Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund

The Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund is an annual grant program administered by the Westport Weston Family YMCA. The Fund was created in 2015 following a generous $5 million endowment from the estate of Ruth T. Bedford, a long-time trustee emeritus, philanthropist, and supporter of the YMCA. Ruth Bedford’s family history with the Westport YMCA dates back to 1923, when her grandfather, Edward T. Bedford, established the first Westport YMCA. Her parents, Frederick T. Bedford and his wife, funded the purchase of Camp Mahackeno in 1944, which remains a central facility for YMCA programs. The Bedford family has played an instrumental role in the growth and development of YMCA programs, facilities, and services over the decades. The Fund honors this legacy by providing targeted financial support to local initiatives. The primary mission of the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund is to create, enhance, and support educational opportunities for children and young adults. Grants are awarded to organizations whose programs provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities, with the goal of making a lasting impact on youth and the broader community. Funding is limited to one-year grants and may be awarded to one or more local programs each year. The Fund’s scope is broad in terms of educational subject matter and delivery, allowing for a variety of program models that align with the mission. Grant funds may be used for a range of educational purposes; however, certain uses are explicitly prohibited. The Fund does not support endowment funding, indirect or overhead expenses, administrative costs, capital projects, debt reduction, operating loss coverage, annual campaigns, or fundraising activities. The intent is to ensure that funding directly supports the delivery of educational programs and services rather than administrative or capital costs. Eligible applicants must be 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations that provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities for children and/or young adults. Organizations must be located in and serve one or more of the following communities in Connecticut: Westport, Weston, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk, and Wilton. Applications from both past grant recipients and new applicants are welcomed. The application process is competitive, and proposals are evaluated on their potential impact, alignment with the mission, and capacity for successful implementation. The grant application for the 2025 cycle is currently open, with a submission deadline of September 12. Site visits by the evaluation committee will begin in early October, providing an opportunity for further assessment and clarification before final decisions are made. Grant award notifications are scheduled for November 29. No specific application opening date is provided, but the cycle follows an annual schedule. Applicants are encouraged to review the entire application in advance to ensure they are prepared to provide all required information and supporting documentation. The Fund’s administrators emphasize due diligence in reviewing proposals and aim to maintain a transparent and thorough evaluation process. All submissions undergo careful review, and site visits form an integral part of the decision-making process. For additional information or to submit documentation, applicants may contact the Fund via email at bfsrf@westporty.org or development@westporty.org, or by phone at 203-571-6043. The Westport Weston Family YMCA is located at 14 Allen Raymond Lane, Westport, CT 06880, and can also be reached at its main number, 203-226-8981. This program reflects the YMCA’s continued commitment to strengthening community through education and youth development.