Requests for funding also being accepted starting August 1, 2019

A total of $308,150 was awarded from the Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust to six programs working to improve the health and wellbeing of Southington residents. The organizations provide programs that enhance community wellness, promote healthy living and improve access to behavioral health services.

The grants awarded are:

• $200,000 to the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs to support the “Save Sloper Pond” project. Funds will be used to promote healthy outdoor exercise with the installation of a splash pad at Camp Sloper.
• $35,000 to L.E.A.F. (Lewis Educational Agricultural Farm) for general support of various school programs and to ensure a healthy and sustainable food supply in Southington.
• $34,475 to the Southington Education Foundation to purchase “RULER” materials to roll out the initiative districtwide. The “RULER” initiative will support the mental health of both students and teachers by developing emotional intelligence.
• $18,630 to the Southington-Cheshire Community YMCAs to offer another three sessions of their successful Diabetes Prevention program, which focuses on exercise, nutrition, education and support for those at-risk of diabetes or newly diagnosed.
• $10,000 to Bread For Life to support their expanded meal program, which provides Wednesday night dinner and Saturday lunch to a food-insecure population.
• $10,000 to Hartford HealthCare Senior Services, Inc., to support the February 2020 Healthy Family FunFest.

“Main Street Community Foundation takes great care to carry out the legacy of Bradley Barnes to improve the health outcomes of Southington residents,” said Susan Sadecki, President & CEO of the Community Foundation.

All grant proposals are reviewed by the nine person volunteer Advisory Committee for the Barnes Memorial Trust. The Advisory Committee is comprised of Southington residents and other professionals who conduct site visits of each organization and make final funding recommendations to the Community Foundation’s Board of Directors.

Foundation Accepting Letters of Intent for Barnes Memorial Trust
Beginning August 1, Main Street Community Foundation will be accepting letters of intent from nonprofit organizations serving the Southington community for capital projects, programs or initiatives that will enhance the health and wellbeing of Southington residents.

The deadline for submission is September 13, 2019 at 4 p.m. Interested 501(c)(3) organizations are encouraged to contact Kate Kerchaert, Director of Grants and Programs, at 860.583.6363 before submitting a letter of intent. Full guidelines, eligibility criteria and links to the online application will be available on the Foundation’s website, www.mainstreetfoundation.org.

The Bradley Henry Barnes & Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust was originally established in 1973 by the late Bradley Henry Barnes of Southington to support the health and health care needs of Southington residents. The Trust was transferred to the Main Street Community Foundation in 2004.