The Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area is a public charity dedicated to improving the quality of life and long-term well-being of the community by promoting philanthropy, supporting local nonprofits, and building ongoing resources for the future. As one of approximately 650 community foundations throughout the country, the Community Foundation operates on the shared premise that every community has the potential to raise and invest funds so that grants can be made to local organizations from the earnings, both now and far into the future.

The Community Foundation was re-formed in 2006 with the merger of the Community Foundation of Northeast Connecticut and the Eastern Connecticut Community Foundation. Between the two foundations, community grants have benefited 31 towns in eastern and northeastern Connecticut since 1989. This exciting new partnership was initiated in order to most effectively build resources to address an increasingly broad range of community needs in all our towns. The result is the ability to work together to increase fundraising and, therefore, giving capacity.

Timeline
1988: Eastern Connecticut Community Foundation was founded in Norwich.
1998: Greater Windham Community Foundation was founded in Willimantic.
1990: The Norwich Area Physicians Fund, a financial resource to address unmet medical needs in the community, was established by a group of Norwich physicians.
2002: The George L. Holt Public Welfare Fund, the largest Community Foundation fund to date, was established to benefit the poor in the Windham area.
2003: The Greater Norwich Education Fund was launched in Norwich to provide grants for the enhancement of educational opportunities for children beyond budgeted school programs.
2004: The Greater Windham Community Foundation expanded to 22 towns and changed its name to Community Foundation of Northeast Connecticut. The Jessie B. Cox Charitable Trust awarded the Community Foundation of Northeast Connecticut a three-year Challenge Grant of $160,000 to help expand programs. The Women and Girls Fund was launched to improve the lives of women and girls who are at risk or in need.
2005: The Cultural Heritage Fund was established. Supported by the Connecticut Humanities Council, the Fund brings additional grant dollars to cultural organizations in eastern and northeastern Connecticut.
2006: The Community Foundation of Northeast Connecticut and Eastern Connecticut Community Foundation merged to form the Community Foundation of the Tri-County Area.

Press Release: Cox Challenge Met! (rtf file)

1. A flexible, yet permanent collection of component funds created and supported by a wide range of donors.
2. The independence to determine the best use of those funds to meet community needs.
3. A governing board of volunteers who are knowledgeable about their community and recognized for their personal involvement in civic affairs.
4. A commitment to provide leadership on pervasive community concerns.
5. A commitment to assist donors to identify and attain their philanthropic goals.
6. Adherence to a sense of community that overrides individual interests and objectives.

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LEADERSHIP
Board of Directors

Rheo Brouillard, President
John F. Duggan, Esq., Vice President
Eileen M. Ossen, Treasurer
Jane M. Shea, Secretary

Sandra Brindamour, CFRE
Rose Fowler
Richard A. Friedrich
Manuel Kadish, M.D.
Myles Laffey, Esq.
Eric Martin, Ph.D.
Mark D. Miskiewicz
Jerry G. Olson
Rebecca Reno
Mildred Shapiro
Lee Ellen Terry, Esq.
Nancy P. Weiss

Executive Director
Karen Hoke

FOUNDERS
Eastern Connecticut Community Foundation
Elaine Coletti
James Cronin
Mildred Devine
Myles Laffey
Michael Lahan
Marjorie Mandell

HONORARY DIRECTORS
Eastern Connecticut Community Foundation
Fred A. Cazel, Jr.
James P. Cronin
Dorothy C. Goodwin
Harold Ross
Margaret S. Wilson

FOUNDERS CIRCLE
Community Foundation of Northeast Connecticut
Rheo Brouillard
The Chronicle
Kevin & Patrice Crosbie
Sonia & Paul Dudas
Rose Fowler
Robert & Jane Gillard
G. Jack & Louise Guarnaccia
Henry & Lynn Hinckley
James Ladd*
Dr. Carl & Julie Lindquist
O.L. Willard Co.
Michael Pallein
Michael Paulhus
Walter Pawelkiewicz
Colin & Loretta Rice
John* & Pricilla Root
Savings Institute Bank & Trust
Dr. Edward & Jean Sawicki
Kevin & Betsy Tubridy
WILI 1400
* deceased

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