Northwest Community Bank has proudly served the financial needs of local individuals, families, businesses, and institutions for over 160 years. As a leading community citizen, the Bank’s role has been to support, encourage, and help champion the advancement of children and families throughout the region. In keeping with the Bank’s longstanding commitment to investing in the community, the Northwest Community Bank Foundation was established in 2021. The Foundation’s aim is to work collaboratively to support and build partnerships that promote innovative solutions to meet the complex needs of our community.
Working to address the needs of the communities we serve
Our Recipients: Providing opportunities to those who impact our community
Within two grant cycles in 2024, The Northwest Community Bank Foundation, Inc. awarded $200,500 to 126 non-profit organizations, and referred several grant applications to the Bank’s Corporate Giving Program. Northwest Community Bank President and CEO and Foundation President Maura Malo states that, “We received a large number of grant applications last year, and we always become better informed about the needs in our community through the grant applications. The areas of concern range from critical financial assistance through basic human needs. We also think it’s important to recognize the hard work and dedication of the non-profit professionals and volunteers who make an impact on our region. We are pleased that the Foundation provides us with additional ways to support the people in our community.”
Northwest Community Bank Foundation’s “A Celebration of Gratitude” was held in January
The Northwest Community Bank Foundation proudly hosted “A Celebration of Gratitude” gala at the Hill-Stead Museum in Connecticut. In its third year, the event celebrated the impactful contributions of 126 nonprofit organizations that received over $200,500 in grants in 2024. These organizations provide crucial support across various areas, including family assistance, food insecurity, behavioral health, disability services, land preservation, and afterschool programs. The gala was attended by approximately 100 people, including representatives from various agencies, bank employees, and board members, all committed to strengthening and supporting our local communities.
Northwest Community Bank Foundation Grants Awarded in 2024
The Town of Winchester Resident Assistance Fund
Awarded $5,000 Grant
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Northwest Community Bank Foundation is delighted to support the Town of Winchester Resident Assistance Fund. Our commitment to serve those in need is highlighted by this donation, which will allow town residents to apply for assistance with items that cannot be addressed through other state and federal programs, such as fuel assistance. Pictured left to right: Northwest Community Bank Foundation Board Chair Alan Colavecchio; Winchester Director of Social Services Katie Vaill, and Northwest Community Bank CEO and Foundation President Maura Malo.
Talcott Mountain Science Center for Student Involvement, Inc.
Awarded $4,000 Grant
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The Northwest Community Bank Foundation is delighted to support the Talcott Mountain Science Center for Student Involvement, Inc. Our contribution to “Camp Invention” reflects our deep commitment to children’s development. This program is designed to ignite creativity, boost confidence, and foster a lifelong passion for learning. Pictured from left to right, Northwest Community Bank Foundation Board Chair Alan Colavecchio; Northwest Community Bank CEO and Foundation President Maura Malo; and Talcott Mountain Science Center Director of Development and Marketing Christine Buhler.
Susan B. Anthony Project
Awarded $5,000 Grant
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The Northwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support the Susan B. Anthony Project and its Outreach and Prevention Education Program. Our contribution underscores our dedication to fostering safe communities and empowering individuals. This program is designed to educate and inspire action, helping to prevent violence while supporting those affected by it. Pictured left to right, Northwest Community Bank CEO and Foundation President Maura Malo; Susan B. Anthony Project Development Director Gina Devaux; and Foundation Board Chair Alan Colavecchio.
PVUMC Community Food
Awarded $4,000 Grant
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The Northwest Community Bank Foundation is pleased to support the PVUMC Community Food Bank’s initiatives for renovations, expansion, and funding in Pleasant Valley. Our contribution reflects our commitment to combating hunger and strengthening community resources. This investment is designed to enhance the food bank’s capabilities, ensuring it can serve more individuals and families in need. Pictured from left to right, Northwest Community Bank Foundation Board Chair Alan Colavecchio; PVUMC Director Mary Liz Simon; Fundraising Volunteer Barbara Hunter; and Northwest Community Bank CEO and Foundation President Maura Malo.
