This fund was established in 2021 by the Greater Bristol Branch of the NAACP as part of the chapter’s goal of achieving equality through educational opportunities. The scholarship is named in memory of two trailblazers: Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.; and Reverend Dr. Eddie C. Whitehead, a Bristol resident who was a community leader and one of the many community members and pastors who spearheaded the establishment of the Bristol NAACP back in 1985.
FUNDS
Reverend Dr. Eddie C. Whitehead of Bristol CT – Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship Fund
Transferred to the Community Foundation in 2002 by Bill and Pege DellaVecchia, the fund was first established in 1989 in memory of their son, Richard, who was killed in an automobile accident that year at the young age of 21. The fund awards scholarships to residents of Southington who are currently enrolled in a two-year or four-year college with a major in nursing. Applicants must have a passion for the nursing field and must demonstrate leadership skills along with good character and citizenship.
Established in 2014, this fund honors the memory of Richard “Rit” Croce. A lifelong Bristol resident, Rit was well known for his teaching, contracting and mentoring. A scholarship will be awarded annually to an adult returning to school or a graduating senior to pursue post secondary education. Preference will be given primarily to adult learners pursuing a skilled trade or major in education.
This fund was established by Angie McCormack in 2002 as part of her late husband’s wishes to support students graduating from Southington High School who have been active members of the Southington Kiwanis Key Club. This award will assist these students in furthering their post secondary education.
This scholarship fund was established by The Bradley Family Foundation, Geri Ann Bradley and her family to honor her brother Ron Burns for his tireless community leadership and commitment to the youth members at the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol. This fund will assist members in good standing of the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol with the tuition costs of post-secondary or technical education.
Ron and Emilie Duhaime established this fund in 2003 in memory of Edgar and Dorothy Duhaime to reflect the family’s long standing commitment to supporting charitable causes in Bristol.
The Rulkowski Family Charitable Fund was established in 2024 by Jonathan Rulkowski and his family, with a strong commitment to giving back to the community that has supported their family for multiple generations. The Fund’s primary focus is on shaping the future of Bristol by providing opportunities in the areas of youth development and education. Through strategic grants from this donor advised fund, the Rulkowski Family Charitable Fund aims to empower the next generation of leaders, foster educational growth, and create lasting positive change in the city of Bristol.
Susan and Ronald Sadecki established this fund in 2022 to honor their families and recognize Susan’s long-time commitment to the community foundation field. Grants from this fund will support a variety of charitable organizations, as recommended by the donors, primarily in the communities served by Main Street Community Foundation.
This fund was established in 2000 to assist families in need with children wishing to attend St. Matthew School in Bristol.
This fund, transferred to Main Street Community Foundation in 2014, was established to support the acquisition and purchase of books for the Bristol Public Library.
This trust, transferred to the Main Street Community Foundation in 2013, was originally established by bequest in 1973 by Samuel J. Goodsell. Distributions from this fund will be used for the care, maintenance, improvement, acquisition and extension of parks and playgrounds in Bristol, CT.
Transferred to Main Street Community Foundation in 2021, this fund promotes the appreciation of community history for the educational benefit of the general public. Annual distributions will be made to the City of Bristol Cemetery Commission for the maintenance, repair and restoration of monuments, headstones, and grave markers of historical or architectural significance to the community of Bristol, Connecticut, specifically monuments located in the North Burial Ground in Bristol and the East Burial Ground in Plymouth, CT.
Established by local orthopedic surgeon Scott Organ in 2000 to support student-athletes from single parent families who wish to pursue post-secondary education.
Established in 2007 by the Landry family to honor the memory of Sean Landry, who died in a tragic automobile accident. This scholarship fund will benefit current and past graduates of Terryville High School (THS) who were members of the THS basketball team and exemplify what it means to be a team player and a part of the Terryville community.
Sergeant Alex Hamzy was an eight-year veteran of the Bristol Police Department who was killed in the line of duty on October 12, 2022. At just 34 years old, Alex lived a life of accomplishments that reads more like a person who was decades older. He always wanted to be a police officer and served his hometown of Bristol with dedication, conviction and integrity. He was a longtime advisor for the Bristol Police Explorer Cadet Program and passionate about teaching young adults the values needed to succeed in serving their community.
This fund was established by the family of Sherwood L. Anderson to honor his memory and his years of service to many organizations.
Established in 2013, this fund honors the memory of Sid Bernard, a visual arts teacher who taught in the Bristol Public Schools for 25 years. The fund provides grants to nonprofit, nonreligious organizations that offer visual arts education programs for students from the Foundation's service area. Offering opportunities to primary and middle school age students, the donor’s wish is to support programs and projects that teach innovative or traditional art education skills to students.
This permanent designated fund was established by Sky Bight Foundation in 2011 to support ongoing maintenance of the Boys & Girls Club of Bristol. The Club serves youth ages 6-18 with programs that focus on academic success, healthy lifestyles, good character and citizenship.
Created in December 2004 by longtime Bristol residents and community volunteers Ed and Mary Smith to support a variety of charitable causes.
The Southington Arts Council retired its operations in 2018 and established this fund as a legacy to the community of Southington. During its 36 years of operation, the Southington Arts Council worked diligently to build community awareness for and participation in the cultural opportunities in Southington. The Southington Arts Council was founded in 1982 by Carole S. Milano in order to make the cultural arts accessible to the residents of Southington.
