It has been a challenging year for everyone. Main Street Community Foundation (MSCF) began 2020 on a high note preparing for a celebration of its 25th anniversary and planning additional grant programs. However, everything changed with the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. While the local communities were overwhelmed, MSCF was able to respond swiftly and effectively. MSCF awarded a record $2 million in grants to nonprofit organizations that are filling critical needs and running vital programs.

“MSCF was founded and built for a year like this,” stated Susan Sadecki, President & CEO of the Foundation. “We have deep relationships in the communities we serve and have taken on numerous leadership roles, thus ensuring that we are aware of any and all emerging needs.”

The $2 million in grant awards in 2020 is a large investment in local nonprofits, which faced a significant increase in the demand for their services and a simultaneous decrease in both program and fundraising revenue. The grants are distributed from funds, most of which are endowments, established by individuals, families, businesses and other organizations.

“We are grateful for a generous community,” said Sadecki. “Donors have established a total of 254 funds and made contributions that fuel these grants. And in a year unlike any other, even as everyone has gone through similar struggles, many people have donated and opened their hearts to help their neighbors. We are in awe.”

Donations came pouring in after MSCF established the COVID-19 Response Fund in March 2020 to help local communities mobilize the necessary resources to support the emerging needs. As of December 30th, $851,565 in grants has been awarded by MSCF to support COVID-19 response and recovery efforts.

The COVID-19 Response Fund is still accepting donations so community needs can be met as we navigate the ongoing pandemic.

With the record $2 million in grants awarded last year, over $21.3 million has been distributed since the Foundation’s establishment in 1995. All grants benefit the residents of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott.