South Windsor Community Foundation, Inc.

01/30/2026

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=1330576172446475&set=a.566124302225003

Local Businesses & Community Partnerships in South Windsor.

If your business would like to donate and give back to the community, please reach out to:
Mike Mundo
860-783-5553

Strong communities are built when business, nonprofit and civic sectors come together. In South Windsor, local businesses are more than just economic engines—they’re neighbors, patrons, mentors and partners. At the South Windsor Community Foundation (SWCF), we value business collaboration because it amplifies impact.
Businesses in town often sponsor events, match employee contributions, champion community grants, and engage volunteers. This support enhances SWCF’s capacity to assist local nonprofits and initiatives.
For example: when a firm offers to match donations raised by employees, the effect is doubled. Or when a business hosts a fundraiser for a youth program, the result is stronger. Even when a local business lends expertise (marketing, logistics, volunteer hours), the multiplier effect is significant.
If you’re a local business owner in South Windsor, we invite you to consider a partnership with SWCF: sponsor a grant cycle, support the “Rays of Hope Fund,” provide in-kind support, or promote philanthropic participation among your staff.
Together, we can build an ecosystem where business success and community health go hand in hand. When children succeed, families thrive, and neighborhoods stay vibrant—business benefits too.
Next time we’ll highlight a special feature: seniors & lifelong community programs in South Windsor.

01/30/2026

12/09/2025

. Local Businesses & Community Partnerships in South Windsor

Strong communities are built when business, nonprofit and civic sectors come together. In South Windsor, local businesses are more than just economic engines—they’re neighbors, patrons, mentors and partners. At the South Windsor Community Foundation (SWCF), we value business collaboration because it amplifies impact.
Businesses in town often sponsor events, match employee contributions, champion community grants, and engage volunteers. This support enhances SWCF’s capacity to assist local nonprofits and initiatives.
For example: when a firm offers to match donations raised by employees, the effect is doubled. Or when a business hosts a fundraiser for a youth program, the result is stronger. Even when a local business lends expertise (marketing, logistics, volunteer hours), the multiplier effect is significant.
If you’re a local business owner in South Windsor, we invite you to consider a partnership with SWCF: sponsor a grant cycle, support the “Rays of Hope Fund,” provide in-kind support, or promote philanthropic participation among your staff.
Together, we can build an ecosystem where business success and community health go hand in hand. When children succeed, families thrive, and neighborhoods stay vibrant—business benefits too.
Next time we’ll highlight a special feature: seniors & lifelong community programs in South Windsor.

12/03/2025

Youth Sports & Recreation in South Windsor

When kids play sports, they don’t just learn how to throw a ball or run a track—they learn teamwork, discipline, leadership and resilience. At the South Windsor Community Foundation, we’ve recognized the value of youth athletics and recreation as a vital part of community health.
From supporting access to sporting opportunities for all children, to improving facilities so teams have safe and modern spaces to play, local initiatives are thriving. For example, one of our funded projects helps maintain and upgrade “Rotary Field” and its amenities in South Windsor. South Windsor Community Foundation
When fields are safe, equipment is updated, and leagues are accessible, kids and teens gain more than sports—they gain community connection and personal growth.
We’re proud to support youth development across all levels—girls’ golf programs, local recreation leagues, school teams, and more. South Windsor Community Foundation
If you’re a coach, parent or student in South Windsor who sees a need—a facility fix, new equipment, a scholarship for a team member—reach out to us. We’re actively looking for partners.
In the next post we’ll cover how local businesses in South Windsor are stepping up, collaborating with community foundations and playing an essential role in civic life.

12/01/2025

🌟 Giving Tuesday Donation Day

Tomorrow is the Day — Giving Tuesday is Here!

Join your neighbors in supporting the South Windsor Community Foundation and help us continue the work that strengthens our town and enriches the lives of local families.

Every contribution — big or small — directly supports programs and initiatives right here in South Windsor.

And remember: many employers match employee donations, which can DOUBLE or even TRIPLE your impact today.

