Chelsea Groton Foundation Announces Historic $275K Grant and Unveils Gymnasium at New London Community Recreation Center

The City of New London unveiled the Chelsea Groton Bank Gymnasium, and announced a $275,000 gift from the Chelsea Groton Foundation, an investment in New London’s future and commitment to community well-being, during the ribbon cutting ceremony at the New London Community Recreation Center on Wednesday, June 25, 2025. The grant will be distributed over the next seven years and is the largest singular gift commitment in the history of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. Inclusive of this donation, the Foundation has awarded over $7.7 million in total grants to the community since 1998.  

“The New London Community Recreation Center is a critical addition to the City of New London,” expressed Anthony A. Joyce, III, President and CEO of Chelsea Groton Bank and President of the Chelsea Groton Foundation. “While Chelsea Groton is focused on financial wellness and the Rec Center on physical wellness, we proudly align when it comes to providing members of our shared communities with access to support services and initiatives that focus on individual empowerment and community togetherness. Chelsea Groton has had a longtime presence in New London, and we are excited to pledge our support for this impressive facility that will serve the greater community for decades to come.”   

"On behalf of the City of New London, we are incredibly grateful for Chelsea Groton Foundation's transformative $275,000 contribution to the New London Community Recreation Center," said Mayor Michael Passero. "Their profound commitment to our community is truly inspiring, and we are thrilled to honor their legacy by officially naming the gymnasium the Chelsea Groton Bank Gymnasium. This investment will directly and significantly enhance the opportunities for health, wellness, and connection that this state-of-the-art facility will provide for our residents for generations to come."   

In addition to the Chelsea Groton Bank Gymnasium, the 57,000-square-foot facility also features a fitness center, eight-lane pool, full kitchen, locker rooms, mother’s rooms, childcare rooms, community spaces, recreational programming, and more. 

Each year, Chelsea Groton Bank and the Chelsea Groton Foundation support more than 300 local organizations through monetary gifts, grants, sponsorships, scholarships, and employee volunteerism. More information about all giving initiatives is available at www.chelseagroton.com/giving.  

About the Chelsea Groton Foundation 

The Chelsea Groton Foundation was formed in June 1998 as a Section 501(c) (3) organization. Initially endowed with a $2 million donation from Chelsea Groton Bank, the Foundation has, to date, awarded over $7.7 million in grants to hundreds of human services, educational, and other non-profit organizations located within the Bank’s market area. To learn more, visit: chelseagroton.com/CGFoundation.  

About Chelsea Groton Bank 

Based in Groton, Conn., Chelsea Groton Bank is a full-service mutually owned bank with over $1.7 billion in assets. Chelsea Groton Bank’s products and services include consumer banking, business banking, mortgage and business lending, cash management, financial planning, and financial education programming. With 14 branch locations throughout New London County, Chelsea Groton Bank also provides online and mobile banking, 24-hour telephone banking, and nationwide ATM banking for individuals, families, and businesses. To learn more, please visit chelseagroton.com. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender. NMLS Institution ID 402928.