Chamber's awards top $110,000 for eastern Connecticut nonprofits

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation will award $110,000 to 52 nonprofit organizations across the region.

Apr. 19, 2026 at 1:00am

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An elegant studio still life photograph featuring a stack of oversized charity donation checks in various denominations, arranged on a clean grey background and lit dramatically to symbolize the power of community investment.A visual representation of the Chamber's record-breaking $110,000 in grants to support nonprofits across eastern Connecticut.New London Today

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation is awarding a record $110,000 in grants to 52 nonprofit organizations across eastern Connecticut this spring. The largest distributions will go to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut's Gemma Moran Food Center and Tommy Toy Program, as well as the Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board's summer youth employment program.

Why it matters

The Chamber's annual grant cycle provides critical funding to support a wide range of community services and programs in the region, from food insecurity and youth development to arts and education. The significant increase in this year's total distribution highlights the growing needs in eastern Connecticut and the Chamber's commitment to supporting local nonprofits.

The details

The Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation will formally present the grants during a check presentation event on May 1. The largest individual grants include $5,000 to the United Way of Southeastern Connecticut's Gemma Moran Food Center to expand food access, $8,500 to the United Way's Tommy Toy Program to support families, and $5,000 to the Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board for a summer youth employment program. Smaller grants ranging from $1,250 to $3,000 will go to 49 other nonprofit organizations across the region.

  • The Chamber will formally present the grants during a check presentation event on the morning of Friday, May 1.
  • The foundation has awarded a record $110,000 in grants this spring.

The players

Chamber of Commerce of Eastern Connecticut Foundation

The nonprofit foundation that awards grants to support community organizations across eastern Connecticut.

United Way of Southeastern Connecticut

A nonprofit that received the largest individual grants of $5,000 for its Gemma Moran Food Center and $8,500 for its Tommy Toy Program.

Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board

A nonprofit that received a $5,000 grant to support its summer youth employment program.

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What they’re saying

“We must not let individuals continue to damage private property in San Francisco.”

— Robert Jenkins, San Francisco resident

“Fifty years is such an accomplishment in San Francisco, especially with the way the city has changed over the years.”

— Gordon Edgar, grocery employee

The takeaway

The Chamber's record-breaking grant distribution this year demonstrates its ongoing commitment to supporting a diverse array of nonprofit organizations that provide vital services and programs to communities across eastern Connecticut. This funding will have a significant impact in addressing key issues like food insecurity, workforce development, and community enrichment.