The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut on Wednesday announced it has awarded $2,036,126 in grants to 148 programs supporting basic needs and rights, youth empowerment, environmental conservation and animal welfare.

The foundation said in a news release that "in the face of glaring inequities magnified by the pandemic in our health, housing and educational systems," priority was given to organizations meeting the day-to-day needs of residents most impacted by the coronavirus pandemic and to those addressing systemic change.

At $120,000 — $40,000 a year for three years — the single largest grant is going to Sustainable CT for a strategic plan to support eastern Connecticut municipalities around environmental and equitable projects.

In addition to environmental grants, the other programs are divided into Southeast General, Willimantic Welfare Bureau Fund, Animal Welfare and Norwich Youth. For a full list of recipients, visit cfect.org/Nonprofits/Recent-Grants.

The Southeast General grants are the largest share, totaling $1.02 million for 77 programs.

This includes grants for arts outreach to area immigrants through the Florence Griswold Museum and New London Adult & Continuing Education, the Judy Dworin Performance Project at York Correctional Institution, improv theater at Groton Middle School, sensory friendly evenings at Niantic Children's Museum and legal help for nonprofits. Multiple organizations are receiving grants for general operating expenses.

Recipients of animal welfare grants include Groton Animal Foundation, High Hopes Therapeutic Riding, CT Votes for Animals and 15 other organizations.

e.moser@theday.com

Editor's Note: The headline of this version corrects the amount of grant money awarded.