The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is proud to announce the distribution of  $2,221,211 in competitive grants to organizations across the region, supporting work in six core areas: early childhood care and education; youth development and empowerment; access to affordable, safe, and inclusive housing; access to high quality and affordable health care; women’s and girls’ empowerment; and environmental resilience. 

“These investments are about more than just funding—they’re about strengthening the organizations that are building a brighter future for our community during a time that their very existence is under threat,” said Maryam Elahi, President and CEO of the Community Foundation. “By focusing on these six strategic areas, we’re supporting the foundations of a healthier, more resilient, and more inclusive region.”

Thanks to generous partnership grants from Dalio Philanthropies and the William Caspar Graustein Memorial Fund, the Community Foundation was able to expand its youth development and empowerment grantmaking. Their support made it possible to increase both the number and size of grants awarded in areas of the region where the Community Foundation traditionally has fewer locally available funds. The collaborative effort has allowed for a more equitable distribution of resources and greater assistance for innovative programs serving youth across underserved communities. These grants will allow students throughout Eastern Connecticut to gain exposure to the arts, leadership development, job training, and other educational opportunities.

Some highlights of the 2025 grants include:

  • $60,000 over two years to Project Imo (Willimantic) to empower youth leaders to develop public land in North Windham into the Windham Outdoor Education Preserve, including creation of educational kiosks, media, and activities for the community.
  • $50,000 to the Connecticut League of Conservation Voters (Hartford), a non-partisan, statewide, non-profit organization dedicated to protecting Connecticut's environment by making it a priority for our elected leaders. With the Community Foundation’s support, CTCVEF will work to inform and engage communities across Eastern Connecticut on the most pressing environmental issues and how we can work together to address them.
  • $32,500 to New London Homeless Hospitality (New London) for their Ready to Work/CT Pathways - Employment Program Support that helps people gain skills to find work and become more independent. This program is supports individuals facing multiple barriers to employment, including those who are re-entering society, experiencing homelessness, living with disabilities, or struggling with mental health and addiction.
  • $5,000 to Eastern Connecticut Community Gardens Association (New London), for the Whitfield Giving Garden Community Shared Agriculture Donation program that provides locally grown, nutrient dense vegetables to 60 Groton-area seniors and adults with disabilities.
  • $30,000 over two years to Mitchell College to develop the Healthcare Academy (HCA), an early college program expanding healthcare career pathways for middle and high school students. This initiative will empower students, promote economic mobility, and advance health equity in the region.

Total funding within our focus areas includes: Early Childhood Care and Education $114,165; Youth Empowerment $442,300; Basic Needs $690,540; Advocacy & Capacity $35,000; Environmental $854,138; and Animal Welfare $86,068. 

Please visit the Community Foundation’s website for a complete list of grantees.