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Social MediaKim Hughes2026-04-01T11:34:22-04:00

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We have an unwavering vision of a healthy, thriving, sustainable Eastern Connecticut with greater equity for all.

Our 2025 Annual Report is here! This past year, w Our 2025 Annual Report is here!

This past year, we continued investing in the people, partnerships, and ideas that strengthen eastern Connecticut.

From expanding access to housing and early childhood opportunities to supporting nonprofits, protecting our environment, and empowering young people, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut worked alongside donors and community partners to create lasting impact.

Inside the report, you’ll find stories of collaboration, community leadership, and the many ways philanthropy is creating meaningful change across our region.

We invite you to explore what’s possible when we work together to build a healthier, more vibrant, and sustainable eastern Connecticut. Thank you for joining us in leading with intent.

📖 Read the full Annual Report at the first link in our bio.

#communityfoundation #easternct #philanthropy #annualreport #communityimpact #grantmaking
What happens when students spend their summer serv What happens when students spend their summer serving their communities?

They build confidence, form lasting connections, and discover the power of civic engagement. This summer, students from Connecticut College and Eastern Connecticut State University partnered with organizations across eastern Connecticut to do just that.

Learn more about the programs and the impact they’re making at the first link in our bio.

#civicengagement #easternctstateuniversity #conncollege #studentcivicengagement #communityfoundationect
We asked a handful of our trustees: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗺 We asked a handful of our trustees: 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘀𝘁𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝘂𝗽 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝘆𝗼𝘂𝗿 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆? 

Their responses highlight the importance of looking out for our neighbors, knowing we are part of something bigger than ourselves, and ensuring that everyone has a voice.

What do YOU think it means to stand up for your community?

#community #easternct #neighborshelpingneighbors #communityfoundation
It was a pleasure to welcome Chris Soto, founder o It was a pleasure to welcome Chris Soto, founder of Higher Edge, to the Community Foundation last week. Chris met with our CEO, Maryam Elahi, and Program Director, Jennifer O’Brien, to discuss the future of an organization that has transformed the lives of countless students across Connecticut.

We are encouraged by Chris’s return to leadership as interim board chair and are confident that Higher Edge is well positioned to move forward with renewed purpose. We look forward to continuing our partnership and supporting the important work of helping more students access higher education and reach their full potential.

@higheredgect
As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the As the U.S. approaches its 250th anniversary, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded $41,380 in grants to foster community engagement and civic participation. Projects range from student journalism to Revolutionary War reenactments, inviting all ages to explore American democracy's ideals and contradictions. Learn more about how these initiatives are shaping our communities. #250thAnniversary #CommunityGrants #CivicEngagement #Democracy #PublicArt undefined
𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂? During a recent 𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗱𝗼𝗲𝘀 𝗰𝗼𝗺𝗺𝘂𝗻𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗺𝗲𝗮𝗻 𝘁𝗼 𝘆𝗼𝘂?

During a recent Board Retreat at Waterford Country School, we asked some of our trustees to reflect on that question. Across every response, one theme stood out: unity—neighbors helping neighbors, showing up for one another, and working together for the greater good.

At the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, we’re proud to support the organizations and individuals strengthening our communities across Eastern Connecticut every day.

#community #easternct #philanthropy #communityfoundation #unity
Our team was glad to attend Music That Matters las Our team was glad to attend Music That Matters last night in support of the important work being done by Madonna Place. It was wonderful to be out in community—and live music by Sugar is always a treat!

Madonna Place is dedicated to preventing child abuse and neglect through comprehensive services rooted in education, advocacy, and community collaboration. We’re proud to support organizations making a meaningful difference for children and families in our region.
Last week, we had the privilege of attending Aesth Last week, we had the privilege of attending Aesthetic Illusions, a powerful spoken word and musical performance led by award-winning writer and professor Randall Horton. A Ph.D. and professor at the University of New Haven, Horton discovered his passion for writing while incarcerated, and has since dedicated his work to creating space for young people to explore identity, justice, incarceration, childhood, and the lived experiences of Black communities through poetry.

