A dedicated group of individuals and business committed to improving our communities now and in the future.
A dedicated group of individuals and business committed to improving our communities now and in the future.
The community foundation concept is a simple one. It is a group of individuals and businesses who pool resources to support the community where we live, work and play.
In 1997, community leaders from across Middlesex County established our Community Foundation dedicated to enhancing and improving the quality of life in the area. They believed that our county deserved a community foundation like those that were working successfully in surrounding communities. Ours is now one of 17 in Connecticut and more than 850 nationwide.
We assist donors in meeting their charitable objectives through the creation of restricted and unrestricted endowments during their lifetime or through planned gifts. Income from these endowments and donations provided specially for grant making are used to award grants to nonprofit organizations that have a positive impact on the community.
Community Foundation of Middlesex County’s mission is to improve the quality of life for the people of the County now and in the future by developing endowments, making grants that have impact, and assisting donors in meeting their philanthropic objectives.
Les and Anita Ford Saunders
Most of our donors choose specific charitable initiatives which have had special meaning to them or a loved one during their lifetimes. Some establish funds or support existing funds as a part of their estate plans, and may become even active in the causes they support. Others make anonymous gifts. Some donors make unrestricted gifts to the community and entrust us to allocate those funds where we see the greatest need. Some donate large sums of money; others make much more modest donations of $50 or $100.
Whatever you choose to do, and however you’d like to express your love for Middlesex County and some of the great initiatives within it, we’re here to help tailor the right program for you.
The Community Foundation is limited only by your vision. Together, we improve the arts; cultural and heritage programs; educational activities; environmental conditions; and health and human services. It’s called Community Philanthropy.
With you, these individuals are making a difference, following their passions, and building on 15 years of Community Philanthropy through Community Foundation of Middlesex County.
Established |
1997 |
Communities Served |
Middlesex County, Connecticut
Centerbrook, Chester, Clinton, Cobalt, Cromwell, Deep River, Durham, East Haddam, East Hampton, Essex, Haddam, Haddam Neck, Higganum, Ivoryton, Killingworth, Middle Haddam, Middlefield, Middletown, Moodus, Old Saybrook, Portland, Rockfall, Westbrook and Winthrop |
Total Grants Approved |
2,397 totaling more than $6.7 million (as of December 31, 2018) |
Grant Size |
$500 – $7,500 (Average $3,150) |
Grant Focus Areas |
Community Enrichment (Arts / Culture / Heritage Enhancement), Community Health (Health / Medical / Hospital Care), Economic Security / Economic Opportunity, Economic Development, Education (Community Wide / Schools), Environment, Animal Welfare and Protection, Public / Social Benefit (Civic Improvement/Social Service), Recreation, At-Risk Boys & Young Men, and Women & Girls |
Total Assets |
$ 24.3 million (as of Dec. 31, 2018) |
Number of Funds |
112 Endowed, 127 Unendowed, 12 Agency Funds |
Legacy Society |
99 known members with planned gifts totaling approximately $24.9 million |