Impact Stories

Empower Youth

New England Science and Sailing (NESS)

Making direct connections between the classroom and the real world

“It is amazing to see how our students acquire skills like qualities of leadership in our classroom without walls.”
— Spike Lobdell, Founder, President & CEO, NESS

Riverfront Children’s Center

“By giving us their support every year, the Community Foundation has made a tremendous difference in the lives of hundreds of children during the past 20 years.”
— Finance director and certified teacher Susan Corrice

S.T.E.P.S.: Striving Toward Empowered Personal Success

Helping the region’s young women find their way

— S.T.E.P.S.  President Beatrice Jennette

Promoting Basic Needs & Rights

The Covenant Soup Kitchen

Keeping food on the table in Willimantic

“This place got my mother through a hard time in her life, and I will never forget what a difference you made for our family.”
— Anonymous

Access Community Action Agency’s Women Inspired: Next Steps

— Director of Volunteer Engagement Eva Csejtey

Preserve the Environment

Connecticut Audubon Society Science in Nature

Getting the smallest scholars off to a great start

“You can see the kids having those ‘aha!’ moments when they realize the connection between themselves and the natural world.”
— Sarah Heminway, naturalist and director, Connecticut Audubon Society’s Northeast Corner programs

Advance Animal Welfare

Connecticut Humane Society

Transforming animal welfare in Eastern Connecticut

“By increasing access to pet care and resources, animal welfare professionals and pet owners alike are able to help pets find — and keep — homes.”
— Humane Society Executive Director Gordon Willard