The Northwest Community Bank Foundation was funded and organized on January 1, 2022 by Northwest Community Bank and its Divisions, Collinsville Bank and Litchfield Bancorp, as a separate non-profit entity. The Foundation extends the Bank’s contributions to non-profit agencies and organizations working to address the needs of the communities the bank serves.
Working to address the needs of the communities we serve
Our Recipients: Providing opportunities to those who impact our community
In its 2024 Spring Cycle, The Northwest Community Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded $100,270 to 80 non-profit organizations, and referred several grant applications to the Bank’s Corporate Giving Program. Foundation President Maura Malo states that, “We received a large number of grant applications in this one cycle, over 160, and we were determined to support as many area non-profit organizations as possible.”
Northwest Community Bank Foundation’s “Gratitude Gala” was held in January 2024
The Northwest Community Bank Foundation proudly hosted our second annual GALA Event at KidsPlay Museum in Torrington, CT. We were honored to be joined by many of the non-profits who received grants. In all, 83 organizations received over $300,000 in 2023. These non-profit organizations provide much needed support in so many ways, helping families in need, offsetting food insecurity, providing behavioral health services, supporting individuals with disabilities, assisting with land preservation, and funding afterschool activities. Together, we’re making a positive impact in our community!
Northwest Community Bank Foundation Grants Awarded in Spring of 2024
FISH NWCT
Awarded $2,471 Grant
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Northwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support FISH / Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut, Inc. Our commitment to community service and support is unwavering, and this contribution will assist FISH NWCT in continuing its essential services and programs for those in need. Pictured left to right: Northwest Community Bank President & CEO Maura Malo; Deirdre DiCara, Executive Director of FISH NWCT; and Northwest Community Bank Foundation Chairman Alan Colavecchio.
Winsted Health Center, Inc.
Awarded $2,500 Grant
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Northwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support Winsted Health Center, Inc. Our commitment to enhancing community health is steadfast, and this contribution will help Winsted Health Center, Inc. continue its vital services and programs. Pictured left to right: Northwest Community Bank Foundation Chairman Alan Colavecchio; Kris Griffin, Winsted Health Center, Inc. Executive Director; and Northwest Community Bank President & CEO Maura Malo.
Barkhamsted Housing Trust
Awarded $2,000 Grant
- Read CaptionNorthwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support Barkhamsted Housing Trust. Their dedication to community development and support is inspiring, and this contribution will help Barkhamsted Housing Trust continue its vital work of providing housing solutions for the community. Pictured left to right: Northwest Community Bank Foundation Chairman Alan Colavecchio; Don Stein and Christina Lavieri, board members of Barkhamsted Housing Trust; and Northwest Community Bank President & CEO Maura Malo.
Winchester Housing Partners
Awarded $3,000 Grant
- Read CaptionNorthwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support Winchester Housing Partners. Our commitment to improving local housing stability is underscored by this contribution, which will help enhance housing solutions and services in the community. Pictured left to right: Alan Colavecchio, Chairman of Northwest Community Bank Foundation; Deirdre Houlihan DiCara, President of Winchester Housing Partners; Christine Hunter, Secretary; Larry Hannafin, Vice President; Maura Malo, President & CEO of Northwest Community Bank.
Community Health & Wellness
Awarded $1,000 Grant
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Northwest Community Bank Foundation is delighted to support the Community Health & Wellness Center. Our commitment to enhancing public health initiatives is highlighted by this donation, which will aid in providing essential healthcare services to our community. Pictured left to right: Maura Malo, President & CEO of Northwest Community Bank; Gina Burrows, APRN, MSN, NEA-BC; Alan Colavecchio, Chairman of Northwest Community Bank Foundation.
Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County
Awarded $3,000 Grant
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Northwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County. Our dedication to enhancing healthcare services is demonstrated through this donation, helping them continue their compassionate care and hospice services across the community. Pictured left to right: Maura Malo, President & CEO of Northwest Community Bank; AnnMarie Garrison, RN, BSN – VP of Clinical Operations at Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County; Alan Colavecchio, Chairman of Northwest Community Bank Foundation.
KidsPlay Children’s Museum
Awarded $2,000 Grant
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The Northwest Community Bank Foundation is thrilled to support KidsPlay Children’s Museum. This contribution exemplifies our commitment to fostering educational and developmental opportunities for children, enabling KidsPlay Children’s Museum to expand its interactive exhibits and educational programs. Pictured left to right: Alan Colavecchio, Chairman of Northwest Community Bank Foundation; Eileen Marriott, Executive Director of KidsPlay Children’s Museum; Maura Malo, President & CEO of Northwest Community Bank.
