The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut aims to foster an informed and engaged citizenry as fundamental to a healthy democracy. They focus on creating an inclusive space for all voices, particularly emphasizing communities of color and the youth, in efforts to enhance civic life and build a just and civil society.
The grant program seeks to support initiatives in specific priority areas that have a significant impact on community improvement. The supported causes are deeply rooted in empowering youth and promoting basic needs and rights. For youth empowerment, the focus is on enhancing quality early childhood education, supporting mentoring relationships, access to health programs, enriching educational opportunities in critical learning areas, aiding in post-secondary education access, and encouraging youth-led social change. In the realm of basic needs and rights, the program aims to support projects that improve economic security, food security, reduce homelessness, improve healthcare access, address domestic violence, and utilize arts and culture for education and life quality improvement. Additionally, grants are primarily designated for the benefit of residents within specified regions, covering various types of support including existing programs, new initiatives, public policy, and general operating grants, with some consideration for multiyear funding to demonstrate impact and capacity-building efforts.
qui et duis deserunt et aute