Presented by Sankofa Education and Leadership, Inc. and Public Art for Racial Justice Education (PARJE) in honor of Juneteenth and America’s 250th anniversary—and in memory of the late Rev. David W. Good, whose legacy of justice and community continues to inspire—this moving event highlighted the transformative power of storytelling and creative expression. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is proud to support this important work.
This Juneteenth, we reflect on the profound impact This Juneteenth, we reflect on the profound impact of freedom in American history. Join us in honoring this significant day through our Fund for Racial Justice, which supports organizations advancing racial equity. Participate in local events that foster community and celebration, including poetry readings, performances, and cultural festivities. Together, we can uplift voices and strengthen movements for change. #Juneteenth #RacialJustice #Community #Equity #Empowerment
We were honored to attend the groundbreaking cerem We were honored to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Center for Safe Futures last week. Despite the June heat, community members came together to celebrate this important milestone—a new space that will bring vital wraparound services under one roof for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking across southeastern CT. Thank you to all who made this vision come to life!
We were proud to participate in a forum organized We were proud to participate in a forum organized by the Partnership for Strong Communities in Waterbury this week for an important conversation about affordable housing in Connecticut.

Following a thoughtful panel discussion on rising housing costs and their impact on residents, our President & CEO, Maryam Elahi, spoke about the Community Foundation’s 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 campaign and why housing stability is a critical part of addressing child poverty. Supporting policies that expand access to safe, affordable housing aligns with our broader vision of creating stronger, more equitable communities for all.

As a coalition of more than 120 partner organizations across Connecticut, 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 recognizes that lasting change happens when we align our voices around shared goals. By working together across sectors and communities, we can build the collective momentum needed to advance policies that support children, families, and residents statewide.

Thank you @pschousing , @cttenantsunion , and the @mattatuck_museum for bringing people together for this important conversation.​​
We’re excited to help spread the word about this i We’re excited to help spread the word about this important opportunity for community-based organizations across Eastern Connecticut.

The Council’s Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program is now accepting applications in Norwich, New London, and Windham through United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. Funding opportunities support initiatives focused on economic development, reentry services, and youth programming aimed at strengthening communities and expanding opportunity.

Learn more about eligibility requirements, timelines, and how to apply at uwsect.org/grantopportunities or at the first link in our bio.
What happened at the State Capitol this session—an What happened at the State Capitol this session—and what does it mean for Eastern Connecticut?

Last week, we gathered advocates, nonprofit leaders, legislators, and community members for a Legislative Debrief focused on the policies shaping our region’s future. From early childhood education and universal school meals to housing stability and basic needs, the conversation highlighted both the progress made and the work still ahead.

Full video on YouTube at the first link in bio + stories.

Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, speak out, and advocate for stronger communities across Connecticut.
We’re hiring! Join the Community Foundation of Eas We’re hiring! Join the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and help strengthen communities across our region. 

Learn more at the first link in bio or here:
cfect.org/home/about/career-opportunities/
Yesterday, we welcomed nonprofit leaders, advocate Yesterday, we welcomed nonprofit leaders, advocates, and community members from across Eastern Connecticut for a Legislative Debrief focused on the 2026 Connecticut legislative session and what it means for children and families across our state.

Together, we reflected on key policy wins, including at least $300 million invested in the Early Childhood Education Endowment and the expansion of universal free breakfast statewide, while also discussing the continued work ahead to advance affordable childcare, housing stability, food access, and economic opportunity for all Connecticut families.

We’re grateful to the following leaders who joined the conversation as panelists…
• Cathy Osten, State Senator
• Lisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO, United Way of CT
• Nick Gauthier, State Representative
• Sean Ghio, Policy Director, Partnership for Strong Communities
• David Morgan, Deputy Commissioner, CT Office of Early Childhood
…and to the @waterfordlibraryct for hosting the event.

