Glastonbury Community Fund hands out $32,000 in grants to 11 non-profits: ore than $170,000 distributed over the past six years

By Peter Marteka

Editor

Funding helping the farmer’s market showcase the value of local agriculture, support for victims of domestic violence and helping older adults navigate today’s technology are just some of the 2026 grants handed out by the Glastonbury Community Fund at the Greater Hartford Gives Foundation.

The fund has awarded $32,250 in grants to eleven 501(c)3 non-profits working to enhance the quality of life and address vital needs in Glastonbury. The funded initiatives span a broad spectrum of critical areas, including health services, food security, arts and culture, education, and civic engagement.

Glastonbury Chorus, Inc. received $1,500 to support no-cost choral performances and outreach concerts for older adults. (Submitted)

According to committee members, this latest round of investment “underscores the fund’s long-term commitment to fostering equity, well-being, and meaningful connection within the town.” Since its inception six years ago, the fund has now distributed more than $170,000 to impactful, Glastonbury-based projects.

“Each year, we are reminded of the incredible organizations and individuals who are working to make Glastonbury a stronger, more connected community,” said Laura Amenta, co-chair of the Glastonbury Community Fund Committee. “This year’s 11 grant recipients represent such a meaningful range of needs and opportunities — from supporting food security, health and education to expanding access to the arts, strengthening inclusion and helping our neighbors maintain independence and connection.”

Co-chair Laura Hecker adds said it is “especially rewarding to see that, six years after the fund was established, we have now invested more than $170,000 in projects that directly benefit Glastonbury residents.”

“We are grateful to the local organizations doing this important work and to the foundation for their funding. We are proud to play a small part in helping these efforts grow and reach more members of our community,” she said.

2026 Grant Recipients

Arts for Learning Connecticut - $3,000: To provide a creative arts learning program for all fifth- and sixth-grade students at Gideon Welles School, using hands-on experiences in music, visual arts, dance, and theater to foster creativity, cultural understanding, and social-emotional-learning.

FISH of Glastonbury, Inc. - $5,000: To support transportation services for individuals who face age, physical, or financial barriers to accessing out-of-town medical and behavioral health appointments.

Glastonbury ABC, Inc. - $5,000: To provide math and science tutoring for Glastonbury A Better Chance (ABC) scholars, helping academically talented students from historically underserved backgrounds thrive academically.

Glastonbury Pride, Inc. received $750 to provide a free literacy series featuring inclusive children’s books and guest readers. (Submitted)

Glastonbury Chorus, Inc. - $1,500: To support no-cost choral performances and outreach concerts for older adults, along with community concerts that increase access to the arts and foster intergenerational connectedness.

Glastonbury Farmers Market Coalition, Inc. - $3,000: To support a local farmers market that increases access to fresh, locally grown food, strengthens the local economy, fosters community engagement through family-friendly activities, and helps address food insecurity through regular donations to Glastonbury food pantries.

Glastonbury Pride, Inc. - $750: To provide a free literacy series featuring inclusive children’s books and guest readers, increasing access, representation, and community connection.

Gifts of Love, Inc. - $2,500: To support Gifts of Love’s food pantry in providing nutritious food and household and personal care items to Glastonbury residents experiencing financial hardship amid rising demand for services.

Hartford Interval House, Inc. - $5,000: To provide critical support for Glastonbury survivors of domestic violence through the “Breaking the Cycle” program, including confidential counseling, safety planning, emergency shelter, court advocacy, support groups, and youth education to prevent future abuse.

Layavinyasa - $750: To support a cultural event in Glastonbury that educates residents about Diwali, the “Festival of Lights,” through a presentation on its meaning and traditions, promoting cultural understanding, diversity, and community connection.

Layavinyasa received $750 to support a cultural event in Glastonbury that educates residents about Diwali, the “Festival of Lights.” (Marteka)

MARC Community Resources/IMPACT - $1,000: To replace unsafe seating at IMPACT’s Day and employment programs with supportive chairs with armrests, improving safety, accessibility, and independence for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

UR Community Cares, Inc. - $4,750: To provide digital literacy and one-one-one technology support for older adults, promoting independence, social connectedness, and access to healthcare and community resources.

Since launching Community Funds in 2019 across the 29 towns it serves, including Glastonbury, Greater Hartford Gives has awarded more than 1,000 grants totaling more than $4 million (through the end of 2025).

The organization notes the grants support projects that directly benefit town residents and reflect local priorities and lived experiences. The program was established with a $100,000 investment in each town in 2019 and received additional investments in 2021 and 2025, supporting both immediate grantmaking and the fund's long-term endowment.

The Glastonbury Community Fund committee is comprised of volunteer residents who reflect the diverse voices and experiences of the community. Members help identify local needs, shape grant priorities, and review proposals for projects that enhance quality of life in Glastonbury.

Current Committee members include Amenta, Hecker, Linda Cimino (Vice Chair), Carrianne Crummett (Secretary), Jon Brink, Bridget Cooper, Tom Edgington, James Hagen, Sam Haun, Don Kray, Molly Lauck, Joel Reich, Kelly Sellew, Diana Velasco, and Ira Yellen.

The Glastonbury Community Fund welcomes tax-deductible donations from individuals, families, and organizations. These contributions directly support projects that benefit Glastonbury residents. For additional information, email GlastonburyAC@greaterhartfordgivesCF.org.

The committee welcomes interested individuals to share their passion, expertise, and time to give voice to community solutions that can improve the quality of life. Those interested in volunteering for the Glastonbury Committee should visit:https://greaterhartfordgives.org/community-funds-volunteer-information/.

For more information on the fund, the volunteer committee, the Foundation, and the grant application process, visit https://greaterhartfordgives.org/about-the-community-funds. General inquiries may also be sent to GlastonburyAC@greaterhartfordgives.org.

Greater Hartford Gives Foundation’s goal is to create an inclusive region where everyone prospers. The foundation identifies “our neighbors’ most pressing needs and invests resources in initiatives that dismantle racial and economic barriers and improve quality of life.” Over the past century, the foundation has invested more than $1 billion throughout the region. Visit greaterhartfordgives.org for more information.