First County Bank Foundation gives $70,500 to nine Stamford-based nonprofits whose combined mission is to work with families in need of housing, food, education and health services, as well as those that provide services to older adults and those that promote volunteerism.
“These are just some of the important organizations in town helping families around the county cope during these difficult times,” said First County Bank Foundation Vice President Katherine Harris. “We donated to these organizations in the past and have seen the positive results of their hard work,” explained Harris, adding, “We know the grants will help these agencies continue to provide the citizens of lower Fairfield County the assistance they need.”
Established in 2001 in honor of the bank’s 150th anniversary, the First County Bank Foundation was created to distribute funds annually to nonprofit organizations that support community and economic development for children and families. As a mutual bank with no shareholders, First County Bank considers contributions made by the foundation a means of paying dividends back to the local communities it serves. Through 2009, the foundation has been able to award 343 grants totaling $3.5 million to various community organizations.
To be eligible, organizations must have nonprofit tax exempt status under section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code; be located in Stamford, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Norwalk or Westport; have community support; address community needs; have measurable outcomes; and demonstrate fiscal and administrative responsibility. Special consideration is given to those agencies or programs benefiting low to moderate income populations.
Although the deadline for applying for First County Bank Foundation grants has passed, a new short-form application, available April 1 until the end of the year, can be downloaded at http://www.firstcounty.com/Foundation_Application_r3.pdf. Short-form applications are defined as grants of $2,500 or less for applicants who fit the regular grant criteria, and $1,000 or less for applicants that do not fit regular grant criteria.
The following Stamford-based organizations received grants from First County Bank Foundation:
Organization/
Grant Amount/
Cause
AmeriCares Free Clinics Inc.
$10,000
AmeriCares Free Clinics provide quality health care to uninsured residents of Connecticut in a setting where all individuals are treated with dignity and respect. The intention of the AmeriCares Free Clinics is to help those who are making a sincere effort to help themselves and their families, but do not have the financial resources for medical care. The First County Bank Foundation grant will be used for the Norwalk clinic.
Literacy Volunteers Stamford/Greenwich Inc.
$10,000
Literacy Volunteers – Stamford/Greenwich is a community-based organization that uses the services of trained volunteers to provide free, high-quality reading, writing and English language programs to adults, both American and foreign born, for the purpose of enabling them to acquire the literacy skills necessary to achieve personal and occupational goals. This grant is benefitting LVSG’s Smart with Money program.
SoundWaters
$10,000
The mission of SoundWaters is to educate children and adults about the wonders and beauty of Long Island Sound and its watershed. Through education, SoundWaters provides people with an understanding and awareness of the changes they can make in their lives and communities to restore, protect and preserve Long Island Sound and the environment. Foundation money will support 2011’s summer camp scholarship program.
Stamford Emergency Medical Services Inc.
$10,000
Stamford Emergency Medical Services provides pre-hospital emergency care and transport to the citizens and guests of Stamford, Conn. Foundation money purchased the 2010 Swab Pioneer Remount for the EMS life support vehicle.
Stamford Partnership
$10,000
The Stamford Partnership is a public/private partnership working to enhance the quality of life for those who live and/or work in Stamford. As Stamford's primary civic organization, the partnership is part convener, part think tank, part incubator. It brings together a wide spectrum of constituencies and stakeholders to identify needs, resources and opportunities to engage leadership and prompt action to improve the city's quality of life. Foundation funds will be used to reach out to new immigrant families and children.
St. Lukes LifeWorks
$7,500
St. Lukes LifeWorks helps individuals and families, who are affected by homelessness, HIV/AIDS, and mental illness, learn to make their lives work better. It provides programs for life-long learning, emergency and supportive housing, and other needed direct aid. The nonprofit aspires to be a model caring community where people learn a living. Foundation funds will be used for the New Beginnings Family Program, providing shelter and transitional housing, and supportive services.
Jewish Family Service
$5,000
Jewish Family Service provides comprehensive assistance to families and individuals needing supportive aid. These services include housing options, emergency financial support as well as basic necessities such as food and emergency shelter. The foundation grant will be used for the organization’s Case Management program for families and individuals in crisis.
Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield County
$5,000
The Volunteer Center of Southwestern Fairfield County serves nonprofit organizations, employers and individuals by coordinating their talents and resources, to build the capacity of agencies with the goal of enhancing the quality of life in neighboring communities through volunteerism. Foundation funds will be used for volunteer management training.
Stamford Senior Center
$3,000
Its mission is to provide programming that will help the City of Stamford's independent senior adults, 50 years and older, and taxpayers/residents in Stamford, be active, healthy, and contributing members of the community, by providing them with physical exercise, intellectual challenges, socialization, entertainment and information in an environment that is welcoming, functional and attractive. Foundation money will go toward operating expenses.