We also extend our gratitude to the many partners, organizations, educators, families, and advocates whose collective efforts continue to move this work forward, because as we can see, change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose.

Head to the first link in our bio for coverage of yesterday’s event in @thedayct 

eastern connecticut, connecticut advocacy, children’s issues, early childhood, food equity, housing stability, community foundation, nonprofit leadership, end child poverty now
🔗 Link in bio to register With the legislative se 🔗 Link in bio to register

With the legislative session now concluded, this timely conversation will unpack the state budget and its implications for Connecticut communities.

Hear from the following nonprofit leaders and policymakers:

•State Senator Cathy Osten
•State Representative Nick Gauthier
•Lisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO, United Way of CT
•Sean Ghio, Policy Director, Partnership for Strong Communities

Together, we’ll explore what passed, what didn’t, and what comes next for our communities.

🗓️ Monday, May 18
📍 Waterford Public Library
⏰ 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
It was a great turnout yesterday at Southeastern C It was a great turnout yesterday at Southeastern CT’s Annual Walk to End Homelessness.

For the 19th year in a row, the New London Homeless Hospitality Center convened members of the community to come together for our friends and neighbors facing homelessness.

“It’s just unacceptable to have homelessness in a country as rich as the United States,” said Maryam Elahi, President & CEO of the Community Foundation, in her remarks to the crowd. “It takes all of us coming together in community,” she continued, “to say that we’re going to fight against this, we’re going to stand, we’re going to talk with our representatives, and we’re going to figure out solutions.”

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is proud to have been a presenting sponsor of this important event. 

🔗 Visit the first link in our bio to read coverage of the event from The Day.
🔗 Register or donate at the link in bio We’re pro 🔗 Register or donate at the link in bio

We’re proud to be the presenting sponsor of Southeastern Connecticut’s Annual Walk to End Homelessness, and we invite you to walk with us on Sunday, April 26.

This year marks 20 years of the New London Homeless Hospitality Center and for two decades, this community has come together to ensure that neighbors facing homelessness are met with shelter, support, dignity, and a path forward.

👟 Join us at Parade Plaza in downtown New London
🕛 Check-in: 12:00 PM
🚶 Walk begins: 1:00 PM

Whether you register, form a team, raise funds, or donate, you’re helping provide emergency shelter, housing assistance, outreach, and other critical services right here in southeastern Connecticut.

Bring your friends, family, or coworkers and be part of a community effort that makes a real difference.

@walk_to_end_homelessness_nl
Last week, we welcomed 150+ guests to our Women & Last week, we welcomed 150+ guests to our Women & Girls Luncheon for an inspiring conversation on leadership, teamwork, and navigating adversity.

The room was filled with thoughtful, generous people committed to making Eastern Connecticut a more equitable place for all.

A special thank you to our guest speakers, Morgan Tuck and Elena Trueworthy, and to moderator Karim Ismaili for guiding such a meaningful conversation. Additional thanks to the Norwich Inn & Spa for excellent service and delicious food.

We’re proud to share that, through ticket sales and sponsorships, we raised $33K toward our $50K goal.

Want to see the impact of the Women & Girls Funds? Visit the first link in our bio, and please consider helping us reach $50K. 

Every gift moves this work forward, and we’re so grateful for your support.

#womenandgirls #supportwomenandgirls #easternct #philanthropy #morgantuck
One application. 100+ opportunities. If you're a One application. 100+ opportunities.

If you're a student or adult learner from Eastford, Montville, or Windham (+ many other towns in CT) scholarships are available now.

APPLY BY APRIL 22 (next Wednesday!)

🎓 High school seniors, college students, and adult learners are all encouraged to apply.

⏰ Deadline: April 22
🔗 Link in bio to apply
The work you see is powered by people you might no The work you see is powered by people you might not always see.

This is who we are (and were) at the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut…sharing stories, building relationships, and working every day to support a stronger, more equitable eastern Connecticut.

#thisiswho #easternct #communityfoundation #newlondonct
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