GUIDELINES FOR GIVING

I. GUIDELINES FOR GIVING

The purpose of the Foundation is to fund programs that improve the quality of life for residents in the communities it serves. The Foundation contributes to a wide range of organizations that foster education enrichment, economic development, and social well-being.

The categories of grants funded by the Foundation are as follows:

A. Education

The Foundation is committed to helping people achieve their goals through education. Scholarships are a high priority awarded through grants to both universities and colleges located in Connecticut, as well as to direct service programs that enhance academic and personal achievement such as adult literacy and reading readiness programs.

B. Scholarships

College scholarships of up to $5,000 each are awarded annually to students selected on the basis of school and community activities, academic achievement, and financial need. The applicant must reside permanently in one of the counties served by the Foundation. Scholarships are renewable for up to four years of undergraduate education. Recipients of Foundation undergraduate scholarships may qualify for scholarships for graduate studies. Students must attend an accredited institution of higher education in the state of Connecticut. They must be in the top 40 percent of their high school class or maintain a 2.5 grade point average or higher in college, and exhibit financial need.

Applications for scholarships are accepted from January through March for the following academic year (beginning September). Awards are made in June.

C. Health Programs

Priority is given to programs that provide direct services to the community, including hospitals, community health programs, prevention programs and intervention services.

D. Human Services

The Foundation funds broad-based projects that enhance and improve the quality of personal life for the residents of its communities — such as libraries, municipal programs, social services for families and children, and economic development initiatives.

E. Housing

Funding may be awarded to organizations that expand home ownership opportunities and provide access to affordable housing within communities served by the Foundation.

F. Arts

The Foundation supports a wide range of cultural events including theater, music, and art programs. The aim is to broaden access to cultural activities and enrich the lives of people who live and work within the communities served by the Foundation.

II. ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS

Organizations must be tax exempt under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code or be a municipality.
Programs funded primarily benefit residents of Hartford, Tolland and Windham Counties.

Requests for program grants are a main focus, however community sponsorships, special community events, and capital projects may be considered.

III. INELIGIBLE FOR FUNDING

Public and Private schools both primary and secondary, excepting scholarships; political activities; individuals (except recipients of college scholarships); religious institutions, unless the program benefits the community at large; generally, organizations with IRS Private Foundation designation.

IV. PROPOSAL PROCESS AND TIME FRAME

A site visit by representatives of the Foundation may be made to organizations under consideration for grants. A written report, including assessment of the program or project funded, will be required by the Foundation within twelve months of the grant award, before any further funding can be considered.

Generally, applications are accepted between January 1 and September 7 of any calendar year in order that awards may be made by the end of that calendar year.