Southbury Community Trust Fund

The Southbury Community Trust Fund is a local philanthropic initiative based in Southbury, Connecticut, dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for its residents. Funded and administered in coordination with local grantmaking leadership, the Trust provides financial support for programs that address community needs through a collaborative and inclusive approach. Grants are distributed annually and focus on fostering partnerships and sustainable improvements across a variety of sectors impacting Southbury residents. The primary aim of these grants is to benefit individuals and groups within Southbury by supporting initiatives that align with the town’s goals for wellbeing, accessibility, and enrichment. Funded projects typically fall within six broad categories: social and community services, wellness and health education, youth development, aging and livable communities, arts and culture, environmental awareness, and cultural heritage. Eligible programs may involve access to basic needs, transportation, housing, preventive health services, youth leadership, senior services, or preservation of local history and natural resources. Average awards range from $5,000 to $15,000, though larger grant amounts may be considered upon consultation with program staff prior to submission. This emphasizes a flexible funding structure that supports both small-scale community efforts and more substantial collaborative endeavors. There is a preference for proposals that demonstrate meaningful collaboration among local organizations, which reflects the Trust’s values of community involvement and strategic partnership. The application cycle for the Southbury Community Trust Fund opens once each year, with the most recent cycle having opened on August 1, 2025. As of now, the fund is not accepting applications, and prospective applicants are encouraged to begin preparing for the next cycle in 2026. For those considering larger funding requests, it is required to reach out to the grant administrator prior to submission to ensure alignment with funding priorities. Key points of contact include Josh Carey, Director of Grants Management, who can be reached via email at jcarey@conncf.org or by phone at 203-753-1315. The fund is overseen in collaboration with Ellen Carter, indicating structured management and oversight. Notification and award timelines are not explicitly stated, but the annual cadence suggests decisions are made within a predictable annual review cycle. Organizations seeking to apply should align their projects with community-centered outcomes and submit proposals during the designated annual window.

Priority given to collaborative proposals; discuss large requests with staff in advance.