The Branford Community Foundation, the leader in supporting a variety of local philanthropic needs, programs and services for more than 35 years, has distributed $58,325 in the community between April and June of this year through eleven grants to area not-for-profit organizations. A diverse group of community needs, programs and services will be addressed with these investments including:

Make-A-Wish Foundation of Connecticut ($3,000)
To support the granting of wishes to two Branford families.

Camp Hazen, Chester ($1,725)
To provide financial aid to approximately six Branford campers.

Canoe Brook Senior Center, Branford ($5,000)
To support the purchase of The Aging Mastery Program from the National Council on Aging.

Community Dining Room, Branford ($10,000)
For general operating expenses and mission fulfillment.

Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter, Branford ($5,000)
To provide seven campers with animal camp scholarships and to fund guest presentations.

Muscular Dystrophy Association, North Haven ($1,600)
Support for two Branford summer campers.

Branford Early Childhood Collaborative, Branford ($5,000)
To hire a consultant to assist in the development of a three-year strategic and organizational growth plan.

Clifford W. Beers Guidance Clinic, New Haven ($5,000)
To provide case management services to Branford children and families with psychiatric and behavioral disorders.

Branford Alps Farmers Market, Branford ($9,500)
To provide fresh seasonal produce to the Branford Food Pantry on a regular basis.

Literacy Volunteers, New Haven ($5,500)
To assist Branford adults with learning to read and write English well enough to secure employment and help their children succeed in school.

Branford Early Learning Center, Branford ($7,500)
To fund the opening of a licensed, regulated and developmentally appropriate “Toddler Room.”

The Branford Community Foundation benefits all residents by pooling contributions from like-minded citizens, managing these funds with professional guidance, and then carefully granting a portion of the income generated to local, nonprofit organizations. As a multipurpose permanent local charitable endowment, the Branford Community Foundation helps to build a healthy and successful community by supporting everything from basic needs and health services, to local environmental issues and education, to the arts and other programs.