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How Your Gift Can Help

Your gift can make a tremendous difference today and far into the future. You can help support your favorite charity with annual gifts from a designated fund, provide a scholarship at your alma mater, support local arts organizations, improve the environment, provide ongoing support to help improve the community and much more. Here are examples of a few established funds that are making a difference. Think about how you would like your gift to help improve our community with your new Fund.

The Arts Fund, a field of interest fund, was started by Derry D'Oench and then added to by other arts lovers. At the request of the D'Oench family, gifts in memory of Derry significantly increased the fund balance. Grants from this fund have supported arts organizations and arts programs for children and adults. Recipients, determined by the Foundation, have included the Ivoryton Playhouse, Green Street Arts Center, Greater Middletown Chorale and Wesleyan's Center for the Arts.

J. Guy Lombardo Donor Advised Fund. Joe Lombardo transferred assets from his private foundation to establish this Fund in memory of his son. The Foundation Board of Directors has approved Joe's recommendations to provide grants to the Middlefield Federated Church and will consider other grantees as Joe advises them.

The Rachel and Chuck Wiltsie Fund, a field of interest fund for the less fortunate, was begun by the Wiltsie's to help those who most need support and assistance. Grants, determined by the Foundation’s Grants Committee, have aided St. Vincent DePaul Place, the Shoreline Soup Kitchens and Pantries and emergency services for low income individuals and families.

Joan Matz Music Scholarship Fund, a memorial designated fund for the UCONN School of Music, was established in 2004 by Joan's family and friends. Each year UCONN will select a student of choral conducting and/or singing to receive a scholarship to assist in his or her studies. Joan's musical gifts and love of music live on with this tribute to her memory.

Elizabeth Swaim Middletown Fund, a geographic field of interest fund, was set up by Elizabeth prior to her death and funded with a bequest in her will. Grantees determined by the Foundation's Grants Committee have included Middletown Foundation for the Arts, Middletown Public Schools, Alderhouse and Oddfellows Playhouse among others.

Tri-Town Youth Services Fund, a designated fund, was established by Sonny Whelen to support Chester, Deep River and Essex's Tri-Town youth programs with annual grants and to encourage others to add to this endowed fund.

The Community Health Center, Camp Hazen YMCA, Gilead Community Services, Oddfellows Playhouse and Middlesex United Way have established Organizational Funds at the Community Foundation. These forward looking nonprofit agencies are building their endowments to provide income for services in the future. They ask members and friends to add to their endowment with present and planned gifts, and entrust the investment to the Foundation’s experienced volunteers. Organizations may receive annual grants at any time, but these organizations are presently leaving all moneys in their Funds to accelerate their growth.

Fund for Women & Girls, a field of interest fund, was established by 60 Founding Givers to support programs that empower women and girls to be self-reliant and reach their potential. A Fund for Women & Girls Committee raises funds to grow this fund and a special Women & Girls Grants Committee recommends grants.