In 2016, Main Street Community Foundation established the Men & Boys’ Fund, a community-based endowment that has since awarded $41,200 in grants to benefit men and boys in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott. This year, MSCF presented a record $11,000 in grants from the Fund to organizations improving the lives of men and boys in these communities. The grants awarded are:

• Boys & Girls Club of Bristol - $1,000 - Passport to Manhood, a program that reinforces character, leadership and positive behavior in boys ages 8-17
• Bristol Family Resource Centers - $1,700 - Expansion of the WatchDOGs (Dads of Great Students) program to offer a series of 10 workshops to educate and increase fatherhood engagement
• Kelly’s Kids - $2,000 - Wolcott Youth Services Bureau program providing activities for boys to increase confidence, self-esteem, social skills and positive development
• The Bridge Family Center - $1,300 - Recreational activities to promote bonding for boys residing in Hastings House, a Short-Term Assessment and Respite (STAR) home in Wolcott
• The Children’s Law Center - $2,000 - Legal representation of male children in family court from the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott
• YWCA of New Britain - $3,000 - Men and Boys Advocacy through the Sexual Assault Crisis Service, which provides free and confidential services to survivors of sexual violence and their loved ones in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth and Southington

The Men & Boys’ Fund has become a resource for many organizations, as well as a leader in the community, helping to improve the quality of men and boys’ lives, increase their self-sufficiency, and assist them in making positive changes in their communities.