FISH NWCT
Awarded $2,471 Grant
- Read CaptionNorthwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support FISH / Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut, Inc. Our commitment to community service and support is unwavering, and this contribution will assist FISH NWCT in continuing its essential services and programs for those in need. Pictured left to right: Northwest Community Bank President & CEO Maura Malo; Deirdre DiCara, Executive Director of FISH NWCT; and Northwest Community Bank Foundation Chairman Alan Colavecchio.
Winsted Health Center, Inc.
Awarded $2,500 Grant
- Read CaptionNorthwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support Winsted Health Center, Inc. Our commitment to enhancing community health is steadfast, and this contribution will help Winsted Health Center, Inc. continue its vital services and programs. Pictured left to right: Northwest Community Bank Foundation Chairman Alan Colavecchio; Kris Griffin, Winsted Health Center, Inc. Executive Director; and Northwest Community Bank President & CEO Maura Malo.
Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County
Awarded $3,000 Grant
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Northwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County. Our dedication to enhancing healthcare services is demonstrated through this donation, helping them continue their compassionate care and hospice services across the community. Pictured left to right: Maura Malo, President & CEO of Northwest Community Bank; AnnMarie Garrison, RN, BSN – VP of Clinical Operations at Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County; Alan Colavecchio, Chairman of Northwest Community Bank Foundation.
Winchester Housing Partners
Awarded $3,000 Grant
- Read CaptionNorthwest Community Bank Foundation is proud to support Winchester Housing Partners. Our commitment to improving local housing stability is underscored by this contribution, which will help enhance housing solutions and services in the community. Pictured left to right: Alan Colavecchio, Chairman of Northwest Community Bank Foundation; Deirdre Houlihan DiCara, President of Winchester Housing Partners; Christine Hunter, Secretary; Larry Hannafin, Vice President; Maura Malo, President & CEO of Northwest Community Bank.
$200,500 in grants awarded to 126 non-profit organizations in 2024
2024 Fall Cycle Recipients
| Non-Profit Organization | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| AHA | $1,000 | AHA/North Canaan Education Foundation |
| Artgarage | $1,000 | Expanding Artgarage Program to Meet Demand |
| Avon Congregational Church | $1,000 | Stone Soup based on the children's tale of neighbors providing food to make a meal. |
| Beacon of Light Animal Rescue, Inc | $1,000 | Litchfield County Stray Cat Rescue Mission |
| Canton Historical Society | $1,000 | Exterior painting of the West and South sides of the Museum |
| Canton Youth Soccer Association | $1,000 | Canton Soccer Club |
| Caring for Bethlehem, Inc. | $1,500 | Keeping Neighbors Warm |
| Chore Service | $2,500 | Chore Service |
| Colebrook Consolidated School | $1,500 | Outdoor Student Learning Center Beautification |
| Connecticut Democracy Center | $1,500 | Supporting History Day through the Northwest Community Bank Foundation |
| Connecticut Yankee Chorale, Inc. | $1,400 | 40th Anniversary Commissioned Piece of Work |
| Falls Village Housing Trust Inc | $2,500 | River Road Homes Inspections and Site Preparation |
| Friendly Hands Food Bank Inc | $4,000 | Replenish the Shelves for the Hungry |
| Hill-Stead Museum | $5,000 | Hill-Stead Museum's Lecture Series |
| Horizons at Westminster School | $3,000 | Horizons at Westminster |
