Bank looks to help its community
Chelsea Groton Foundation
accepting grant applications

By ANTHONY CRONIN

Day Business Editor

Groton — The Chelsea Groton Foundation has distributed more than $54,000 to a range of local non-profit organizations in the region, from those that provide childcare to food shelters and centers against domestic violence.

The foundation, established in 1999, is part of the Groton-based Chelsea Groton Bank, the region’s largest locally owned mutual savings bank. Chelsea Groton Bank established the regional philanthropic foundation with a $2 million endowment.

The foundation’s mission is to improve life in southeastern Connecticut as well as the Westerly area through financial distributions to various charitable and social service agencies serving those regions.

The bank foundation receives grant requests throughout the year and then meets bi-annually to review and award grant recipients. Those who apply to the bank foundation must have tax-exempt status or must show proof that the organization is a governmental unit.

Distributions to the 22 local organizations were made Tuesday. The recipients cover a broad spectrum of social-service groups throughout southeastern Connecticut and the Westerly area.

Among the recipients were the Child & Family Agency of Southeastern Connecticut; Eastern Connecticut Housing Opportunities; the Gemma E. Moran Food Center; Hospice of Southeastern Connecticut; Hygienic Art; the Norwich Safety Net Team; Stonington Community Center; and the Women’s Center of Southeastern Connecticut.

Groups interested in future disbursements from the Chelsea Groton Foundation should request an application from Julie Hickey, an executive assistant at Chelsea Groton Bank. She can be reached at 860-448-4105. Requests can also be made in writing to the Chelsea Groton Foundation,