Northwest CT Community Foundation

09/09/2026

Year-End Critical Needs Grants Now Available!

Organizations that provide critical human services can apply for grants online through the NCCF website, https://www.yournccf.org/apply
Select Year-End Critical Needs Grants.

The Northwest CT Community Foundation (NCCF) has allocated a minimum of $60,000 to distribute to public charities and faith-based organizations in its 20-town service area* for year-end critical needs grants. Grants are made possible through the Northwest CT Community Foundation Draper Foundation Fund and the Northwest CT Community Foundation Marion Wm. & Alice Edwards Fund.

NCCF is accepting applications for year-end critical needs grants for local organizations serving some of the area’s most economically distressed residents and providing the most basic of necessities including food, utilities, warm clothing, heating fuel, gas (for transportation) assistance and shelter.

Applications are due by October 15, 2026. Grants will be awarded in early December of 2026.

09/08/2026

Thank You for Making History! Together, We Raised $768,185.96 for Local Nonprofits.
​
Northwest Corner Gives 2026 brought together 38 nonprofit organizations and hundreds of donors from across Northwest CT. With donations matched dollar-for-dollar through the generosity of NCCF fundholders and community partners—up to each organization’s campaign goal—the campaign raised the largest total in its history.

To everyone who donated, provided matching funds, shared a campaign or encouraged others to give—and to the participating nonprofits strengthening our communities every day—thank you for making this record-breaking year possible.

Learn more: https://northwestcornergives.org/

09/03/2026

$626,450 in Scholarships Awarded—
the Largest in NCCF History

Northwest CT Community Foundation (NCCF) has awarded a record $626,450 in scholarship awards to students throughout the Northwest Corner for the 2026–2027 academic year. It is the largest annual scholarship distribution in NCCF’s history. This year’s total represents a significant increase over the $532,100 awarded for 2025–2026.

“Scholarship work is vital because it ensures area students have access to education based on academic fit rather than cost. It also advances educational equity by supporting students from diverse backgrounds and socioeconomic groups,” said Brian Mattiello, NCCF Chief Executive Officer.

“This year’s scholarship recipients, like those in years past, hold tremendous promise for the future. NCCF is proud to have reached this milestone in its scholarship work. With more than 230 scholarship awards this year, we remain steadfast in our commitment to supporting local students.”

Made possible by the generosity of individuals, families and organizations that have established charitable funds at NCCF or entrusted the foundation with administering scholarships on their behalf, these awards help local students pursue their educational goals and invest in their futures.

Complete list of scholarship recipients on our website. (Link in bio!)

You can make a gift that lasts forever. NCCF funds can be established with retirement plan assets, such as IRAs, 401(k)s, 403(b)s publicly traded stock and closely-held stock, cash, mutual funds, and life insurance policies.

Scholarship Funds support educational purposes. You can support students attending a specific educational institution or pursuing specific courses of study. NCCF manages a robust online scholarship application system that connects qualifying students with scholarships.

For more information, contact Bradford Hoar, VP of Philanthropic Services at [email protected] or (860) 626-1245.

08/17/2026

NCCF Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund Awards $370,000 Boost to Barkhamsted

Funding supports emergency services, community facilities, food assistance, educational programs, and scholarships.

BARKHAMSTED, Conn. — The Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund has awarded $370,000 in grants, community support and scholarships benefiting Barkhamsted residents in 2026.

Support includes $315,000 in grants and community funding, along with $55,000 in scholarships awarded to 11 Barkhamsted students for the 2026–2027 academic year.

“With deep appreciation for Doug and Janet Roberts’ commitment to their community, this remarkable gift will make so much good possible for Barkhamsted,” said NCCF Chief Executive Officer Brian Mattiello. “We fully embrace the responsibility of stewarding this unique gift and ensuring the Roberts’ intentions are honored through these meaningful awards.”

Noteworthy grants include:

• Barkhamsted Seniors, serving as fiscal sponsor for Riverton Grange No. 169, received $50,000 to support construction costs associated with the Grange’s kitchen renovation.