| Mental Health Connecticut | $3,500 | Reducing Homelessness through Essential Resources |
| Morris Public Library | $1,000 | Tech Upgrade: Hardware, Software and Security |
| NAFI Connecticut, Inc. | $2,200 | NAFI's |
| New Beginnings of Northwest Hills Litchfield County, Inc. | $4,000 | New Beginnings of Northwest Hills Litchfield County, Inc.-The Gathering Place |
| New Horizons Living Center Inc. | $2,500 | NHLC Resource Center |
| Northwest Connecticut Arts Council | $1,200 | Arts Night Out - Networking Series Partnership |
| Oliver Wolcott Library | $5,000 | Flat Roof Replacement Project |
| PVUMC Community Food Bank | $4,000 | PVUMC Community Food Bank Renovation, Expansion and Funding Project |
| Riverton Theatre, Inc. | $1,000 | Costume refurbishment |
| Salisbury Winter Sports Association | $1,000 | Build the K30: A New Jump for Future Jumps and Continuing a Legacy for the Next 100 Years |
| Sharon Historical Society and Museum | $1,000 | SHSM Exhibit Furniture and Supplies |
| Soar Educational Enrichment | $1,000 | SOAR Theater Program |
| Susan B. Anthony Project | $5,000 | Outreach and Prevention Education Program |
| Talcott Mountain Science Center for Student Involvement, Inc. | $4,000 | Inspiring Innovation with Camp Invention |
| The Bridge Family Center, Inc. | $1,500 | Saturday Family Academy |
| The Children’s Museum, Inc. | $3,000 | Support the Wildlife Rehabilitation Clinic |
| The Equus Effect | $1,500 | Community Outreach Initiative |
| The Salvation Army | $3,500 | Energy Assistance |
| The Wheels Program of Greater New Milford | $1,000 | Computer Support For Wheels Program |
| Thrive Farm Inc. | $1,000 | Greenhouse and Maintenance Building Renovation/ Activation |
| Torrington Area Families for Autism | $1,200 | E.M.B.R.A.C.E. Autism Special Education Monthly Support Group Funding |
| Torrington Area Parkinson's Support Group | $1,000 | Beyond Words |
| Town of Hartland Commission on Aging | $2,000 | Lecture series |
| Town of Winchester | $5,000 | Town of Winchester Resident Assistance Fund |
| Troop 2019 New Hartford | $1,000 | Scout Cabin repair/refurbishment |
| West Hartland Volunteer Fire Department | $2,300 | Chimney Replacement |
| Winchester Center Historical Association, Inc. | $2,500 | The Chapel Restoration Project: Metal removal from soffits & sills, rot repair and trim restoration. |
| Winchester Grange #74 dba Connecticut State Grange Foundation, Inc. | $2,000 | Grange Hall Front Façade Restoration Project |
| Winchester Land Trust | $2,500 | Laurel Ridge - property survey |
| Winning Ways Inc | $1,500 | The Winning Circle Series™ |
| Young Women's Christian Association | $2,420 | Scholarships: School-Age Out of School Time |
2024 Spring Cycle Recipients
| Non-Profit Organization | Amount | Purpose |
|---|---|---|
| After School Arts Program, Inc. (ASAP!) | $1,000.00 | ASAP! Summer Camp for Torrington Youth |
| American Mural Project | $2,500.00 | American Mural Project’s Ramp Gallery Completion |
| American Museum of Tort Law | $1,000.00 | Tech Upgrade and including two new computers and two laptops. |
| Amy's Angels | $2,000.00 | Amy's Angels Polo in the Valley Dinner/Fundraiser |
| Avon Land Trust, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Avon Land Trust Programming and Infrastucture Project Support |
| Bantam Civic Association | $1,000.00 | Playground equipment |
| Bantam Fire Company | $1,000.00 | Marsars Ice Rescue Sled |
| Barkhamsted Housing Trust, Inc. | $2,000.00 | Mallory View Homes |
| Boy Scout Troop 1027 | $1,000.00 | New Troop Trailer |
| Brooker Memorial | $1,000.00 | Therapeutic Supplies for Child Care Liaison Program |
