The Chelsea Groton Foundation awarded $668,162 in grants to 158 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island. Inclusive of these donations, the Foundation has awarded $7.7 million in total grants to the community since 1998.
“The Chelsea Groton Foundation is proud to announce this year’s distribution of community grants. As a mutual community bank, we’re pleased to know these funds will be used to support local initiatives that uplift and empower our neighbors, for activities like stocking a food pantry, providing warmth and energy to those in need, or supporting youth education and development opportunities,” explained Anthony A. Joyce, III, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank and President of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. “Community is more than just the geography we share. It’s about the connections and relationships among members who support, help, and uplift each other. We’re incredibly grateful to have the opportunity to contribute to our community in a meaningful way each year.”
Nearly half of the grants distributed ($287,340) went to organizations in the health and human services category, including grants to Operation Fuel, Inc. ($10,000) for emergency energy assistance for New London residents, first-time recipient ALS United Connecticut ($4,225) for an equipment program, and the Furniture Bank of Southeast Connecticut ($10,000) for purchasing beds for families in financial need.
Educational projects received 22% of funding, including a $25,000 grant given to Central CT State University to fund an undergraduate Certificate in Banking Excellence program, the first and only New England college or university to offer an undergraduate certificate to complement a student’s degree major.
Youth activities received 12% of funding, including $10,000 to the Miracle League of Southeastern CT for an inclusive playground project; housing organizations accounted for 10% of grants, including $10,000 to Thames River Community Services for safe and stable housing for young families; arts and culture organizations received 9%; economic development projects received 3%; and environmental initiatives received 1%.
In addition to these grants, the Chelsea Groton Foundation announced a $275,000 gift earlier this summer to the New London Community Recreation Center to support New London’s future and commitment to community well-being.
Each year, the Bank and Foundation supports more than 300 local organizations through monetary gifts, grants, sponsorships, scholarships, and employee volunteerism. More information, including a list of all grant recipients, is available at chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.
About the Chelsea Groton Foundation
The Chelsea Groton Foundation was formed in June 1998 as a Section 501(c) (3) organization. Initially endowed with a $2 million donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has, to date, awarded over $7.7 million in grants to hundreds of human services, educational, and other non-profit organizations located within the Bank’s market area. To learn more, visit: chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.
