Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut

06/19/2026

This Juneteenth, we reflect on the profound impact of freedom in American history. Join us in honoring this significant day through our Fund for Racial Justice, which supports organizations advancing racial equity. Participate in local events that foster community and celebration, including poetry readings, performances, and cultural festivities. Together, we can uplift voices and strengthen movements for change.

https://conta.cc/4uNJl4b

Email from Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut Juneteenth in your community Juneteenth commemorates June 19, 1865—the day the last enslaved African Americans in Texas learned they were free, m

06/16/2026

We were honored to attend the groundbreaking ceremony for the new Center for Safe Futures last week. Despite the June heat, community members came together to celebrate this important milestone—a new space that will bring vital wraparound services under one roof for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and trafficking across southeastern CT. Thank you to all who made this vision come to life!

06/05/2026

We were proud to participate in a forum organized by the Partnership for Strong Communities in Waterbury this week for an important conversation about affordable housing in Connecticut.

Following a thoughtful panel discussion on rising housing costs and their impact on residents, our President & CEO, Maryam Elahi, spoke about the Community Foundation’s 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 campaign and why housing stability is a critical part of addressing child poverty. Supporting policies that expand access to safe, affordable housing aligns with our broader vision of creating stronger, more equitable communities for all.

As a coalition of more than 120 partner organizations across Connecticut, 𝗘𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗵𝗶𝗹𝗱 𝗣𝗼𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘁𝘆 𝗡𝗼𝘄 recognizes that lasting change happens when we align our voices around shared goals. By working together across sectors and communities, we can build the collective momentum needed to advance policies that support children, families, and residents statewide.

Thank you to the Partnership for Strong Communities, the CT Tenants Union, and the Mattatuck Museum for bringing people together for this important conversation.

Add your name to the list to receive policy updates and learn about advocacy opportunities: https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/sl/eC4Xzwv/ECPNsignup

06/04/2026

https://241play.org/2026/05/30/the-kids-who-never-get-a-chance-to-quit/
A thoughtful piece by Steve Boyle of 2-4-1 Sports, a nonprofit organization focused on making sports accessible and fun for all students!

Over the past few months, I’ve found myself in some pretty interesting conversations. Some have taken place in school gymnasiums. Others in conference rooms. A few have been in Washington, D.C. with people thinking about youth sports at a national ... Read More

05/27/2026

We’re excited to help spread the word about this important opportunity for community-based organizations across Eastern Connecticut.

The Council’s Reimagine & Revitalize (R2) Program is now accepting applications in Norwich, New London, and Windham through United Way of Southeastern Connecticut. Funding opportunities support initiatives focused on economic development, reentry services, and youth programming aimed at strengthening communities and expanding opportunity.

Learn more about eligibility requirements, timelines, and how to apply at uwsect.org/grantopportunities.

05/26/2026

🔗 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=thN3SiWlCE8

What happened at the State Capitol this session—and what does it mean for Eastern Connecticut?

Last week, we gathered advocates, nonprofit leaders, legislators, and community members for a Legislative Debrief focused on the policies shaping our region’s future. From early childhood education and universal school meals to housing stability and basic needs, the conversation highlighted both the progress made and the work still ahead.

Watch our recap video to learn more.

Thank you to everyone who continues to show up, speak out, and advocate for stronger communities across Connecticut.

On May 18, 2026, nonprofit leaders, policymakers, advocates, and co...

05/22/2026

We’re hiring! Join the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and help strengthen communities across our region. Learn more:

Join The Community Foundation's team of dedicated professionals working to ensure our community thrives. The following positions are currently open: Thank you for your interest. There are no openings at this time. We are ready to assist you. Call us at 860-442-3572 or email us. OUR TEAM

05/21/2026

Spending time with Maryam Elahi, President & CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut, is always a source of inspiration. Every day, she and her team work tirelessly to build a more just, equitable, and thriving Eastern Connecticut. One of the ways they achieve this is by supporting nonprofits that are addressing our region‘s most pressing needs.

Always Home is proud to share that the Community Foundation recently awarded us a significant Southeast General Regional Impact grant. This funding will help us respond to more families in housing crisis, ensuring that children have the essential foundation that a stable home offers. Our deepest thanks to Maryam and her team for partnering with us to prevent family homelessness.

05/19/2026

https://theday.com/news/894581/end-child-poverty-now-coalition-discusses-failures-and-successes-of-legislative-session/

The End Child Poverty Now coalition entered the 2026 session to establish a child tax credit, universal school meals, just-cause eviction protections and a state-funded food assistance program.

05/19/2026

Yesterday, we welcomed nonprofit leaders, advocates, and community members from across Eastern Connecticut for a Legislative Debrief focused on the 2026 Connecticut legislative session and what it means for children and families across our state.

Together, we reflected on key policy wins, including at least $300 million invested in the Early Childhood Education Endowment and the expansion of universal free breakfast statewide, while also discussing the continued work ahead to advance affordable childcare, housing stability, food access, and economic opportunity for all Connecticut families.

We’re grateful to the following leaders who joined the conversation as panelists…
• Cathy Osten, State Senator
• Lisa Tepper Bates, President & CEO, United Way of CT
• Nick Gauthier, State Representative
• Sean Ghio, Policy Director, Partnership for Strong Communities
• David Morgan, Deputy Commissioner, CT Office of Early Childhood
…and to the Waterford Public Library, CT for hosting the event.

We also extend our gratitude to the many partners, organizations, educators, families, and advocates whose collective efforts continue to move this work forward, because as we can see, change happens when communities come together with a shared purpose.

For coverage of yesterday’s event in The Day, click here: https://theday.com/news/894581/end-child-poverty-now-coalition-discusses-failures-and-successes-of-legislative-session/

eastern connecticut, connecticut advocacy, children’s issues, early childhood, food equity, housing stability, community foundation, nonprofit leadership, end child poverty now