CONTACT: Sheila B. Flanagan, Executive Director, SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc.
860.533.0355, sflanagan@sbmfoundation.org
Manchester, Connecticut (December 20, 2008)…The SBM Charitable Foundation recently awarded fourth quarter 2008 grants of more than $450,000 to area non-profits, bringing the Foundation’s total funding for the year, including its college scholarship program, to over $2 million.
Forty-two organizations were the beneficiaries of SBM “We’re Pulling for You” final quarter grants of the year, covering a wide range of community services that support primarily East of the River programs. Highlights of the major grant awards include:
The University of Connecticut Athletic Fund received the first installment of its three year grant for the athletic department’s outreach program in Manchester’s Verplanck and Waddell Elementary Schools. Visiting Nurse & Health Services of Connecticut was awarded funding for home medical monitoring units. A two-year grant was received by Rebuilding Together – Manchester for its community home improvement and renovation program. An adult day care program in Manchester, New Seasons, Inc.,
received funding for hydraulic lifts for its Main Street facility.
In Hartford, My Sister’s Place will fund its “For the Love of Children Initiative” mental health program, and Malta House of Care Foundation, Inc. will provide free mobile primary health care services. Interval House received support for its Manchester office in support of victims of domestic violence. Two arts and museum organizations received SBM Charitable Foundation funding: the Hill-Stead Museum will provide World Languages/Fine Arts educational programs for East Hartford and Manchester high school students; the Hartford Symphony Orchestra will continue its Symphony in the Schools program for Manchester elementary school students.
Three organizations in eastern Connecticut were beneficiaries of grants from the SBMCF: Generations Family Health Center, Inc. will provide pediatric dentistry services in Willimantic; unendowed scholarships were funded at Eastern Connecticut State University; and Altrusa International of Northeastern Connecticut will serve Willimantic and Mansfield elementary schools through their literacy project.
Executive Director of the SBM Charitable Foundation Sheila Flanagan noted, “It is especially gratifying during these economically difficult times to provide funding to so many non-profits that serve such a wide range of community needs.”
The SBM Charitable Foundation, Inc. was established in 2000 by Connecticut Bancshares, Inc., the parent company of the former Saving Bank of Manchester. The Foundation’s mission, perpetuating the vision of the former Bank, is committed to bettering the lives of those who live and work predominantly East of the River in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties. Priority categories for funding include health, human services, education, housing and the arts. In 2008 the Foundation awarded a total of more than $2 million to area non-profits, while cumulatively since its founding the Foundation’s philanthropy has exceeded $12 million. The SBM Charitable Foundation is located at 935 Main Street in downtown Manchester. For more information visit the website at www.sbmfoundation.org .
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