Habitat for Humanity of North Central CT
Awarded $1,500 Grant
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Northwest Community Bank Foundation is thrilled to announce our support for Habitat for Humanity of North Central CT. Our commitment to building stronger communities is reinforced by this donation, which will aid Habitat for Humanity in creating affordable housing solutions for families in need. Pictured left to right: Suzanne Feola, Director of Development at Habitat for Humanity of North Central CT; Maura Malo, President & CEO of Northwest Community Bank.
$100,270 in grants awarded to 80 non-profit organizations in Spring 2024
2024 Spring Cycle Recipients
| Non-Profit Organization | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| After School Arts Program, Inc. (ASAP!) | $1,000.00 | ASAP! Summer Camp for Torrington Youth |
| American Mural Project | $2,500.00 | American Mural Project’s Ramp Gallery Completion |
| American Museum of Tort Law | $1,000.00 | Tech Upgrade and including two new computers and two laptops. |
| Amy's Angels | $2,000.00 | Amy's Angels Polo in the Valley Dinner/Fundraiser |
| Avon Land Trust, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Avon Land Trust Programming and Infrastucture Project Support |
| Bantam Civic Association | $1,000.00 | Playground equipment |
| Bantam Fire Company | $1,000.00 | Marsars Ice Rescue Sled |
| Barkhamsted Housing Trust, Inc. | $2,000.00 | Mallory View Homes |
| Boy Scout Troop 1027 | $1,000.00 | New Troop Trailer |
| Brooker Memorial | $1,000.00 | Therapeutic Supplies for Child Care Liaison Program |
| Burlington Volunteer Fire Department | $1,000.00 | Particulate Flash Hoods per NFPA 1971 2024 Standard Upgrade |
| Camp Sloane YMCA, inc. | $1,000.00 | Camp Sloane YMCA's Connecticut Military Families Program |
| Canton Main Street, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Music on Main 2024 |
| Civic Family Services aka The Clothes Tree | $1,000.00 | Security and Efficiency of Store's Point of Sales and Display Cabinetry |
| Clockwork Repertory Theatre Inc. | $1,000.00 | Roof and gutter repair, main auditorium area. |
| Colebrook Fire Department Forge Company, Inc. | $1,000.00 | New Forge Engine Deck Gun and Adapters Purchase |
| Community Health and Wellness Center | $1,000.00 | Community Food Closet |
| Connecticut Alliance for Victims of Violence and Their Families, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Never Going Back to Abuse Project |
| Dress for Success Hartford County Inc. (Dress for Success Hartford) | $1,000.00 | Financial Literacy Education for the Professional Women’s Group |
| Falls Village Day Care Center | $1,000.00 | Washer and Dryer Replacement. |
| FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut | $2,471.00 | FISH Shelter Needs New/Replacement Mattresses and Bedding! |
| Focus Center for Autism, Inc. | $1,000.00 | FOCUS Social Clubs |
| Friend to Friend, Inc. | $1,000.00 | East Granby Food Bank |
| Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests | $1,000.00 | Peoples Forest 100th Anniversary Celebration |
| Friends of the Litchfield Community Greenway | $1,000.00 | Bantam Lake Road - Phase 4 Handicapped Crossing - Connection to Bantam Town Center |
| Gifts of Love | $2,500.00 | Gifts of Love's Student Weekend Backpack Program |
| Goshen Players | $1,000.00 | Goshen Players 75th Anniversary Window Restoration Project |
| Granby Homes for Senior Citizens Inc | $1,000.00 | Renovation of the Community Room, Phase I |
| Granby Land Trust | $1,000.00 | Wilcox Family Preserve Trailhead Kiosk |
| Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Pathways Family Engagement Program |
| Greenwoods Counseling Referrals Inc. | $1,000.00 | Dungeons & Dragons Socialization & Support Group |
| Habitat for Humanity North Central CT | $1,000.00 | North Hartford Renaissance Project (Hartford 5) |
| Habitat for Humanity of NWCT | $1,500.00 | NWCT Habitat Home - Torrington |
| Healing Meals Foundation Corporation | $1,000.00 | Nourishing Neighbors in Need |
| Highland Lake Watershed Association | $1,000.00 | HACH Meter Replacement Project |
| Holcomb Farm, Inc. | $1,500.00 | Fresh Access Emergency Funding |
| KidsPlay Children's Museum, Inc. | $2,000.00 | 61 Main Street Total Roof Replacement |
