Dear Friends,
We hope that you and your families are well and safe. We have all been impacted in one way or another by the pandemic, and we are all feeling the anxiety and uncertainty of these times. Yet, what this pandemic has brought to the surface – more than at any other time – is the depth of empathy and generosity in our community. We are blessed by an abundance of residents who want to lend a helping hand to their neighbors – many of whom work at nonprofits serving those in greatest need. Thanks to caring donors, we are able to support their heroic and essential work.
In mid-March, we established the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund at the Community Foundation to deploy resources to those most deeply impacted by the pandemic. We partnered with the United Way of Southeast Connecticut and the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut to assess proposals from nonprofits from across the 42 towns of Eastern Connecticut. Thanks to the generosity of hundreds of you who gave to the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund, today we proudly announce our first round of grants of $473,517 to 61 recipients.
As the COVID-19 crisis has heightened inequities in our communities and made life even more difficult for already-vulnerable populations, these grants will help people access the most basic human rights: food, housing, healthcare and education.
These initial grants are addressing our community’s needs for the near term. Our goal is to provide additional funding cycles into 2021. As we begin the recovery phase of this crisis, we need your ongoing support to help ensure greater stability and well-being for our neighbors and their families.
We are resilient. And we will come out of this era a stronger community, because we care for each other.
With great appreciation,
Maryam Elahi
President & CEO
Your support of the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund is making a difference.
Neighbors for Neighbors Fund Grants: Round 1
Additional Grants
In early April, we fast-tracked $403,500 of our regular spring grant cycle to get much-needed funding to area nonprofits.
Donor advisors of the Community Foundation funded an additional $507,000 to pandemic-related programs, including over $345,000 to support four hospitals.
Beyond Grants
200,000 Masks Provided to Organizations in Eastern CT
In partnership with an anonymous donor, the Community Foundation was proud to facilitate the transfer of 200,000 masks to nonprofits and towns throughout Eastern Connecticut.
Community Outreach
We are continually reaching out to our nonprofits regarding immediate needs in the community.
We are working closely with other funders and policy makers in Connecticut to ensure that policies and funds are focused on our most vulnerable residents.
We have joined town and regional committees focused on addressing unmet needs and long-term recovery. We are in this together – for the long haul. No one should fall through the cracks in a caring community!
Join Our Circle of Kindness
Across Eastern Connecticut, you opened your hearts and inspired hope in this time of uncertainty – thank you! Please renew your support – or join us anew – and become part of the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund's Circle of Kindness!
Donate to the Neighbors for Neighbors Fund
Questions? Contact Alison Woods at alison@cfect.org.
In partnership with:
