People's United gives $448K to nonprofits

The People's United Community Foundation on Monday said it has awarded nearly a half-million dollars to nonprofits in its six-state coverage area, with the largest amount awarded during the first quarter to Connecticut organizations.

The foundation, part of the Bridgeport-based People's United Bank, said 81 organizations will receive $448,500 during this year's January-through-March quarter, with funding distributed to the foundation's three areas of focus: community development, youth development and affordable housing.

Vincent Santilli, the foundation's executive director, said his group is proud that its nonprofit partners use the grants "to positively impact the lives of residents across our footprint."

"We look forward to seeing our grantees make significant progress as we continue our collaborative efforts to improve the quality of life in the communities we serve," he added.

Numerous organizations in eastern Connecticut received funding as part of the $183,500 of grants awarded across Connecticut. Programs receiving funding during the first quarter ranged from basic-needs services to affordable housing, education and job-training programs.

People's United Bank has branches across southeastern Connecticut. The bank's foundation was established in 2007 to help support programs and activities that enhance the quality of life in the area served by the bank. People's United has operations in Connecticut, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Maine, Vermont and New York.

a.cronin@theday.com