The Chelsea Groton Foundation awarded $191,021 to 50 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island this fall. Inclusive of these donations, the Foundation awarded $641,382 in grants in 2024, and $6.79 million in total grants to the community since 1998. More organizations (179) applied for grants this calendar year than in the Foundation’s 26-year history.
“Our Chelsea Groton Foundation Board reviewed a record number of applications this year, surpassing even the number of grant requests seen during the pandemic, which highlights the significant need in our community,” explained Anthony A. Joyce, III, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank and President of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. “We are proud to provide funding to organizations that supply beds, shelter, food, and health-related resources that are critical to the well-being of members of our shared community, especially as we approach the colder months. We are also excited to help fund projects that enrich our neighborhoods through the opportunities and experiences they provide for students, entrepreneurs, artists, musicians, those working to preserve history, provide disaster relief, and thrive in an equitable and inclusive community.”
Nearly half of the grants distributed ($88,500) went to organizations in the health and human services category, and housing organizations accounted for 22% ($42,500) of grants. Arts and culture organizations received 11% ($21,500), including several programs for children: $1,200 to Eastern CT Symphony Orchestra (ESCO) for concerts for Groton public schoolchildren; $1,000 to The La Grua Center for a multicultural concert series for families; $750 to the Mystic Chamber Music Series for a classical story time for children at Mystic & Noank Library; $1,750 to cARTie to bring a bus filled with art museum artwork and art education to Pre-K and K classes in New London; and $1,000 to the Westminster Youth String Ensemble for a musician mentorship program.
Educational projects received 9%; youth activities received 8%; and economic development received 4% of giving.
Each year, the Bank and Foundation support more than 300 local organizations through monetary gifts, grants, sponsorships, scholarships, and employee volunteerism. More information, including a list of all fall 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 $6.7 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.