The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut is celebrating 35 years in existence, and the awarding of a record $6.7 million in grants and scholarships last year.

The Community Foundation — which has the four priorities of "empowering youth, addressing basic needs and rights, preserving the environment and advancing animal welfare" — last week released its 2017 annual report, with the title "Leading Together."

"Our commemorative report celebrates our history of growth and progress, but also marks the launch of a new era of providing community leadership for collective impact," Community Foundation President and CEO Maryam Elahi said in a news release.

According to the report, grants and scholarships increased from $4,382,127 in 2016 to $6,695,968 last year.

Revenue increased from $12.6 million to $21 million, with the largest increase coming from investment gain and income. More than 1,500 individuals and organizations contributed $10,865,745 to the foundation in 2017, a 15.3 percent increase over the previous year.

The top donors were Alva Greenberg and the Estate of Mary Janvrin, each contributing more than $1 million. Greenberg is an art curator and collector, founder of Serve Here CT and former owner of ALVA Gallery in New London.

Janvrin died Sept. 29, 2016, and her trust led to the establishment of a fund for birds, other animals and nature. This fund was one of the largest legacy gifts in the history of the Community Foundation.

Other top donors in 2017 included the Kitchings Family Foundation, Thomas P. Quinn Scholarship Trust Fund and Estate of Peter T. Serafin.

There were 33 new funds created in 2017, including ones that are donor-advised, based on a field of interest or for scholarships.

Nearly 100 individuals or couples have informed the Community Foundation of their plans to leave a legacy through the foundation in the future. This can include charitable trusts, bequests, gift annuities, retirement plans and life insurance.

The report noted that the Community Foundation's portfolios "apply environmental and animal welfare socially responsible screens" and are designed to reduce exposure to fossil fuels and tobacco-related products. The portfolios also have no direct exposure to gun manufacturers or distributors.

The Community  Foundation launched four new initiatives last year: the Eastern Connecticut Mentoring Collaborative, the New London Partnership for Student Success, the Nonprofit Capacity-Building initiative and Thriving Communities Conversations.

Through the mentoring collaborative, quarterly lunch-and-learn events have brought together mentors and organizations from throughout the region. The New London Partnership for Student Success involves regular meetings with New London Public Schools officials, donors and other partners.

The nonprofit capacity-building is to "support internal systems and develop best practices that position them to better meet our community's needs." Lastly, the Community Foundation in 2017 had a listening tour that involved hearing from students in Norwich and environmental leaders in Pomfret.

e.moser@theday.com