Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund
MISSION STATEMENT
To create, enhance and support educational opportunities for children and/or young adults.
Between June 1 – September 10, 2021
Preliminary Grant Application due by September 10, 2021
Click Here to Apply!
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.
Congratulations to the 2020 Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund Recipients:
- Achievement First Bridgeport Academy
Adam J Lewis Academy
Carver Foundation of Norwalk
Central CT Coast YMCA
Cardinal Shehan Center
Family & Children’s Agency, Inc.
Future Frogmen, Inc.
Kid’s Empowered by Your Support- KEYS
Horizons at Sacred Heart University
Klein Memorial
LifeBridge Community Services
McGivney Community Center
Mercy Learning Center of Bridgeport, Inc
- Neighborhood Studios
New Beginning Family Academy
Norwalk Community College Foundation
Pequot Library Association
Project Morry
Smart Kids with Learning Disabilities, Inc.
Shepherds Mentors
Silvermine Guild of Artists
Staples High School Tuition Grants Committee, Inc.
Stepping Stones Museum for Children
Urban Impact of Black Rock, Inc.
Wakeman Memorial Association
Click Here for the 2020 Grant Presentation Video
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.
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
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
2021 GRANT IMPORTANT DATES
Between June 1 – September 10, 2021
Preliminary Grant Application is due September 10, 2021
October 4, 2021
Preliminary Notification.
Applicant’s organizations will be notified whether or not they have been selected to complete the Final Grant Application.
October 25, 2021
Final Grant Application.
For those Applicants selected to continue to the next step, the full Connecticut Common Grant Application Form and any related information must be submitted.
October 26 – November 30, 2021
Review and Site Visits.
The evaluation committee will review all applications and contact Applicants to schedule site visits. The objective of the site visit is to complete the due diligence review and investigate and resolve any final questions.
December 2 – 6, 2021
Final Grant Notification.
December 17, 2021 at 2:00 pm
Final Grant Awards will be presented.
If you have and questions or need additional support with the application contact Danielle LeBrando at 203.226.8984 or dlebrando@westporty.org.