Make Your Giving Tuesday Gift Now
✔️ Safe
✔️ Local
✔️ Tax-deductible
✔️ Community-building

11/28/2025

Investing in Education – South Windsor Public Education Fund

At the heart of any thriving community lies its schools. The South Windsor Community Foundation’s Public Education Fund is dedicated to supporting programs, projects and innovations within our South Windsor Public Schools system that aren’t covered in the standard school budget. South Windsor Community Foundation
Why is this important? Because teachers often have creative ideas, students have untapped potential, and sometimes extra resources can make a big difference. Whether it’s a new science lab resource, an arts enrichment program, or a field trip that broadens horizons—these are the kinds of projects the fund helps enable.
By providing smaller-scale grants, SWCF helps bridge the gap between vision and funding. Our community grows stronger when students and teachers have tools to succeed and innovate beyond the baseline curriculum.
Already, we’ve supported a number of initiatives in South Windsor schools—encouraging creativity, enhancing learning experiences and enriching student lives. We believe when students are engaged, communities benefit.
If you’re a teacher, parent or student in South Windsor with an idea that could transform classroom learning or enrich school culture—SWCF wants to hear from you. Let’s help bring your idea to life.
In our next post, we’ll shift focus to youth sports and recreational activities in South Windsor. Stay tuned!

11/26/2025

Thanksgiving Message to Our Community.

As we gather with family, friends, and loved ones this Thanksgiving season, all of us at the South Windsor Community Foundation, want to extend our heartfelt gratitude to the community that makes our mission possible. This time of year reminds us why we do the work we do—because strong communities are built through shared commitment, compassion, and the belief that when one of us rises, we all rise together.

Over the past year, our community has demonstrated extraordinary generosity and resilience. Whether through volunteering, donating, partnering with our programs, or simply showing up for one another, you have helped strengthen the foundation on which hope and opportunity grow. We are grateful for every person who has joined us in supporting our initiatives and helping us expand our reach to those who need it most.

This Thanksgiving, we reflect not only on the progress we have made, but on the lives touched because of your support. We have seen families receive critical resources, students gain new opportunities, individuals find stability, and neighborhoods come together in ways that inspire us every day. None of this would be possible without the partnership of a caring and engaged community.

At the South Windsor Community Foundation, we believe that real change happens when people unite around a common purpose. This year reinforced that truth time and time again. From local events and outreach programs to major projects and collaborative efforts with other organizations, your involvement has been the driving force behind our success. Your trust in our mission pushes us to continue working tirelessly to uplift the communities we serve.

Thanksgiving also offers us a moment to look ahead—to recommit ourselves to building a brighter and more equitable future. As we prepare for the year ahead, we remain focused on expanding our programs, increasing access to essential resources, and creating new opportunities for individuals and families to thrive. With your continued support, we are confident that we can make an even greater impact.

But beyond the work itself, Thanksgiving is ultimately about people. It’s about gratitude for the relationships that sustain us, the support systems that guide us, and the shared values that connect us. We are especially thankful for the many community members, partners, donors, and volunteers who have walked beside us throughout the year. Your dedication inspires us, motivates us, and reminds us why this mission matters.

As you celebrate Thanksgiving—whether around a full table, with a quiet moment of reflection, or connecting with loved ones from near and far—we hope your holiday is filled with peace, comfort, and joy. May you find warmth in the company of others, strength in the bonds you share, and hope in the promise of the season.

From the entire team at the South Windsor Community Foundation, thank you for believing in our mission, supporting our work, and helping us build stronger, healthier, and more empowered communities. We are deeply grateful for you.

We wish you and your family a Happy Thanksgiving filled with gratitude, love, and the blessings of togetherness. We look forward to continuing this journey with you in the year ahead.

With heartfelt appreciation,
South Windsor Community Foundation, Inc.

The South Windsor Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in South Windsor for all residents of all ages by furthering the development of community based programs and projects.

