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Dear Colleagues, Friends & Neighbors
As we enter summer 2021, we share the hope and optimism that many of our neighbors are expressing. It has been a difficult year and a half -- a global pandemic, an economic crisis, and a renewed awareness of the impact of institutional racism – have converged to create unprecedented challenges for many in our community. But these challenges may have opened new windows of opportunity to address historic inequities, provide new opportunities for families and individuals, and make a lasting impact.
So far this year, the Foundation has awarded over $750,000 for youth programs that will take place this summer and in the upcoming school year. School-age students will have new opportunities to thrive with the enrichment and re-engagement offered by programs like the Consolidated School District of New Britain’s Summer SEE program, the YWCA’s summer bridge program, the Summer Youth Employment and Learning Program, and our Robert T. Kenney Summer internship program. Next school year, high quality after school programs will continue with renewed energy, and many enrichment programs we fund will be able to return to the classroom. We have also funded over $70,000 in programs that support the Arts, more than $200,000 in Human Services and Basic Needs, and nearly $800,000 in college scholarships for the upcoming school year. For our Robert T. Kenney Scholars, we added a new pilot Scholar Assistance Program to provide access to mental health and counseling resources.
We also know some agencies are rebuilding their direct program services, while others may be developing new programs specifically to address emerging needs in the community. The Foundation is currently accepting applications for programmatic funding from local nonprofit organizations with deadlines approaching for Program Grants and Community Grants. We also are accepting Letters of Intent for Capital Grants. The Foundation focuses on support for one-time capital needs that are essential to the delivery of core services, and are closely aligned with American Savings Foundation’s mission and the needs of the community.
25th Anniversary
Throughout 2021, we are also celebrating the American Savings Foundation’s 25th Anniversary. With relaxing Covid-restrictions, we are looking forward to hosting a reception in September to celebrate with the people and organizations who have inspired us over the past quarter century. And throughout the year, we are highlighting many of their stories through our monthly Stories of Impact.
Over the past 25 years, needs in the community have evolved, and new challenges such as Covid-19 have emerged. One thing will always remain the same – our mission to strengthen the community by supporting education, human services, and the arts, with a special emphasis on the needs of children, youth and families, through grants to community organizations and college scholarships.
That is our Lasting Commitment.
Charles J. Boulier III Maria Falvo
Chairman of the Board President & CEO
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