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This spring, the Chelsea Groton Foundation provided $289,000 to 63 non-profit organizations from Connecticut and Rhode Island. Inclusive of these donations, the Foundation has provided over $5.3 million in total grants to the community since 1998. Approximately half of the funds were distributed to Health & Human Services organizations, including our local hospitals: Backus Hospital ($8,000), Lawrence & Memorial Hospital ($7,500) and Westerly Hospital ($7,500). The largest grant, $25,000, was awarded to Catholic Charities of Norwich to support basic needs. Housing organizations accounted for 17% of grant funds. Of note, $20,000 was awarded to Eastern CT Housing Opportunities for the Hempstead District Homeownership Program in New London. Education garnered 12% of the grant funds with Higher Edge, Connecticut College and Project Oceanology among the recipients. “For 168 years, Chelsea Groton has been committed to supporting organizations that are critical to the success of our shared community. We are proud to be able to give to organizations that support basic human needs – hunger, homelessness and healthcare – as well as those that provide education, economic growth, arts and cultural experiences, and more, as we recover, together,” shared Michael Rauh, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank, and President of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. “After reviewing 88 grant applications, most of which were in the Health & Human Services category, it became clear that the pandemic is still affecting many in our community. Chelsea Groton is committed to standing hand-in-hand with those who need assistance, as we have throughout our history.” The Foundation typically reviews applications and awards grants two times per year. Organizations who support critical needs are invited to apply for additional funding if needed, through the application on the Bank’s website, www.chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation. Each year, the Bank and Foundation support more than 300 local organizations through monetary gifts, grants, sponsorships, scholarships and employee volunteerism. More information, including a list of all spring grant recipients, is available at www,chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.