National Philanthropy Day (NPD) is a special day set aside on November 15th each year. This is a day to celebrate the charitable work that everyone does to make a difference and create lasting impact in their communities. It recognizes the great contributions that philanthropy—and those people active in the philanthropic community—have made to enrich our world.

NPD was originally conceived of and organized by Douglas Freeman in the 1980s, and the first official events were held in 1986 after President Reagan signed the official NPD proclamation. The day provides an opportunity to reflect on the meaning of giving and all that it has made possible.

On this National Philanthropy Day, Main Street Community Foundation wants to celebrate the extraordinary change that fundraising and philanthropy have helped to create in your communities, specifically through two of the Foundation’s community endowments – the Women & Girls’ Fund (WGF) and the Men & Boys’ Fund (MBF).

Improving life skills. Workforce development and training. Building self-esteem. Opportunities for inclusion. The WGF and MBF impact local lives and they allow generous individuals to be part of creating extraordinary change in communities.

The Women & Girls’ Fund, which was established in 2001, has the mission: Make it possible for women and girls to improve the quality of their lives. Through donations, both large and small, the WGF has awarded over $550,000 in grants to date to improve the conditions and opportunities for women of all ages.

The Men & Boys’ Fund, established in 2016, has the mission: Make it possible for men and boys to improve the quality of their lives, increase self-sufficiency and make a positive difference in their community. In the short time since it was established, the MBF has already awarded over $20,000 in grants.

Both of these Funds serve all six communities in the Foundation’s service area (Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott) and are guided by volunteer Advisory Boards. Additional volunteers carry out the committee work, including fundraising and community outreach.

The Founders of these Funds were true philanthropists at heart. And the people who have continued to help achieve their missions follow in those same footsteps.
If you are interested in becoming a philanthropist by donating your time, talents or treasures, these Funds are just two of the many ways to become more engaged, get involved and participate in the work of the Community Foundation. To learn more, call the Foundation office at (860) 583-6363 or visit www.mainstreetfoundation.org.