11/21/2025

Highlighting Our Grants – “Rays of Hope” Fund Success Stories

One of our cornerstone programs at SWCF is the “Rays of Hope Fund,” designed to make grants to South Windsor organizations in the areas of social services, arts, recreation, and community projects. South Windsor Community Foundation
Over the years, SWCF has awarded more than $162,000 via this fund. South Windsor Community Foundation
In this post, we highlight a few recent recipients:
• A local nonprofit offering after-school recreation programs for youth, helping to keep kids engaged and active.
• A senior center initiative to expand wellness classes and social activities for residents age 55 +. South Windsor Community Foundation
• A historic agricultural and arts project at Priest Farm, which transforms a local heritage site into a vibrant cultural and educational center. South Windsor Community Foundation
These projects are not abstract—they’re making real differences: children discovering new hobbies, seniors staying connected, open-space revitalization for all to enjoy.
We believe in local decision-making: community members propose ideas, apply for grants, and SWCF supports those initiatives. That means your donations are invested where neighbors identify the need.
If you’re part of a group in South Windsor that has an idea for neighborhood improvement, arts, wellness, youth programming or the like—let’s talk! Grant applications are accepted, and SWCF is eager to partner with you.
Stay tuned for our next post where we’ll focus on our Public Education Fund and how we’re supporting schools and teachers.

11/14/2025

Please help us bring more awareness to the South Windsor Community Foundation by sharing this post and joining our page for more information.

https://www.facebook.com/SWCommunityFoundation

1. What We Do at SWCF – Our Mission & Impact

The South Windsor Community Foundation (SWCF) exists to strengthen our community by providing meaningful grants, supporting local nonprofits, and partnering with businesses and residents. Since our founding, we’ve directed significant resources to social services, arts, education, recreation and other civic-benefit projects within South Windsor alone. According to our website, the “Rays of Hope Fund” has distributed over $162,000 from generous contributions. South Windsor Community Foundation
Our “South Windsor Public Education Fund” offers grants for projects in South Windsor Public Schools that fall outside the regular budget—creating opportunities for teachers and students alike to innovate, experiment, and excel. South Windsor Community Foundation
Because we focus exclusively on South Windsor organizations, every dollar donated stays here at home, helping neighbors, students, families, and nonprofits in our town. With each grant, we aim to foster community connection, support youth development, promote wellness, and advance cultural and recreational opportunities.
In this blog series, you’ll see stories of what’s been funded, who benefited, and how the community can get involved—either as donors, volunteers, or partners. Stay tuned for upcoming posts where we highlight specific grants, local schools, athletes, business partnerships and opportunities to give.
Together we can keep creating hope, opportunity and growth in South Windsor. Thank you for being part of it.

The South Windsor Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in South Windsor for all

11/14/2025

🌟 Pre-Giving Tuesday Awareness!!!

South Windsor Community Foundation — Giving Tuesday is Almost Here!
📅 Giving Tuesday is the Tuesday after Thanksgiving

As we approach this special day of generosity, we’re inviting all South Windsor residents to come together and support the programs, families, and local initiatives that make our community strong.

Whether it’s youth programs, family assistance, community events, or neighborhood beautification, your support helps us create real impact right here at home.

How You Can Prepare & Make a Difference

❤️ Plan your Giving Tuesday gift
📣 Share this post with neighbors and friends
🤝 Ask if your employer matches charitable contributions (many do!)
📲 Save this QR code so you can easily donate on Giving Tuesday

Thank you for helping us continue to build a stronger, more connected South Windsor.
Together, we can make a meaningful impact.

Scan to learn more or pledge early:

09/22/2025

Our Mission Statement

The South Windsor Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in South
Windsor for all residents of all ages by furthering the development of community-based programs and projects.

The South Windsor Community Foundation, Inc. was founded by a dedicated group of prominent leaders in South Windsor who saw a need for a locally owned and controlled community foundation. The Foundation was established in November 2003 and became an official 501(c)(3) organization in June 2004. Our sources of financial support are donations from individuals and the business community, endowments-estates, fundraisers conducted in the community, contributions from civic organizations, grants from corporations, grants from other foundations, public funding/municipal grants.

REMEMBER, your contribution to Rays of Hope will only be used HERE– in South Windsor AND the South Windsor Community Foundation does NOT charge administrative fees to our Fiduciary partners. Our Board of Directors donate all their efforts, energies, and expertise free of charge to our fiduciaries and grant recipients.
Only modest expenses for mailing our annual appeal and operating the Foundation are used from the Rays of Hope fund.

LIKE US on FACEBOOK under South Windsor Community Foundation, Inc.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE at www.swfoundation.org for information, resources, forms, and updates

THANKS TO YOUR GENEROSITY AND KIND CONTRIBUTIONS, the South Windsor
Community Foundation, Inc. Rays of Hope Fund, has donated over $162,000 DIRECTLY to local civic and non-profit organizations along with financial and organizational support.