| Burlington Volunteer Fire Department | $1,000.00 | Particulate Flash Hoods per NFPA 1971 2024 Standard Upgrade |
| Camp Sloane YMCA, inc. | $1,000.00 | Camp Sloane YMCA's Connecticut Military Families Program |
| Canton Main Street, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Music on Main 2024 |
| Civic Family Services aka The Clothes Tree | $1,000.00 | Security and Efficiency of Store's Point of Sales and Display Cabinetry |
| Clockwork Repertory Theatre Inc. | $1,000.00 | Roof and gutter repair, main auditorium area. |
| Colebrook Fire Department Forge Company, Inc. | $1,000.00 | New Forge Engine Deck Gun and Adapters Purchase |
| Community Health and Wellness Center | $1,000.00 | Community Food Closet |
| Connecticut Alliance for Victims of Violence and Their Families, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Never Going Back to Abuse Project |
| Dress for Success Hartford County Inc. (Dress for Success Hartford) | $1,000.00 | Financial Literacy Education for the Professional Women’s Group |
| Falls Village Day Care Center | $1,000.00 | Washer and Dryer Replacement. |
| FISH/Friends in Service to Humanity of Northwestern Connecticut | $2,471.00 | FISH Shelter Needs New/Replacement Mattresses and Bedding! |
| Focus Center for Autism, Inc. | $1,000.00 | FOCUS Social Clubs |
| Friend to Friend, Inc. | $1,000.00 | East Granby Food Bank |
| Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests | $1,000.00 | Peoples Forest 100th Anniversary Celebration |
| Friends of the Litchfield Community Greenway | $1,000.00 | Bantam Lake Road - Phase 4 Handicapped Crossing - Connection to Bantam Town Center |
| Gifts of Love | $2,500.00 | Gifts of Love's Student Weekend Backpack Program |
| Goshen Players | $1,000.00 | Goshen Players 75th Anniversary Window Restoration Project |
| Granby Homes for Senior Citizens Inc | $1,000.00 | Renovation of the Community Room, Phase I |
| Granby Land Trust | $1,000.00 | Wilcox Family Preserve Trailhead Kiosk |
| Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Pathways Family Engagement Program |
| Greenwoods Counseling Referrals Inc. | $1,000.00 | Dungeons & Dragons Socialization & Support Group |
| Habitat for Humanity North Central CT | $1,000.00 | North Hartford Renaissance Project (Hartford 5) |
| Habitat for Humanity of NWCT | $1,500.00 | NWCT Habitat Home - Torrington |
| Healing Meals Foundation Corporation | $1,000.00 | Nourishing Neighbors in Need |
| Highland Lake Watershed Association | $1,000.00 | HACH Meter Replacement Project |
| Holcomb Farm, Inc. | $1,500.00 | Fresh Access Emergency Funding |
| KidsPlay Children's Museum, Inc. | $2,000.00 | 61 Main Street Total Roof Replacement |
| Klingberg Family Centers Inc | $1,000.00 | The Raymond Hill School/Classroom Technology |
| Litchfield Fire Company | $1,000.00 | FAST rescue board |
| Litchfield Historical Society | $1,000.00 | The Legend of Sleepy Hollow with Jonathan Kruk |
| Litchfield Land Trust | $1,000.00 | "The Station" Beautification & Access to Outdoor Spaces & Community Places |
| McCall Foundation, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Sound Healing Therapy Equipment |
| McLean | $1,000.00 | Adult Day Program Furniture Needs |
| Morris Fire Company | $1,000.00 | Rescue Boat Replacement |
| Morris Senior Center | $1,000.00 | Storage Shed for Stuff! |
| Muddy Moose Mutts Rescue | $1,000.00 | Muddy moose mutts inc12 |
| New Hartford Volunteer Fire Department | $1,000.00 | Fire & Personal Protective Equipment |
| Norfolk Lions Club Ambulance | $1,000.00 | The Community AED Program |
| Norfolk Volunteer Fire Department Inc. | $1,000.00 | Recruitment and personal protective equipment (PPE) |