“Barkhamsted Seniors, serving as the fiscal sponsor for Riverton Grange No. 169, was honored to receive a generous $50,000 gift to help transform the Grange’s kitchen into a welcoming space for generations to come,” said Dave Roberts, president of The Barkhamsted Seniors Inc. 

“Doug’s connection to Riverton Grange spanned a lifetime. His grandparents were charter members, and his mother faithfully served the Grange for more than 60 years. Doug and Janet treasured the countless meals, celebrations, and friendships they shared within its walls. They understood that the kitchen has always been the heart of the Grange—a place where neighbors become friends and community is strengthened. Through this remarkable gift, Doug and Janet’s legacy will live on, ensuring that future generations can gather around the table, create lasting memories, and experience the warmth, fellowship, and community spirit that have defined Riverton Grange for more than a century.”

• Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook and Hartland received $45,000 to support the first phase of electrical upgrades at the Riverton Fairgrounds.

“The Town of Barkhamsted sincerely thanks the Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund for supporting important electrical upgrades at the Riverton Fairgrounds. The $45,000 grant to the Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook and Hartland will improve the reliability and longevity of the Fairgrounds,” said Meaghan Cook, Barkhamsted First Selectman.

“We are especially grateful for the Foundation’s thoughtful stewardship of the NCCF Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund. Through that stewardship, their generosity and vision continue to make a meaningful and lasting difference for the thousands of people who gather at the Fairgrounds throughout the year.”

• Pleasant Valley Fire Department received $29,250 to purchase and install an extractor and heated cabinet dryer used to safely clean and dry firefighters’ personal protective equipment and turnout gear.

“The officers and firefighters of the Pleasant Valley Volunteer Fire Department are extremely grateful for the recent award from the Northwest CT Community Foundation Doug and Janet Roberts Fund,” Chief James Shanley said. “We plan to use this award to purchase new, effective decontamination equipment for our firehouse. This equipment will help protect our members and the community from exposure to toxic substances produced by fires. “Without this assistance, we could not have undertaken this important project on our own. We extend our sincere thanks.”

Complete List of Grants:

Barkhamsted Historical Society received $24,300 to support projects planned for completion in 2026 and 2027.

Barkhamsted Housing Trust received $26,000 to support 2027 carrying costs for Mallory View and construction currently in progress.

Barkhamsted Seniors, serving as fiscal sponsor for Riverton Grange No. 169, received $50,000 to support construction costs associated with the Grange’s kitchen renovation.

First Congregational Church of Barkhamsted received $72,800 to renovate its community room, including mold remediation, flooring, painting and the installation of a dehumidifier system, and to install climate control and air conditioning on the sanctuary level, including associated electrical work.

New Hartford Volunteer Ambulance received $10,000 to provide required matching funds for renovations that will improve living and storage spaces within the ambulance building.

Pleasant Valley Fire Department received $29,250 to purchase and install an extractor and heated cabinet dryer used to clean and dry firefighters’ personal protective equipment and turnout gear.

Pleasant Valley United Methodist Church received $11,750 to purchase food and replace carpeting in the church’s food bank space.

Town of Barkhamsted received $7,000 to purchase and install a modern audiovisual system at the Barkhamsted Senior Center.

Union Agricultural Society of Barkhamsted, Colebrook and Hartland received $45,000 to support the first phase of electrical upgrades at the Riverton Fairgrounds.

Additional 2026 Support

Earlier in 2026, the Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund awarded an additional $13,900 in grants:

• Barkhamsted Historical Society received $8,000 to support programs and events celebrating the 250th anniversary of the United States in the town of Barkhamsted.

• Northwest Conservation District received $3,500 to add pollinator plants to the blueberry garden and continue agricultural education programming at the Beardsley & Memorial Library.

• Town of Barkhamsted received $2,400 to rebuild 24 community garden beds.

The Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund also provided $25,000 in support of Northwest Corner Gives 2026.

In addition, $55,000 in scholarships were awarded to 11 Barkhamsted students for the 2026–2027 academic year.