| Klingberg Family Centers Inc | $1,000.00 | The Raymond Hill School/Classroom Technology |
| Litchfield Fire Company | $1,000.00 | FAST rescue board |
| Litchfield Historical Society | $1,000.00 | The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Jonathan Kruk |
| Litchfield Land Trust | $1,000.00 | "The Station" Beautification & Access to Outdoor Spaces & Community Places |
| McCall Foundation, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Sound Healing Therapy Equipment |
| McLean | $1,000.00 | Adult Day Program Furniture Needs |
| Morris Fire Company | $1,000.00 | Rescue Boat Replacement |
| Morris Senior Center | $1,000.00 | Storage Shed for Stuff! |
| Muddy Moose Mutts Rescue | $1,000.00 | Muddy moose mutts inc12 |
| New Hartford Volunteer Fire Department | $1,000.00 | Fire & Personal Protective Equipment |
| Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance | $1,000.00 | The Community AED Program |
| Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department Inc. | $1,000.00 | Recruitment and personal protective equipment (PPE) |
| Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts Inc., dba Warner Theatre | $1,000.00 | One Audience Program |
| Northwestern Connecticut YMCA | $1,500.00 | Active Older Adult Program Equipment |
| Northwestern Regional School District No. 7 | $1,500.00 | Northwestern Campus Store |
| Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra | $1,000.00 | Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra Educational Children's Concerts |
| Open Cupboard at Granby Congregational Church | $1,000.00 | Open Cupboard at Granby Congregational Church - UCC |
| Open Door Inc | $2,000.00 | Replenish the Shelves, To-Go Containers and Awning Repairs |
| Outside Perspectives | $1,000.00 | Youth Excellence Project |
| Partners for Sustainable Healthy Communities, Inc. | $1,000.00 | NW CT Regional Food Hub Strategic Plan |
| Pleasant Valley Children's Center | $800.00 | Pleasant Valley Children's Center |
| Prime Time House Inc | $1,500.00 | Upgrading our Outside Dining Area |
| Rebuilding Together Litchfield County, Inc. | $1,500.00 | Rebuild Day 2024 |
| Salisbury Housing Committee Inc | $1,000.00 | Anne Kremer Capital Campaign |
| Salisbury Housing Trust | $1,000.00 | Tree Removal and Road Repair |
| Sharon Housing Trust, Inc | $1,500.00 | Sharon Homes |
| Simsbury Historical Society | $1,000.00 | Repair of the Meetinghouse |
| SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of Canton, Inc. | $1,000.00 | SpiritHorse Summer Equine Therapy Session |
| The Cancer Care Fund of the Litchfield Hills, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Food/Gas cards |
| The Community Kitchen of Torrington Inc | $1,500.00 | Stock the freezer and pantry |
| The Kids of Summer Foundation | $1,000.00 | Summer Enrichment Initiative - Picnic table construction program |
| Torrington Fire Department | $1,000.00 | F.A.S.T board |
| Torrington Police Activities League | $1,000.00 | Cops and Kids 2024 |
| Vie for the Kids | $1,000.00 | Funding and awareness for pediatric cancer clinical trials and family support for Ct. patients. |
| Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County, Inc. | $3,000.00 | Parking lot/Driveway/Sidewalk replacement Simsbury Office |
| Warren Volunteer Fire Company | $1,000.00 | New air lift bags (rescue equipment) |
| Watertown History Museum | $1,000.00 | Preserving our Past |
| Winchester Housing Partners | $3,000.00 | Batcheller School Adaptive Reuse - Affordable Housing Project |
| Winchester Youth Service Bureau branch of the Northwest CT YMCA | $1,500.00 | Rising Star Camp’s Leaders-In-Training Program Youth Stipends |
| Winsted Area Child Care Center | $1,000.00 | BASE Computers |
| Winsted Fire Department | $1,000.00 | Thermal Imaging Camera replacement |
| Winsted Health Center, Inc. | $2,500.00 | Winsted Housing and Advanced Makerspace |
| YMCA Camp Mohawk, Inc | $3,000.00 | Camp Cabins Porch Roof Expansion Project |
Investment Focus Areas will include, but will not be limited to the following:
Education That Fuels
Future Economic Success
Our education grants help empower people to build personal assets and skills to take charge of their futures.
