5 Simsbury Nonprofits To Support This Holiday Season

SIMSBURY, CT — If you’re like many of your Simsbury neighbors, you may spend a good part of the holiday season with your credit card in hand buying gifts for family and friends. Coming up soon is a chance to give back to the local community.

Giving Tuesday, which in 2024 falls on Dec. 3, is a day dedicated to supporting nonprofit and community groups. Since 2012, nonprofits worldwide have used the Tuesday after Thanksgiving to galvanize fundraising, rally volunteers and add momentum to their causes.

Maintaining funding is a constant challenge for many nonprofits that fill gaps and meet other needs in the Simsbury area.

Here are five local nonprofits to consider getting behind on Giving Tuesday:

Simsbury A Better Chance (ABC) — Simsbury ABC supports academically talented young men of color from underserved communities. Since 1973, the program has provided these motivated minority youth with educational opportunities, allowing them to attend Simsbury High School for four years. The students live at the ABC House on Hopmeadow Street with two resident directors and an academic advisor. Learn more at simsburyabetterchance.org.

Farmington River Watershed Association (FRWA) — FRWA is a citizen-based, non-profit organization founded in 1953 to address critical water quality issues. Their mission is to preserve, protect and restore the Farmington River and its watershed through research, education and advocacy. FRWA collaborates with various stakeholders, including government entities, businesses, and communities across 33 municipalities, to address water quality, allocation, habitat restoration, recreation, and environmental protection in the Farmington River region. Learn more at frwa.org.

Simsbury Historical Society — The Simsbury Historical Society, founded in 1911, is a non-profit educational organization dedicated to preserving and sharing the history of Simsbury and the surrounding region. They manage a collection of more than a dozen historical structures, regional artifacts, and significant period collections. Through their archives and special events, they provide opportunities for research and education, allowing both the general public and professionals to explore and appreciate Simsbury's rich history and heritage. Learn more at simsburyhistory.org.

Theatre Guild of Simsbury (TGS) — The Theatre Guild of Simsbury, established in 1972, aims to enrich the Farmington Valley community by producing affordable, quality theater productions. They support arts education through scholarships and provide creative outlets for community involvement. With annual musicals, plays, and staged readings, they raise funds through advertising, ticket sales, and donations to sustain their productions and award scholarships to graduating high school seniors excelling in the performing arts. Learn more at theatreguildsimsbury.org.

Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company — Founded in 1944, Simsbury Volunteer Fire Company is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing top-notch fire and emergency services by responding to various incidents, including fires, water rescues, and high-angle rescues, with a focus on training, technology adoption, and community safety. They also engage young adults through their Junior Firefighters Program to ensure a strong and capable firefighting force. Learn more at simsburyfire.org.