. See details about the NEW grant schedule, guidelines, and frequently asked questions below.

NEW Schedule and Guidelines for grant applications

Since its inception in 1998, the Chelsea Groton Foundation has awarded over $6.79 million in grants to non-profit organizations in the Connecticut and Rhode Island market areas. Throughout that time, there have always been two grant cycles per year. Due to the rising increase in requests, and after careful consideration, the Chelsea Groton Foundation Board has decided to make a few changes to the Grant Procedures EFFECTIVE JANUARY 2025 in order to best support our community partners.

NEW Schedule

Grant Cycle: ONCE PER CALENDAR YEAR
Grant Application Opens: FEBRUARY 1, 2025 (Check back to this page for the application on February 1)
Application Deadline: APRIL 30, 2025
Awards Announced: JUNE 2025
Checks Disbursed: JULY 2025

Eligibility Quiz

Is your organization an IRS-registered, tax-exempt, 501(c)(3) organization or other acceptable 501(c) status? Or a Governmental Unit referred to in the IRS Code Section170(c)(1)?
Does your organization or program benefit the communities served by Chelsea Groton, primarily New London County, CT and Westerly, RI?
Does your project or program fall under one of Chelsea Groton Foundation’s program area funding priorities, including: Arts and Culture, Economic Development, Education, Environment, Health and Human Services, Housing, and Youth Activities?
NEW THIS YEAR: If your organization received a 2024 grant, will you expend all funds prior to April 30, 2025 and have you submitted a Post-Grant Report for your previous Foundation grant?
If you answered NO to any of the above questions, you may not be eligible to receive a Foundation Grant. Email giving@chelseagroton.com with questions.

NEW Additional Critical Information

2024 Grant Funds must be expended before applying for a 2025 Grant. If your 2024 award is to be used after April 30, 2025, you will need to wait until 2026 to submit a new application. The Foundation is prohibited from granting additional funds before prior awards are expended.
If you wish to change the purpose of your 2024 Grant Funds, you must do so in writing (Giving@ChelseaGroton.com) by March 1, 2025 and the Foundation Board will consider your request.
The MAXIMUM GRANT REQUEST is $10,000. This enables the Foundation to support more community organizations than in past years. Those requesting multi-year grants must email Giving@ChelseaGroton.com for consideration.

Application Procedures

All applications must be submitted online.
All submitted materials become the property of Chelsea Groton Foundation, Inc., and will be held in strict confidence.
All grant recipients will be required to submit a post-grant report six months after the grant award.
Download a sample application here in order to prepare answers in advance of completing the online version. Once you begin the online application, you will not be able to save your progress and return at a later time.
If you need application assistance, please email giving@chelseagroton.com.

Learn more about the Fall 2024 Grant Award Recipients.

Chelsea Groton Foundation Scholarships

Chelsea Groton awards scholarships each year to local high school seniors planning to attend college or trade school. Winning students have excelled academically, exhibited strong leadership skills, and exemplified community service through their volunteer efforts in high school. Since 2007, Chelsea Groton has supported hundreds of students as they have pursued degrees in higher education.

How to Apply for a Scholarship

Students who live in the communities served by Chelsea Groton Bank should contact their high school guidance department for an application and return the application to the guidance department. All students must apply through their high school’s guidance department. High school guidance departments that have not received information about Chelsea Groton’s scholarship program should reach out to Miria Gray.

For any Chelsea Groton Bank customers who do not believe their student’s high school has the scholarship information and application, please ask the school to contact Miria Gray. or email Miria the guidance counselor’s contact information. All guidance departments are required to review all applications before submitting one to Chelsea Groton. Guidance counselors are encouraged to email Miria Gray with any questions. Chelsea Groton Bank does not accept paper applications directly.

Acts of Kindness

The Bank celebrates its anniversary each year with the Acts of Kindness initiative. Through this program, Chelsea Groton Foundation makes a donation to the worthy cause or non-profit of each employee’s choice.

Frequently Asked Questions

Have questions about the Chelsea Groton Foundation application process? Click the triangle to the left to view more details!

Who do I contact if I have questions about the Foundation or grant application process or eligibility?

Please contact June Holaday directly at 860-448-4105 or giving@chelseagroton.com.

Do I have to have a nonprofit designation?

Yes. Your organization must be exempt from federal income taxation as an organization described in Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code (the “Code”), other acceptable 501(c) status, or be a governmental unit referred to in Section 170(c)(1) of the Code.

What communities does the bank serve?

The Bank serves communities in eastern Connecticut and southern Rhode Island.

Do the funds have to be used in the Bank’s communities?

Yes. Although the nonprofit does not need to be located in the bank’s communities, the funds must be used to improve the quality of life in the communities Chelsea Groton serves.

What financial information is required?

On the “Request Information” page of your application, you will provide the Total Income and Expenses from the last 2 fiscal years. On the Attachments page, you will upload your most recent 990 Return Form.

What is the deadline for submission?

• Grant Cycle: ONCE PER CALENDAR YEAR
• Grant Application Opens: FEBRUARY 1, 2025
• Application Deadline: APRIL 30, 2025
• Awards Announced: JUNE 2025
• Checks Disbursed: JULY 2025

If your organization is in need of emergency funding, please email giving@chelseagroton.com.

Do I have to create an account to access the online application?

An account is not needed to access the online application. To start the application, enter your organization’s tax ID number.

Can I print a copy of the online application to review and prepare my answers, before I actually begin the application?

No, please download the sample application here in order to prepare answers in advance of completing the online version. Once you begin the online application, you will not be able to save your progress and return at a later time.

If I am in the middle of writing my application, can I save it and continue working later?

No, once you start the application, you will not be able to save and return to it. You must complete the whole application and submit it for it to be completed. You may use the RESET FORM button (on the bottom of the page) to start over. To download a sample application, click here.

How do I submit attachments in the online system?

Applicants must upload ALL required documents to the online application. Follow the instructions on the Attachments page of the online application. Attachments may be submitted in Adobe PDF, Microsoft Word or Microsoft Excel formats.

I submitted an application, but forgot to add an attachment. What should I do?

Please contact June Holaday at 860-448-4105 or giving@chelseagroton.com.

How can I tell if my application has been received by The Chelsea Groton Foundation?

When you click “Submit” you will receive an e-mail confirming receipt of your application. This is why it is very important to enter your e-mail address accurately.

Is my organization’s information secure when I apply online?

The Chelsea Groton Foundation takes your privacy seriously. We do not rent, sell or share personal information about grant applications with other people or with nonaffiliated companies or organizations, without your prior permission.

Whom should I contact if I have a question concerning the online application?