People often ask what a community foundation is and how the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC) works. Put simply, a community foundation “helps good people do great things” by pooling contributions to make grants which address local needs. Individuals, businesses, and other funding partners make it possible for CFMC to support local non-profits, vital programs, and services which help make our region a vibrant place to live, work, and play.

The most important part of our work is the competitive grants process. Organizations submit funding requests for new programs, ongoing services, or operational needs. Grant Committee volunteers and members of the CFMC Board carefully review and approve requests which will impact areas of need, including community enrichment, healthcare, social services, economic security and development, the environment, animal welfare, recreation, women and girls, at-risk boys and young men, seniors, and veterans.

CFMC is grateful to the many generous donors who have established funds, specifically for grant making. We are thankful to our funding partners, too. Together, they made it possible for CFMC to invest $184,979 in our spring grants cycle alone, enabling 35 non-profits to help our friends and neighbors access services which many of us take for granted, such as food, shelter, and other essentials. Medical services and mental wellness programs will be provided to those who face barriers to receiving care.

In addition, job training and employment opportunities will provide a hand up, while educational programs for people of all ages and abilities will have a lifelong impact. Local youth will benefit from early literacy, STEM, summer camp, and scout programs, while our natural world will see a better future with support given for preservation programs. Even our furry friends (and their companions) will be better protected and cared for thanks to “good people making great things happen” in our local communities.

There’s even more. We applaud CFMC grant recipients Adelbrook Behavioral & Development Services, Bare Necessities, Brownstone Quorum, Bushy Hill Nature Center, Camp Bethel Association, Camp Hazen YMCA, Cat Tales, Connecticut RISE Network, Connecticut Science Center, The Connection, Covenant To Care, CT Foundation for Dental Outreach, Essex Land Trust, Essex Library, Essex First Congregational Church, Florence Griswold Museum, Futures Inc, Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Goodspeed Opera House Foundation, Henry Carter Hull Library, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding; HOPE Partnership, Independent Day School, Ivoryton Village Alliance, Katharine Hepburn Cultural Arts Center, MARC Community Resources, Middlesex Habitat for Humanity of CT, Middletown Police Activity League, Pro Bono Partnership, Ray of Light Farm, She Leads Justice, Study Hall; Unashamed, Inc.; UR Community Cares, and Women & Family Life Center. You are the boots on the ground and the reason we do what we do as a community foundation.

We celebrate all local non-profits for their commitment, hard work, and positive impact. We are grateful for our donors who support a passion or interest through their CFMC funds and for our volunteers and board members for their dedication to our community. Thank you for helping us make even the smallest gift have a big impact.

CFMC is proud to be accredited with Community Foundations National Standards, the nation's highest and most rigorous standard for philanthropic excellence. We are thrilled to share all the great things that are happening because of good people like you. We invite you to learn more by calling us at 860-347-0025 or visiting us online at MiddlesexCountyCF.org.