About the Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund
The Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund was established through the estate planning of Douglas E. Roberts, a resident of Riverton for more than 80 years. The Northwest CT Community Foundation Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund supports the Barkhamsted Historical Society, educational enrichment for Barkhamsted residents, and regional nonprofit programming that benefits the residents of Barkhamsted.

About NCCF
Established in 1969, the Northwest CT Community Foundation serves 20 towns in Northwest Connecticut. Its total endowment, comprised of more than 280 funds, has grown from initial assets of $15,000 to more than $180 million. Last year, combined grants and scholarships totaled in excess of $7 million.

See more: https://www.yournccf.org/news/vol-15-issue-1-2022-steward

08/17/2026

On National Nonprofit Day today, we celebrate the organizations—and the dedicated people behind them—working every day to make Northwest CT stronger 💙

The impact of our local nonprofit community was on full display during Northwest Corner Gives 2026. Together, 38 nonprofits, hundreds of generous community members and Northwest CT Community Foundation fundholders and partners raised a record-breaking $768,185.96 for causes throughout the Northwest Corner.

From providing food, shelter and essential services to enriching lives through education, the arts, environmental conservation and more, our local nonprofits are there for our neighbors every day.

Today, we thank the staff members, board members, volunteers, donors and community partners who make this work possible. Your dedication is helping build a stronger Northwest Corner for everyone.

Learn more about this year’s record-breaking Northwest Corner Gives campaign: northwestcornergives.org

08/17/2026

Join Charlotte Hungerford Hospital and the Litchfield County Op**te Task Force on August 31, 2026, from 5:30 to 8 p.m. at Coe Memorial Park in Torrington for Overdose Awareness Day, a community event honoring those lost to overdose.

The evening will include a resource fair, support services, guest speakers, and a candlelight vigil offering messages of remembrance, healing, and hope.

08/14/2026

Hopeville Screening & Panel Discussion

Hopeville is a documentary created by Harvey Hubbell, a Litchfield resident, to inform people about the American Reading crisis and equip viewers with a toolkit to be part of the solution. Dr. Jeffrey Villar, Region 20 superintendent will be on the panel to talk about what we are doing in our district. If kids can't read, they can't reach their full potential.

Location: 160 South Street, Litchfield, CT 06759
Date and time: Sat, Aug 29, 2026 10:00 AM - 11:30 AM
https://lp.constantcontactpages.com/ev/reg/afnkkgx

08/14/2026

Record-Breaking Northwest Corner Gives Raises $758,000 for Local Nonprofits

Northwest CT Community Foundation (NCCF) is proud to announce the successful conclusion of Northwest Corner Gives 2026, a record-breaking year for the online giving campaign that helps local nonprofits build awareness, engage supporters, and raise critical funding. (http://www.northwestcornergives.org)

This year’s campaign brought together 38 nonprofit organizations from across Northwest CT and inspired hundreds of community members to support causes they care about. Through the generosity of NCCF fundholders and community partners, donations were matched dollar-for-dollar, up to each organization’s campaign goal.

Together, community gifts and matching funds raised $758,185.96—the largest fundraising total in the history of Northwest Corner Gives. The campaign demonstrated the generosity of Northwest Corner residents and the strength of the region’s nonprofit community.

“There are many ways that good can happen. This is one of them. Need was met with generosity, and each gift was made greater through the match. In the end, this is nothing less than the character of our community coming together to make things better,” said Brian Mattiello, Chief Executive Officer of the Northwest CT Community Foundation.

From supporting early childhood education to helping make affordable housing possible, gifts raised through Northwest Corner Gives will help participating nonprofits move important projects forward, strengthen their operations, and continue serving their communities.

“We are so grateful to everyone who supported the Cornwall Child Center through Northwest Corner Gives and to the generous matching fundholders who made every gift go even further,” said Cornwall Child Center Board of Directors President Eiseley Kotchoubey. “As a small, community-based nonprofit, this kind of support means so much to us. It is a wonderful reminder of what our community can accomplish when we come together around a shared commitment to our youngest learners. Every donation brings us one step closer to providing a safe, welcoming place where children can thrive for years to come. We are honored to be part of this incredible community effort.”

