CFGNB Accepting Applications For Its First Years First Grants

By Erica Drzewiecki, The Bristol Press

May 12, 2022

Programs and initiatives that serve children between birth and preschool are the targeted beneficiaries of a new round of grant funds.

The Community Foundation of Greater New Britain (CFGNB) is now accepting applications for its First Years First (FYF) grants.

One of the foundation’s top priority programs, FYF has awarded over $2.5 million to early childhood programs and family resource centers across the region since 2005. Some of the beneficiaries have included the Central Connecticut Family Literacy Center, the Connecticut Early Childhood Alliance, the Early Childhood Collaborative of Southington and the New Britain Coalition for Children and Youth.

“A focus on early childhood is critically important to provide the building blocks for future success among young children and their families,” CFGNB Director of Community Initiatives and Program Services Joeline Wruck said. “The CFGNB will continue to support such efforts and is interested in proposals serving children and families in Berlin, New Britain, Plainville and Southington that fit at least one of the three strategies.”

The strategies guiding the mission of the FYF are strengthening social-emotional learning through training and enrichment activities, providing parent and caregiver support and fostering early skill development in math, literacy and writing.

The CFGNB cited research showing programs that encourage linguistic, cognitive, and social-emotional development can significantly improve a child’s future wellbeing along with their education and employment outcomes.

The deadline for grant applications is July 15, for consideration in this year’s round of awards.

Interested applicants may contact Joeline to discuss their projects or programs, at 860-229-6019 ext. 307 or jwruck@cfgnb.org.

Erica Drzewiecki can be reached at edrzewiecki@centralctcommunications.com.