| Northwest Connecticut Association for the Arts Inc., dba Warner Theatre | $1,000.00 | One Audience Program |
| Northwestern Connecticut YMCA | $1,500.00 | Active Older Adult Program Equipment |
| Northwestern Regional School District No. 7 | $1,500.00 | Northwestern Campus Store |
| Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra | $1,000.00 | Nutmeg Symphony Orchestra Educational Children's Concerts |
| Open Cupboard at Granby Congregational Church | $1,000.00 | Open Cupboard at Granby Congregational Church - UCC |
| Open Door Inc | $2,000.00 | Replenish the Shelves, To-Go Containers and Awning Repairs |
| Outside Perspectives | $1,000.00 | Youth Excellence Project |
| Partners for Sustainable Healthy Communities, Inc. | $1,000.00 | NW CT Regional Food Hub Strategic Plan |
| Pleasant Valley Children's Center | $800.00 | Pleasant Valley Children's Center |
| Prime Time House Inc | $1,500.00 | Upgrading our Outside Dining Area |
| Rebuilding Together Litchfield County, Inc. | $1,500.00 | Rebuild Day 2024 |
| Salisbury Housing Committee Inc | $1,000.00 | Anne Kremer Capital Campaign |
| Salisbury Housing Trust | $1,000.00 | Tree Removal and Road Repair |
| Sharon Housing Trust, Inc | $1,500.00 | Sharon Homes |
| Simsbury Historical Society | $1,000.00 | Repair of the Meetinghouse |
| SpiritHorse Therapeutic Riding Center of Canton, Inc. | $1,000.00 | SpiritHorse Summer Equine Therapy Session |
| The Cancer Care Fund of the Litchfield Hills, Inc. | $1,000.00 | Food/Gas cards |
| The Community Kitchen of Torrington Inc | $1,500.00 | Stock the freezer and pantry |
| The Kids of Summer Foundation | $1,000.00 | Summer Enrichment Initiative - Picnic table construction program |
| Torrington Fire Department | $1,000.00 | F.A.S.T board |
| Torrington Police Activities League | $1,000.00 | Cops and Kids 2024 |
| Vie for the Kids | $1,000.00 | Funding and awareness for pediatric cancer clinical trials and family support for Ct. patients. |
| Visiting Nurse & Hospice of Litchfield County, Inc. | $3,000.00 | Parking lot/Driveway/Sidewalk replacement Simsbury Office |
| Warren Volunteer Fire Company | $1,000.00 | New air lift bags (rescue equipment) |
| Watertown History Museum | $1,000.00 | Preserving our Past |
| Winchester Housing Partners | $3,000.00 | Batcheller School Adaptive Reuse - Affordable Housing Project |
| Winchester Youth Service Bureau branch of the Northwest CT YMCA | $1,500.00 | Rising Star Camp’s Leaders-In-Training Program Youth Stipends |
| Winsted Area Child Care Center | $1,000.00 | BASE Computers |
| Winsted Fire Department | $1,000.00 | Thermal Imaging Camera replacement |
| Winsted Health Center, Inc. | $2,500.00 | Winsted Housing and Advanced Makerspace |
| YMCA Camp Mohawk, Inc | $3,000.00 | Camp Cabins Porch Roof Expansion Project |
Investment Focus Areas will include, but will not be limited to the following:
Education That Fuels
Future Economic Success
Our education grants help empower people to build personal assets and skills to take charge of their futures.
- Youth development including early childhood education
- Financial education
- Employment skills/workforce development
- Women’s empowerment
Safe and Affordable Housing
Our affordable housing grants support access to safe, clean and affordable places to live.
- Community development projects
- Maintenance and renovation projects
- Homebuyer programs
- Temporary housing, shelter
Basic Human Services
Our basic human services grants support organizations that meet the immediate needs of individuals and families while also supporting prevention and long-term solutions for people living in difficult economic circumstances.
