Just The Facts

Eastern Connecticut unites under one community foundation

 

While fiercely independent for hundreds of years, the 42 cities and towns of New London, Windham, and the eastern half of Tolland counties have nonetheless been bound together by common land, trades, waterways, roads, colleges, and a Congressional district.
           
Starting this month, they are also united by philanthropy. The 26-year-old Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut has merged with the 20-year-old Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area to form the largest (by area) of the state’s 18 community foundations.

 

Key Facts

 

Before merger

Community Foundation of SECT 26 years old      11 towns served $33 million in assets as of 12/31/09 280 charitable funds $1.6 million distributed in grants in 2009 5.5 staff in 2009  14 Board members in 2009 Women & Girls Fund Let’s Read program

Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area 20 years old 31 towns served $1.5 million in assets as of 12/31/09 67 charitable funds $90,000 distributed in grants in 2009 No staff in 2009 15 Board members in 2009 Two Women & Girls funds

 

After merger

• For the time being the name will remain the Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut, with a Tri-County division
• Board of Trustees: 14 existing CFSECT board and chair + 3 former CFTCA members
• Office: New London
• President: Alice Fitzpatrick
• Existing staff plus one new full-time staff to serve Tri-County area
• Two grantmaking structures: “traditional” in southeastern Connecticut, “donor-based” in
  Tri-County area