Community Foundation Awards $120,000 to Strengthen Early Childhood Opportunities Across Eastern Connecticut

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut has awarded $120,000 to three organizations advancing early childhood opportunities across eastern Connecticut. These grants were made possible through the generosity of a Community Foundation donor to support the Foundation's ongoing investment in young children and their families. 

The funding reflects the Community Foundation's broader commitment to strengthening early childhood systems in eastern Connecticut through its leadership of the End Child Poverty Now (ECPN) campaign. Together, these investments support innovative solutions that improve access to resources, strengthen families, and expand opportunities during the earliest and most critical years of a child's life.

The grants include: 

• EASTCONN — $60,000 to support the Northeast Childcare Needs Project in developing an employer toolkit that helps businesses explore childcare microsites as an innovative solution to better support working families. 

• Child and Family Resource Center at Eastern Connecticut State University — $30,000 for the Lily Pad Lending Library and STEAM Outreach Program, which expands access to hands-on learning materials and early childhood STEAM experiences for young children and families. 

• LEARN — $30,000 to support the Groton Local Governance Partnership, which connects families with community organizations that provide essential resources such as childcare, diapers, food, and housing assistance. 

“Every child deserves the opportunity to thrive from the very beginning,” said Maryam Elahi, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut. “These investments strengthen the systems that support children and families while addressing longstanding inequities that can shape educational and life outcomes. We are grateful to the donor whose generosity made this work possible.” 

“The earliest years of a child’s life lay the foundation for lifelong learning, health, and well-being,” said Elena Trueworthy, Commissioner of the Connecticut Office of Early Childhood. “Investments like these, especially in eastern Connecticut, strengthen the partnerships that help children and families thrive and enhances the work our state is doing to increase access to and affordability of high-quality early childhood experiences. When communities work together to support young children, everyone benefits.” 

Research consistently shows that high-quality early childhood experiences contribute to stronger educational outcomes, healthier families, and more resilient communities. By supporting organizations that work across education and regional collaboration, the Community Foundation is expanding opportunities for children during the years that matter most. 

Together, these investments demonstrate the power of philanthropy to address the root causes of inequity by strengthening the systems that support children and families throughout eastern Connecticut. For more information about the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut and its grantmaking initiatives, visit cfect.org/grantmaking.