Published in The Day on May 21, 2018

Norwich — The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut presented $183,650 in grants Monday to numerous organizations to fund programs for youths throughout eastern Connecticut during a ceremony at Otis Library in Norwich.

The grants were awarded through the Community Foundation’s Norwich Youth Grants cycle, which focuses on youth development programs and services for economically and socially disadvantaged Norwich youth.

Top grants went to Ocean Community YMCA, $15,000; Nutmeg Big Brothers Big Sisters, $12,000, and Children's Museum of Southeastern Connecticut, Connecticut Audubon Society and Denison Pequotsepos Nature Center, all $11,000.

“We are thrilled to be able to award these grants to organizations who support youth today and sow the seeds to ensure thriving communities for the future,” Maryam Elahi, Community Foundation president and CEO, said in a press release announcing the grants. “Our wonderful, forward-thinking donors make these grants possible to address the needs of youth and build stronger communities.”

Other five-figure donations of $10,000 went to City of Norwich Recreation Department, Connecticut Rivers Council, BSA, New England Science & Sailing, Norwich Public Schools, Norwich Youth and Family Services, Safe Futures Inc. and Sea Research Foundation (Mystic Aquarium).

Smaller amounts went to Thames River Community Service, $9,500; Madonna Place Inc., $8,000; Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra, LifeFAQs and Our Piece of the Pie Inc., all $6,000; High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, $5,000; Connecticut Storytelling Center, $4,500; Salt Marsh Opera Co., $4,000; Sankofa Education and Leadership, $2,500, and Otis Library, $2,150.

For the complete list and explanation of grants, go to Recent Grants