Plainville Community Fund

The Main Street Community Foundation provides grant funding to nonprofit organizations and individuals serving Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott, Connecticut. The foundation administers several grant cycles, each with specific eligibility criteria, funding purposes, and deadlines. The Louise Lauretano DeMars Love of Art Fund supports individual artists residing in the Bristol area for at least two years, providing grants to further their creativity, explore talents, or expand learning opportunities in fine and graphic arts. This fund was established to honor the late Louise Lauretano DeMars, a former Executive Director of the New England Carousel Museum. The next cycle's opening date has not been announced. The Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust provides funding for nonprofit organizations addressing the health and well-being of Southington residents. Grants typically range from $25,000 to $100,000 and support projects related to aging population needs, behavioral health, access to healthy food, environmental sustainability, fitness, health equity, literacy, and transportation. Letters of Inquiry (LOI) are accepted in January and August, with continued funding applications for current grantees accepted in March and September. The General Grant Cycle is currently open, with applications due by March 28, 2025. This cycle funds programs related to Basic Needs, Access to Opportunity, and Vibrant Communities that benefit residents of the foundation’s six-town service area. Funding is available for programs, capital expenditures, and general operating support. Competitive grants prioritize emerging community needs, collaborative projects, and sustainability efforts. Organizations receiving funding for two consecutive years are not eligible to apply for a third year. The Plainville Community Fund is also open, with applications due March 21, 2025. This fund supports nonprofit and public institutions offering charitable programs that benefit Plainville residents. Grant priorities include Basic Needs, Access to Opportunity, and Vibrant Communities. Organizations must be in compliance with prior grant reporting requirements, and funding recommendations are made by the fund’s advisory committee. Several other grant programs, such as the Malerbo Children’s Field Maintenance Fund, Men & Boys' Fund, and Women & Girls' Fund, have closed for 2024, with future cycles expected in 2025. The Burlington Community Fund no longer operates a separate grant cycle but accepts requests through the General Grant Cycle. All applicants must contact a foundation representative at least one week before the application deadline to discuss eligibility. Applications are submitted through the foundation’s online grants management system. Contact information includes Kate Kerchaert, Director of Grants & Programs, at kate@mainstreetfoundation.org or Alicia Krar, Grants Manager, at alicia@mainstreetfoundation.org, with general inquiries directed to 860-583-6363.