OUR 2024-25 “Rays of Hope” GRANTS


The Rays of Hope Fund distributed grants for over $9,600.00. See the recipients and their plans for the grants below:

South Windsor Human Services: Funds to purchase a wheelchair lift equipped minivan; Support the “CARES” group which is an activity, recreation, exercise and socialization program for South Windsor residents over sixty; Funding for the 12th Annual Reading in the Schools Program delivered by senior citizens who read at all four elementary schools and purchase the books they read for the Elementary School classrooms and Libraries. Learn more about their projects and programs at: https://www.southwindsor-ct.gov/human-services


To be a Donor just scan the QR Code:

03/21/2024

P.O Box 1341, South Windsor, CT 06074
www.swfoundation.org
December 2023

Officers: President – Janice Snyder Vice President – Cile Decker Secretary – Toni Henry-Clay Treasurer – John Ruocco

Board Members: Ralph Alexander, Scott Andrusis, Michael Blezard, Molly Keays (Honorary), Liza Kuhns,
Michael Mundo, Daniel Rosow, Joseph Wood
Ex-Officio: Dr. Kate Carter – Superintendent of Schools; Michael Maniscalco – Town Manager
Emeritus Board Members – Cary Prague - Linc Streeter – Liza Love – Ray Favreau

Proud member of the South Windsor Parks & Recreation Hall of Fame

Our Mission Statement
The South Windsor Community Foundation seeks to improve the quality of life in South Windsor for all residents of all ages by furthering the development of community-based programs and projects.

The South Windsor Community Foundation, Inc. was founded by a dedicated group of prominent leaders in South Windsor who saw a need for a locally owned and controlled community foundation. The Foundation was established in November 2003 and became an official 501(c)(3) organization in June 2004. Our sources of financial support are donations from individuals and the business community, endowments-estates, fundraisers conducted in the community, contributions from civic organizations, grants from corporations, grants from other foundations, public funding/municipal grants.

REMEMBER, your contribution to Rays of Hope will only be used here – in South Windsor AND the South Windsor Community Foundation does NOT charge administrative fees to our Fiduciary partners. Our Board of Directors donate all their efforts, energies, and expertise free of charge to our fiduciaries and grant recipients.
Only modest expenses for mailing our annual appeal and operating the Foundation are used from the Rays of Hope Fund.

LIKE US on FACEBOOK under South Windsor Community Foundation, Inc.

VISIT OUR WEBSITE at www.swfoundation.org for information, resources, forms, and updates

THANKS TO YOUR GENEROSITY AND KIND CONTRIBUTIONS, the South Windsor Community Foundation, Inc. Rays of Hope Fund has donated over $152,000 DIRECTLY into local civic and non-profit organizations along with financial and organizational support.

This year we welcomed Antionette Henry-Clay (Toni) who joined our Board in mid-2023 and has become our secretary.

We said GOOD-BYE and THANK YOU to Kevin McCann who has been with the Board for many years, dating back to our early beginnings. Kevin decided to retire from the Foundation.

OUR 2023 “Rays of Hope” GRANTS

The Rays of Hope Fund distributed grants totaling $9,228. See the recipients and their plans for the grants below:

Mazolu Animal Sanctuary: Mazolu Animal Sanctuary is a nonprofit animal sanctuary located in South Windsor. They are funded by private donations, grants and staffed by volunteers of all ages from all walks of life. It is located on a quiet and serene parcel of land on Old Main Street. Mazolu provides a safe place for animals with room to foster animals from local rescues and animal control for emergency shelter. They serve dogs, cats, horses, donkeys, goats, sheep, rabbits, chickens, pigs, ducks, birds, lizards, turtles, and other various animals. The Foundation provided funds for three projects. 1) Bunny Habitat to build a better space for the bunny population. 2) Chicken Run with side tarps to protect them in inclement weather. 3) Pig Fence enclosure so they will have their own space that should help prevent them from escaping. (Rays of Hope provided $853)