“After many years of work, the Barkhamsted Housing Trust broke ground on Mallory View, a development that will provide 20 affordable rental homes conveniently located near the high school and shopping center,” said Barkhamsted Housing Trust Board Member Anita Deschenes-Desmond. “Northwest Corner Gives arrived at the perfect time and provided us with an incredibly generous opportunity. The donations and matching gifts through the campaign will support the essential activities that allow a nonprofit like ours to operate, including expanding our outreach and helping us ‘keep the lights on.’ We are extremely grateful to everyone who made this support possible.”

Since its launch in 2020, Northwest Corner Gives (northwestcornergives.org) has helped area nonprofits raise critical funds while engaging the broader community—including new, current, and past donors—in supporting organizations that serve Northwest CT. With the success of this year’s campaign, the initiative has now generated nearly $2.4 million in support for nonprofits throughout the region.

Northwest Corner Gives 2026 Participating Nonprofits and Campaign Totals:

• After School Arts Program (ASAP!): $15,025
• American Mural Project: $30,650
• American Museum of Tort Law: $11,063.77
• Barkhamsted Housing Trust: $3,050
• Caring for Bethlehem: $13,643
• CAFTA (CT Academy of the Fine Arts): $38,275
• Chime In! Music with a Mission: $6,650
• Community Kitchen of Torrington: $8,260
• Cornwall Child Center: $67,139
• Explorations Charter School: $7,700
• FISH: $55,101
• Foundation for Norfolk Living: $35,795
• Goshen Land Trust: $6,895
• Great Mountain Forest: $66,300
• Greenwoods Counseling & Referrals: $16,075
• Grumbling Gryphons Children’s Theatre: $10,466.22
• Housatonic Child Care Center: $5,300
• Housatonic Youth Service Bureau: $12,675
• Institute for American Indian Studies: $5,000
• Kent Historical Society: $2,715
• KidsPlay Children’s Museum: $35,515
• Litchfield Community Center: $4,755
• Litchfield Historical Society: $6,225
• Little Britches Therapeutic Riding: $12,970
• Little Guild: $45,450.26
• Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial: $3,180
• McCall Behavioral Health Network: $23,799
• Nutmeg Conservatory for the Arts: $29,110
• Pilobolus: $2,520
• Prime Time House: $10,550
• Susan B. Anthony Project: $16,350
• The Housing Collective: $32,075
• Torrington Area Families for Autism: $17,685
• Torrington Historical Society: $51,383
• Two Hearts Pregnancy Center: $11,533.21
• Warner Theatre: $18,835
• Wi******er Center Historical Association: $4,400
• Wi******er Youth Service Bureau: $14,072.50

Dollar-for-dollar matching gifts were made possible through the generosity of the following Northwest CT Community Foundation funds: Khurshed Bhumgara Fund, Draper Foundation Fund, Paula J. Pfrommer and Cianciolo Family Fund, Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund, Dennis G. Sherva Endowment for Community Leadership, Borghesi Family Fund, Miriam Mason Cable Trust Fund, Robert V. Carr Fund, Cynthia Conklin & Family Fund For Pets in Need, Critter Fund, Ruth and Robert Cron Endowment Fund, Eva M. Coty Fund, Edward W. Diskavich Fund, Lucia Tuttle Fritz Fund, Keroden Endowed Fund, Northwest CT Philanthropy Fund, Karen M. O’Connor Fund, PLK Fund, Rivera Family Fund for Arts and Music, and Mary C. Williams Fund.

Additional matching support was provided by Barron Financial Group and Jennifer Perga.

About NCCF
Established in 1969, the Northwest CT Community Foundation serves 20 towns in Northwest Connecticut. Its total endowment, comprised of more than 280 funds, has grown from initial assets of $15,000 to more than $180 million. Last year, combined grants and scholarships totaled in excess of $7 million.

08/12/2026