BEDFORD FAMILY SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY FUND

MISSION STATEMENT
To create, enhance and support educational opportunities for children and/or young adults.

BACKGROUND
In March of 2015, the Westport Weston Family YMCA received a very generous gift from the estate of Ruth T. Bedford. Ms. Bedford, a YMCA trustee emeritus, a philanthropist, and a strong advocate for the YMCA continued the family legacy with her gift. Her grandfather, Edward T. Bedford, established the first Westport YMCA in 1923. In 1944, Edward’s son, Frederick T. Bedford and his wife (Ruth’s parents) provided the funding that made it possible to buy Camp Mahackeno, the YMCA’s summer day camp where the current facility is located. Ms. Bedford was instrumental in helping the YMCA to renovate and expand its original downtown Westport location during the 1980s. Ms. Bedford’s gift will allow the YMCA to be a leader in the community and change lives for the next 100 years.

In 2015, the YMCA Board of Trustees established the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund (the “Fund”) to give back to the community and carry forward the legacy of Ruth Bedford. The initial endowment of the Fund was $5 million and earnings from this endowment will support one-year grants to one or more local programs, which will be selected through an annual grant process.

WHAT GRANT FUNDS MAY BE USED FOR
The Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund supports organizations that provide direct or supplemental educational opportunities. As a result, the Fund supports a wide range of programs.

WHAT GRANT FUNDS MAY NOT BE USED FOR
• Endowment funding
• Indirect/overhead or administrative expenses
• Capital projects
• Reduction of debt or operating loss
• Annual campaign or fundraising

ELIGIBILITY
• 501(c)(3) organization
• Located in and serving one or more of the following communities: Westport, Weston, Bridgeport, Fairfield, Norwalk and Wilton
• Serving children and/or young adults

2024 GRANT IMPORTANT DATES

JULY 1 – SEPTEMBER 6
2024 Grant applications open. Application deadline is September 6, 2024.

OCTOBER 4 – NOVEMBER 8
The evaluation committee will review all applications and contact each applicants to schedule a site visit. The objective of the site visit is to complete the due diligence review, investigate and resolve any final questions.

NOVEMBER 29
All grant recipients will be notified.

DECEMBER 9, 12:00-2:30 PM
Please join us for lunch to celebrate our 2024 award recipients and the important work they do to strengthen our communities.