Visit this Animal Sanctuary or Volunteer at Mazolu.com

South Windsor Voices Publication: This year the SW Voices Committee published a book entitled “Coming out of Covid – A Celebration of Poetry, Prose and Community”. This is a book of community created poetry, prose, and art documenting the experiences of our community and region during the Pandemic. (Rays of Hope provided $1,000)

MARC, Inc.: MARC Inc. provides services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. State funding covers basic support and services. MARC’s Recreation and Respite program provides extra opportunities for our people for activities beyond State of CT funds. They offer sporting events, fairs, festivals, game nights, movies, crafts like painting and pottery, classes on healthy meal planning, pre-diabetes wellness clinics, dental care classes and more. This organization services South Windsor residents who are enrolled in their program. (Rays of Hope provided $1,500)

OUR 2023 “Rays of Hope” GRANTS (continued)

South Windsor Human Services: South Windsor Human Services is active in many areas of our community. The Senior Center and Teen Center are always bustling with activities and programs and the Foundation is always happy to help when the need arises. This year we were able to fund some much-needed replacement equipment along with some active and continuing programs.

1. The Senior Advisory Council continues their program that pairs senior citizens with students at elementary schools through reading. Books that were read were donated to each classroom and one to the school library. (Rays of Hope provided $750)

2. CARES Group provides activities for our seniors with disabilities, focusing on those that are housebound and socially disconnected. (Rays of Hope provided $500).

3. Rising STARS is a program offered by the Youth and Family Services focused on middle and high school youth in need of structured programming during the summer. The program is hosted 4 days a week and includes trips along with making connections to community partners (Rays of Hope provided $1,000)

4. Equipment for the Community Center was needed and with soaring costs, Human Services reached out to us for some funding to help cover the costs. Their dishwasher needed replacement and the cost was much higher than budgeted and anticipated. Also, their freezer broke down and a new one was needed. (Rays of Hope provided $1,000 toward the Dishwasher and $1,325 toward the Freezer).



South Windsor Parks & Recreation: The Monday Night Social Club (MNSC) continues to be a vital part of the activity for our young adults from the special needs community. This program provides a variety of activities such as arts and crafts, BINGO, social dances and so much more. The Foundation has been a consistent contributor to this club, and we are thrilled to support them again this year. (Rays of Hope provided $1,000)

South Windsor Teens Cycling Club: A high school sophomore student worked to establish a cycling club in coordination with Parks and Recreation. Their focus is on middle and high school students and rides once a month on Saturday morning utilizing paved trails and safe bike routes with the supervision of adult volunteers. (Rays of Hope provided $300)

OUR 2023 “Rays of Hope” GRANTS (continued)

OUR FIDUCIARY ACTIVITIES THIS YEAR
This year we welcomed 1 new fiduciary

Clapp House Preservation, Inc: This newly established group (May 2022) seeks to conserve, preserve, and repurpose the historic Clapp house located at 59 Sullivan Avenue. Built in 1808 by Increase Clapp who was a Blacksmith, it is listed on the State Historical Register and was a private resident until 2015. This home was quit-claimed to the Town of South Windsor from a developer in 2016. There are plans for the American Legion Post 133 (Abe E. Miller) of South Windsor to occupy the home as their headquarters.

THANK YOU TO MAX CHALLENGE, South Windsor

Once again, The Max Challenge held a Family Fair in March to raise funds for healthy eating and exercise. Each year this energetic and committed group holds a fundraiser called “MAX DAY OF GIVING” and each year they contribute to the South Windsor Community Foundation fiduciaries. This year their generosity made a positive impact in our community. They donated $8,250 to Parks and Recreation for outdoor fitness equipment and $2,750 South Windsor Human Services for Wellness Programs. A HUGE thank you to Kim Lachapelle and THE MAX CHALLENGE for always remembering our community.

WE NEED YOUR HELP TO MEET Our Challenge for 2024

Our Rays of Hope Fund goal is $20,000. Contributions can be made to the Foundation in many quick, easy, and traditional ways. There continues to be many needs right here at home in your local community and your donation will not be subject to overhead or administrative fees.


 Contribute through our Website: www.swfoundation.org
 Mail your contribution to: SWCF-Rays of Hope, PO Box 1341, South Windsor, CT 06074
 Scan our QR Code with your smartphone