Shea Trust grants $180,000 to NL organizations

A perpetual trust designed to benefit organizations and residents in New London has awarded more than $180,000 to a host of charitable organizations and nonprofit agencies.

The James P. & Mary E. Shea Perpetual Trust awarded $180,060 to 16 organizations, including the city's public library and its office of youth affairs.

Tim Londregan, a local real estate executive and advisory board member for the trust, said Friday the awards are done on an annual basis, adding that this year's $180,000-plus in awards was larger than in previous years.

Londregan, who owns the Londregan Commercial Real Estate Group in Old Saybrook, said the disbursements by the trust can depend on the proceeds from its investments and community needs. "Actually, this is a little bit more than in the past," he said.

All those seeking funding from the Shea perpetual trust need to demonstrate the monies would be used according to Mary Shea's will. She died in 1947. The trust has a deadline of Feb. 28 to receive applications, which are then reviewed by the trust's distribution committee in April. Awards are granted to organizations in May of each year.

All organizations seeking trust funds must be public charities, Londregan said, and be based in New London or serve the people of New London. The trust was established to assist various charitable and educational institutions that promote education and scientific research, or care for children, the needy or the elderly. The trust also assists those organizations that work toward the "betterment of living and working conditions and recreation for all classes."

Londregan said this year's recipients were a diverse group. Among the larger recipients were the city's public library, which received $30,000, and the city's Saint Mary Star of the Sea Church and Saint Mary Star of the Sea School, which received $30,000 and $25,000, respectively. The New London Homeless Hospitality Center received $20,000 from the perpetual trust, and the New London Community Meal Center received $10,000 from this year's distribution.