Chamber Foundation Awards $106K to Eastern Connecticut Nonprofits

NEW LONDON, CT — The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation awarded $106,169 in grants Friday to 46 nonprofits supporting children, families, and community economic development across the region.

The check presentations were held at the Chamber office and Regional Innovation Center in New London.

Foundation Vice Chair Megan Gilbert, who also serves as Chamber vice president, thanked the volunteers who support the foundation’s fundraising efforts and praised the work of the organizations receiving funding.

“The need remains great, but the Foundation is proud to contribute to a wide variety of educational and economic programs that reduce and remove barriers to success for thousands of community neighbors in need,” Gilbert said.

Organizations receiving funding include Always Home, Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut, Goodwill of Southern New England, and the New London Homeless Hospitality Center. The grants will fund programs such as summer camps, financial literacy education, job readiness support, and food distribution efforts.

The largest award, $10,000, was given to the Tommy Toy Fund, which provides books and toys to local children to support literacy and learning. Other major recipients included the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut and the National Coast Guard Museum Association, which is developing hands-on STEM education programming for students.

Additional grants support a wide range of initiatives, from summer enrichment programs and early childhood learning centers to after-school leadership opportunities and services for people with disabilities.

The Chamber Foundation has distributed more than $2.1 million in grants to local nonprofits since its founding.

Applications for the 2025 grant cycle will open this winter. Organizations focused on serving southeastern Connecticut communities are encouraged to apply.

For a full list of recipients and funded projects, visit the Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut’s website.

Read more: Chamber Foundation Awards $106K to Eastern Connecticut Nonprofits

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