Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation Grant

The Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation, established in 1938 under the will of Theodore Bodenwein—owner and publisher of The Day newspaper—was created to support charitable causes serving the residents of Greater New London County, Connecticut. The foundation operates with a mission to improve the quality of life for underserved populations through investments in educational, cultural, health care, and human services programming. Its philanthropic legacy continues through its stewardship by Bank of America’s Philanthropic Solutions office, which manages various charitable foundations with geographically and programmatically focused grantmaking portfolios. This foundation supports nonprofit organizations delivering services within a specifically defined service area: East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Lyme, Montville, Mystic, New London, North Stonington, Old Lyme, Salem, Stonington, or Waterford, Connecticut. Proposals are accepted from any organization legally recognized under the laws of the State of Connecticut, but services must benefit individuals living in these towns. While most grants are one-year in duration, the foundation may occasionally award multi-year grants based on program alignment and impact potential. The program areas supported include arts, culture and humanities, education, health, and human services. Funding may be used for general operating support or programmatic needs; however, no support is given for endowment campaigns. Additionally, organizations should demonstrate a clear alignment with the foundation’s geographic and programmatic priorities and be capable of articulating the direct benefit to residents in the eligible towns. The application process includes a required demographic breakdown of beneficiaries by town. Applications are submitted online via the Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions portal. Interested applicants must ensure that proposals are submitted by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on November 15. If the deadline falls on a weekend or holiday, submission is due the next business day. Applicants are encouraged to begin the process early due to limited technical support availability during weekends. Grant decisions are issued by letter within three to four months of the submission deadline. Awarded organizations must submit a post-grant evaluation report within one year of their application date, even if funds are not yet fully expended. Applicants seeking assistance or clarification are advised to first review the detailed guidance available on the Bank of America Philanthropic Solutions website. Additional inquiries can be directed to the grantmaking team via email at ct.grantmaking@bofa.com. Amy R. Lynch, Managing Director and Philanthropic Client Manager, is the primary contact for the Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation. Her contact information is amy.r.lynch@bofa.com or 860-244-4870. Given its annual deadline and geographic specificity, organizations are encouraged to plan ahead and ensure their services align well with the foundation’s intended impact within New London County.

Begin the application early due to lack of weekend technical support; clearly outline geographic impact by town