Grant applications to Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut go digital

The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut expects to make discretionary grants totaling more than a half-million dollars in arts and culture, health care, education, social services, the environment and economic opportunity for 2013, but with a new twist: applications must be submitted online at www.cfect.org.

High priority will go to programs that:

• Strengthen families

• Improve access to local resources, especially for underserved groups

• Enable residents to participate in the cultural life of the community

• Demonstrate collaborative efforts and inclusive practices

• Reinforce best practices or show innovative approaches

• Add to the general well-being of our region.

The foundation will accept proposals until Nov. 15. Grants are awarded in a competitive process to federally recognized 501(c)(3) organizations and most charitable, educational, and civic institutions serving people in East Lyme, Groton, Ledyard, Lyme, Montville, New London, North Stonington, Old Lyme, Salem, Stonington and Waterford. Winners will be announced in March.

The foundation encourages applicants to discuss proposal ideas in advance with Jennifer O’Brien, program officer, at (860) 442-3572 or JennOB@cfect.org.

The foundation, established in 1982 to improve the lives of people living in this region, raises funds from local donors and distributes approximately $2 million annually.