Main Street Community Foundation recently awarded $11,550 in grants to five organizations serving Burlington residents. The grants were distributed from the Burlington Community Fund and the James R. Parker Trust at the Foundation. Both funds serve as a permanent resource of assets to better the lives of Burlington residents.

The grants awarded are:

• Burlington Library Association - $1,812 - Purchase of Book Browser book racks for the Children’s Library and a Camp Fire Table for the Anne Walluk Community Room (James R. Parker Trust)
• Burlington Volunteer Fire Department - $3,440 - Replacement of two Thermal Imaging Cameras (Burlington Community Fund and James R. Parker Trust)
• Junior Achievement of Southwest New England - $2,000 - Career Speaker series and Job Shadow program for Lewis S. Mills High School students (James R. Parker Trust)
• The New England Carousel Museum - $1,000 - Free admission to the New England Carousel Museum for Burlington residents (Burlington Community Fund)
• Town of Burlington Social Services - $3,298 - Support for Burlington families in need including food, fuel and other assistance (James R. Parker Trust)

“Nonprofit organizations are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic – revenue has decreased yet demand for services has drastically increased,” stated Susan Sadecki, President & CEO of Main Street Community Foundation. “These grants will allow organizations to continue running vital programs while providing relief and opportunities for Burlington residents.”

The Burlington Community Fund was founded in 2011 by a group of committed community leaders in Burlington to create an endowment fund to support charitable projects and programs that will enhance the quality of life for their neighbors.

The James R. Parker Trust was established in the late 1970’s through a bequest by James Parker to help meet the needs of residents in the town of Burlington. The fund was transferred to Main Street Community Foundation in 2002.