2008 Was a Record-Breaking Year for Both Grants Made, Gifts Received

January 21, 2009. The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut marked its 25th Anniversary with a record-breaking year. We awarded $1.66 million in grants and accepted $7 million in gifts from more than 1,000 generous donors.

Foundation President Alice Fitzpatrick says that many hundreds of people contributed locally, despite global financial fears. "Our prudent investment and spending policies also helped buffer us in this unusually challenging time." A handful of exceptionally large gifts pushed contributions much higher than in any other year. These new gifts will help to keep grants high in most areas, despite the falling stock market.

Foundation grants help many area nonprofits serve children, students, families, and elderly residents through effective and innovative programs. Caring residents created 19 new funds during 2008.