- Youth development including early childhood education
- Financial education
- Employment skills/workforce development
- Women’s empowerment
Safe and Affordable Housing
Our affordable housing grants support access to safe, clean and affordable places to live.
- Community development projects
- Maintenance and renovation projects
- Homebuyer programs
- Foreclosure and eviction prevention programs
Basic Human Services
Our basic human services grants support organizations that meet the immediate needs of individuals and families while also supporting prevention and long-term solutions for people living in difficult economic circumstances. (Food Pantries are encouraged to request support through Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving programs.)
- Food and nutrition programs
- Fuel assistance
- Domestic violence programs
- Temporary housing, shelter
- Basic necessity assistance e.g., clothing
- Health Services
Community Impact
Our community impact grants support the overall well-being of individuals within the community
- Disaster relief
- The Environment
- The Arts
- Animal Welfare
Guidelines and Eligibility:
Eligibility for Grants:
To apply for a grant from the Northwest Community Bank Foundation applicants must be:
- A registered 501(c) 3 organization that demonstrates significant local Municipalities will be considered.
- An organization whose mission or services align with Northwest Community Bank’s investment focus
- An organization providing services within Northwest Community Bank Communities*
*While preference is given to organizations primarily serving the aforementioned cities and towns, the Foundation Board will also consider funding for programs which reach a broader, more regional area, as long as that area incorporates services provided to Northwest Community Bank Communities.
The Foundation does not provide financial support to political organizations or candidates, activities for religious purposes, individual endeavors or organizations which are discriminatory in their practices. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent.
Geographic Preference:
Avon, Barkhamsted, Berlin, Bethlehem, Bloomfield, Bridgewater, Bristol, Burlington, Canaan, Canton, Colebrook, Collinsville, Cornwall, East Granby, Falls Village, Farmington, Goshen, Granby, Hartford, Hartland, Harwinton, Kent, Lakeville, Litchfield, Morris, New Britain, New Hartford, Newington, New Milford, Norfolk, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Simsbury, Southington, Suffield, Terryville, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Washington, Watertown, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Winsted and Woodbury.
Grant Programs:
The Foundation will consider the following types of funding requests from organizations that fit our investment focus areas.
- Program Grants to support the delivery and/or expansion of the direct services core to the mission of local organizations.
- Capacity Building Grants aimed at strengthening an agency’s ability to make a greater impact, improve effectiveness and efficiency or adapt to address changing community needs. e.g., strategic planning, staff and board development, technology upgrades, and marketing.
- Capital Grants and Campaigns will be considered by the Foundation but may also be selectively considered by Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving programs.
*Capital projects are typically defined as major building purchases, new construction, expansion, renovation, and/or land acquisition.
Frequency:
Organizations may apply to one grant cycle and total annual grants awarded will not exceed $25,000. Extenuating circumstances may be considered.
Deadlines and Review Process:
Grants will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors in an impartial manner based upon an evaluation of each grant request. Some key elements examined in our grant evaluation process include an organizations’ financial sustainability, leadership, impact and collaboration within the community.
| 2024 Phase I: Application Available February 15th | Due March 15th | Notification May 15th |
| 2024 Phase II: Application Available August 15th | Due September 15th | Notification November 15th |
Average Grant Request:
The average grant amount distributed in 2023 was $3,500.
Additional Eligibility Guidelines:
Although there are many worthy endeavors, the Foundation generally does not invest in the causes listed below. If you fall into one of these categories, we suggest you submit your request to Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving program which may possibly consider your request.
- Individuals including those seeking scholarships, fellowships, or sponsors for a particular cause
- Alumni organizations
- Endowment campaigns
- Fundraising dinners or events and tickets to fundraising events
- Individual sports teams including youth sports teams and leagues
- Advertising and promotional items or merchandise
- Organizations designed primarily for lobbying, Political Action Committees, candidates, and lobbying
- Travel, including conferences, seminars, tours and student trips
- The Foundation does not make grants to organizations for which program services are contingent on participation in religious services or events or adherence to religious doctrine.
- Other Foundations
Northwest Community Bank Foundation Board Members
- Alan Colavecchio, Chair
- Jane Hinkel
- Raimie Webber
- Brian McCormick, Co-Chair
- Jessica Bragg
- Susan Atkins
- William Shea
- Charles Joseph
- Kevin Sullivan