Philanthropy Matters. Philanthropy Works. Anyone can be a philanthropist at any time, in any amount. Established by the Board of Directors in 1997, the Middlesex Enhancement Fund is available to all donors to make gifts of any size. Over the years the Fund has grown substantially with memorial, anonymous and other gifts. Grant making is the most direct and effective way the Community Foundation works with donors to support the community in which we live, work and play. This Fund supports grants to meet current needs and improve conditions in the county. The Community Foundation is limited only by your…
DonateIt is no surprise that the tagline of Caritas Immigration Legal Services (CILS) is “a community of welcome … a community of support.” CILS is a nonprofit organization providing legal assistance to low income immigrants in Middlesex County and truly embodies the Community Foundation’s mission to build a Better Today and Brighter Tomorrow – for all. CILS offers a wide array of services such as education regarding U.S. immigration laws, low bono legal representation, and connecting clients to community groups and organizations. CILS understands the many obstacles facing those who have chosen to make the journey to a new life…
DonatePhysical and mental health issues affect so many in our communities – directly or indirectly. The COVID-19 pandemic raised a great deal of awareness about the benefits of our overall well-being and the important part mental wellness plays in our lives and our community. One local Clinton resident, Dylan Walter, decided to take steps to help his community support programs directly impacting an individual’s, and a community’s, overall well-being. Dylan is committed to rallying support and finding ways to ensure local service organizations serving the Town of Clinton have the resources they need. Working with the Community Foundation of Middlesex…
DonateHelping Our Local Families and Communities Thrive A local group of caring people, dedicated to helping others, has established the River Valley Fund for Families (RVFF) at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County, Inc. (CFMC). RVFF volunteers are well known locally for their caring and generous ways. They have worked tirelessly to raise funds to help nonprofit organizations serving children and families in the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline areas. RVFF will focus its fundraising efforts to benefit children and families in the Connecticut River Valley and Shoreline areas facing challenges that impact their daily lives and future. Utilizing CFMC’s…
DonateThanks to the generosity of so many individuals and businesses, every fall and winter a group of volunteers on the shoreline are kept busy helping families choose warm coats, scarves, gloves, socks, and shoes. Warm the Children volunteer coordinators receive family referrals from the town social service offices and assigns them to volunteer shoppers. Shoppers and families meet at WalMart where parents and children select new winter clothing and footwear. Children and youth between the ages of birth and 18 years can participate in the program. Warm the Children Shoreline serves local families in need in Old Lyme, Lyme, Old…
DonateSt. Luke’s Home was founded in 1865 as a nonprofit organization committed to serving the various needs of seniors and veterans in Middlesex County. Facing ongoing changes in state and federal funding streams, the St. Luke’s Board of Trustees voted to dissolve the organization and continue to be faithful to its 150-year mission by establishing the St. Luke’s Home Fund at the Community Foundation of Middlesex County. The Fund provides financial support to designated nonprofit organizations whose work supports the organization’s long tradition of services for veterans and older adults. All activities will be under the auspices and guidance…
DonateAt the Community Foundation of Middlesex County we say each and every day that “we only know Good People Doing Great Things.” It’s so true and we never take our friends and neighbors or the great things they do for granted – and we know that you don’t either. Allow us to introduce to you our special “Tooth Fairy” and the “Tooth Fairy Fund.” One very special individual with a heart of gold believes that every child deserves a beautiful, healthy smile. This individual knew that not only is dental health important for a child’s physical well-being, but a beautiful…
DonateTogether, we can support and promote mental wellness with meaningful action. Mental health issues affect so many in our communities – either directly or indirectly – and we all can take steps to make mental wellness the goal for our communities. An anonymous donor took the lead on this issue in 2014 following the first of a series of open community forums on mental wellness and mental health issues. This donor understood that the best way our community is going to address mental health issues is by doing to together. Working with the donor, the Community Foundation established the Mental Wellness Fund,…
DonateRemembering Daniel Mental health issues impact everyone, not just those struggling with these challenges. Families, friends, colleagues, and neighbors are all touched in some way. For many families the challenges can bring heightened awareness, advocacy, and opportunities, to help others right in their own communities. Just ask Cathy and Jim Probolus of Portland. Cathy’s nephew, Daniel Howe, grew up in New Jersey, spent time exploring the Rocky Mountains in Colorado and went on to study engineering at Cal State East Bay in San Francisco. Daniel’s life path would bring him to a passionate study of world religions and finally a…
DonateImproving Lives and Building Futures Mental illness is debilitating. It’s not often discussed, yet its impact stretches well beyond those affected by it. It impacts families, friends, neighbors – the entire community. Quality health care and recovery support services provide for physical and mental wellbeing, independence and community integration. For over four decades Gilead Community Services has offered programs to foster recovery from mental illness, including general counseling for individuals and families through the outpatient clinic in Middletown, intensive community-based programs, and rehabilitation services for individuals living independently. This commitment to Gilead’s comprehensive support and a strong sense of community…
DonateLove at first sight is not just a Hollywood cliché. It does happen in real life, and those who knew Barbara and George Hart, will tell you that their love for and dedication to each other was an inspiration for all. Barbara and George Hart spent a lifetime together, living in many communities and working to further their passions. She loved flowers and the pleasure they bring; he loved the water and sailing and the thrill of the open seas (and Long Island Sound). It was only natural that they settled in Old Saybrook, where their personal and professional lives…
DonateBetsy Morgan and Jane S. McMillan, epitomize the word “caring”. They are legendary in their passion to help the children in our county, their boundless enthusiasm and energy, and their hearts as big as Middlesex County. Betsy and Jane established The Children’s Fund with the mission to improve the lives of children (years 0 to 18) in Middletown and Middlesex County. They strongly believe that we all have an obligation to help our young people and hope that The Children’s Fund will encourage others to secure a brighter future for children in our region.
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