The Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust, established by Bradley Henry Barnes, supports the health and well-being of Southington residents through grants to 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations serving the community. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $100,000, with funding available for new projects (programs, capital requests, or initiatives) and continued funding for existing initiatives. The Trust's funding priorities focus on various community health and healthcare needs, including the aging population, behavioral health, healthy lifestyle initiatives, environmental sustainability, fitness, health equity, health education, and access to transportation and healthcare services.
Letters of Inquiry (LOIs) are due by February 14, 2025, for new projects. Requests for continued funding are accepted twice a year, typically in March and September, following the LOI cycles. The Advisory Committee of the Trust recommends grant decisions, which are then approved by the Foundation's Board of Directors.
Nonprofits interested in applying can contact Kate Kerchaert, Director of Grants & Programs, at kate@mainstreetfoundation.org or 860-583-6363 to determine eligibility. The online grants platform, available through the Main Street Community Foundation’s Online Grants Center, is where organizations can submit their LOI by the February 14 deadline. Full program guidelines and eligibility criteria are also accessible on this platform. The first continued funding cycle for existing grantees opens on February 24, 2025.
