Foundation expansion will increase donations

The Community Foundation of Southeastern Connecticut
(CFSECT), having well served the region for 26 years through both sunny and rainy days, announces today that it is extending its umbrella over the eastern one-third of Connecticut, from the shores of the Sound to Woodstock on the state's northern border.

The expansion results from a merger with the Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area, which served communities from Norwich north to Windham County and in eastern Tolland County. With one bold move CFSECT expands from 11 communities to 42 cities and towns.

Most importantly, it provides the opportunity to increase the foundation's assets and in turn help the many worthwhile agencies that provide a high quality of life here in eastern Connecticut. Hamstrung by a lack of staffing, the Tri-County Area foundation had but $1.5 million in assets prior to the merger, compared with $33 million held by the southeastern foundation. But therein lays the potential for growth. Northeast Connecticut is largely an untapped area when it comes to generating charitable funds.

The foundation plans to add one full-time person, dedicated to creating contacts in the expanded region, to its 5.5-member staff. The foundation will emphasize a "donor-based" approach in the expanded territory, helping groups and individuals there fund the local arts, education, environmental and other programs they most care about.

Spring is almost here. What an appropriate time to see the Community Foundation growing.