- Food and nutrition programs
- Fuel assistance
- Domestic violence programs
- Basic necessity assistance e.g., clothing
- Health Services
Community Impact
Our community impact grants support the overall well-being of individuals within the community
- Disaster relief
- The Environment
- The Arts
- Animal Welfare
Guidelines and Eligibility:
Eligibility for Grants:
To apply for a grant from the Northwest Community Bank Foundation applicants must be:
- A registered 501(c) 3 organization that demonstrates significant local Municipalities will be considered for programs or expenditures outside the realm of municipal responsibilities.
- An organization whose mission or services align with Northwest Community Bank’s investment focus
- An organization providing services within Northwest Community Bank Communities*
*While preference is given to organizations primarily serving the aforementioned cities and towns, the Foundation Board will also consider funding for programs which reach a broader, more regional area, as long as that area incorporates services provided to Northwest Community Bank Communities.
The Foundation does not provide financial support to political organizations or candidates, activities for religious purposes, individual endeavors or organizations which are discriminatory in their practices. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent.
Geographic Preference:
Avon, Barkhamsted, Berlin, Bethlehem, Bloomfield, Bridgewater, Bristol, Burlington, Canaan, Canton, Colebrook, Collinsville, Cornwall, East Granby, Falls Village, Farmington, Goshen, Granby, Hartford, Hartland, Harwinton, Kent, Lakeville, Litchfield, Morris, New Britain, New Hartford, Newington, New Milford, Norfolk, Plainville, Rocky Hill, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Simsbury, Southington, Suffield, Terryville, Thomaston, Torrington, Warren, Washington, Waterbury, Watertown, West Hartford, Wethersfield, Windsor, Windsor Locks, Winsted and Woodbury.
Grant Programs:
The Foundation will consider the following types of funding requests from organizations that fit our investment focus areas.
- Program Grants to support the delivery and/or expansion of the direct services core to the mission of local organizations.
- Capacity Building Grants aimed at strengthening an agency’s ability to make a greater impact, improve effectiveness and efficiency or adapt to address changing community needs. e.g., strategic planning, staff and board development, technology upgrades, and marketing.
- Capital Grants and Campaigns will be considered by the Foundation but may also be selectively considered by Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving programs.
*Capital projects are typically defined as major building purchases, new construction, expansion, renovation, and/or land acquisition.
Frequency:
Organizations may apply to one grant cycle and total annual grants awarded will not exceed $25,000. Extenuating circumstances may be considered.
Deadlines and Review Process:
Grants will be reviewed by the Foundation’s Board of Directors in an impartial manner based upon an evaluation of each grant request. Some key elements examined in our grant evaluation process include an organizations’ financial sustainability, leadership, impact and collaboration within the community.
| 2025 Phase I: Application Available February 15th | Due March 15th | Notification May 15th |
| 2025 Phase II: Application Available August 15th | Due September 15th | Notification November 15th |
Average Grant Request:
The average grant amount distributed in 2024 was $1,600.
Additional Eligibility Guidelines:
Although there are many worthy endeavors, the Foundation generally does not invest in the causes listed below. If you fall into one of these categories, we suggest you submit your request to Northwest Community Bank’s Corporate Giving program which may possibly consider your request.
- Individuals including those seeking scholarships, fellowships, or sponsors for a particular cause
- Alumni organizations
- Endowment campaigns
- Fundraising dinners or events and tickets to fundraising events
- Individual sports teams including youth sports teams and leagues
- Advertising and promotional items or merchandise
- Organizations designed primarily for lobbying, Political Action Committees, candidates, and lobbying
- Travel, including conferences, seminars, tours and student trips
- The Foundation does not make grants to organizations for which program services are contingent on participation in religious services or events or adherence to religious doctrine.
- Other Foundations
Northwest Community Bank Foundation Board Members
- Alan Colavecchio, Chair
- Jane Hinkel
- Raimie Webber
- Brian McCormick, Co-Chair
- Jessica Bragg
- Susan Atkins
- William Shea
- Charles Joseph
- Kevin Sullivan