This fund was established in 2011 through a bequest from Elizabeth Tyrrell in honor of herself and her late husband, Jay. Grants from this fund will provide support for artistic and cultural opportunities in the greater Bristol area.
FUNDS
Established in 2021 by his friends and family, this fund honors the memory of John “Jay” Bonetta. Jay was a true Bristolite. He enjoyed a long career as an educator in the Bristol school system. He served as co-editor of The Citizen, a local newspaper and for many years was active in city-wide volunteerism. This fund will support a variety of charitable organizations, primarily in the communities served by the Main Street Community Foundation.
This fund was established in 2011 through a bequest from Elizabeth M. Tyrrell in honor of her husband, Jay W. Tyrrell. This fund provides scholarships to assist individuals from the greater Bristol area in pursuit of higher education in the field of art.
This fund was established in 2015 in memory of Jean Sorey by her family and friends upon her passing. In remembrance of her passion and love for her family as well as her resilience as a single mother, distributions from the fund will support single parents for immediate needs to better their families.
This scholarship was established in 2024 by longtime Bristol resident Jeanne Radcliff. Jeanne is a world traveler who found joy and knowledge in exploring other countries and their cultures. Her first study abroad experience came unexpectedly when she was in high school and she had the opportunity to stay with a family in Chile. Then when she was in college, she studied for a year in Spain. She found both study trips to be a truly transformative experience that shaped her life in countless ways.
This fund was established in 2024 by longtime Bristol resident Jeanne Radcliff to support the emerging and changing needs of the communities served by the Foundation through grants where they are needed most.
Established in 2024 by Jeffrey’s wife, Jessica Pieri, in loving memory of Jeffrey C. Holdsworth. Jeffrey passed away in April of 2024 at the age of 37 due to complications from cancer. Jeff had a love of sports that began at an early age and carried on throughout his life. Jeff worked as a Senior Software Engineer at ESPN, dedicating his talents to enhancing the sports viewing experience for millions. Throughout his illustrious twelve-year career, he earned six Emmy Awards for his outstanding contributions, a testament to his talent and innovation during his tenure at ESPN.
For over 40 years, Jeffrey Downes drove commercial trucks, he loved his work, and truly had a passion for driving. This scholarship fund was established by his family to honor his memory upon his passing in 2015, after a hard fought battle with cancer. A scholarship will be awarded annually to an individual residing in Bristol, Burlington, Harwinton, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington or Wolcott to provide financial assistance towards obtaining skilled training as a commercial driver or other skilled trade with preference given to those applicants seeking a commercial driver license (CDL).
This fund was established in 2013 in memory of Jill Lynne Shackett, a beloved teacher at South Side School in Bristol who passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 35. This scholarship will provide assistance to students pursuing post secondary education at a four-year college or university with a major in education. The student must have a passion for teaching and the desire to become an elementary or secondary education teacher. Preference will be given to students who attended school in Bristol particularly at South Side School or Bristol Eastern High School.
Jill Lynne Shackett became a teacher in 2001 and taught at South Side School in Bristol, Connecticut. This fund was established in 2022 to honor the memory of Jill, who passed away unexpectedly at the young age of 35, and to honor the students in the school that meant so much to her. An annual grant will be distributed to South Side School to provide awards to fifth graders moving up to middle school to assist with the transition.
Established in 2010 with a gift from Jim Frawley to honor the memory of his beloved wife Eleanor. Grants from this fund will support a variety of charitable causes to meet the changing needs of the communities served by the foundation.
This fund was established in 2013 by David Mills to honor the memory of his wife, JoAnn Mills, who passed away in 2013. This fund will support a variety of charitable programs primarily in the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott, with a preference for programs that enhance women’s sports, provide access to behavioral health programs in the schools and/or after school and summer opportunities for youth who need financial assistance.
Joann Galati established this scholarship fund in 2019 to continue her love of working with children and young adults and celebrate her joy of teaching. This scholarship will provide annual assistance to graduating seniors or graduates of Bristol Central High School or Bristol Eastern High School pursuing post-secondary education at a four-year college or university with a major in education. Joann wants to give students the opportunity to pursue a career in a field that gave her so much joy. A Southington resident, Joann spent 35 years in education before retiring in 1999.
This fund was established in 2011 by John and Susan Scarritt to honor Susan’s parents Gloria and John (Johnny D) DiFrancesco on the occasion of the 10th Anniversary Year of the Women & Girls Fund. Gloria and John lived their lives full of compassion and were committed to community service. Distributions from this permanent fund will advance the initiatives identified by the Women & Girls Fund of the Main Street Community Foundation.
This scholarship fund was established by members of the Walsh family and transferred to the Main Street Community Foundation in 2011. In 2020 the scholarship fund was rededicated to also honor the memory of her husband John (Jack). It will provide financial assistance to graduating high school seniors at Bristol Central High School or Bristol Eastern High School pursuing post secondary education at a four-year college or university.
To mark John Leone’s retirement in 2008 from the Greater Bristol Chamber of Commerce, the Chamber board of directors, with gifts from family, friends and businesses, established a fund in his honor. John committed a great portion of his career to public service and then later as the leader of the Chamber. This permanent advised fund will support charitable programs in the Greater Bristol community with some preference given to healthcare and youth-related programs.
Established in 2003 by Bob and Carolyn Fiondella in memory of Carolyn’s father John Brozinski, the fund was renamed in 2012 to also honor the memory of Anne Povilaitis, John's sister. This fund will support pulmonary rehabilitation programs at Bristol Hospital.
This fund was established by friends and family as a loving tribute to Mrs. Lazorik in 1980 following her death; it was then renamed in 2015 following the death of Doris' husband John. The Fund was transferred to Main Street Community Foundation in 1997 and is open to high school seniors from any of the three Bristol high schools to assist them with first year college expenses.
Transferred to the Community Foundation from Terryville High School in 2004, this fund assists a graduating senior who is in financial need and is interested in post-secondary education at a two or four-year school.
Established in 2001 by John Whitcomb’s wife Marian and his children, this fund honors his dedication to a lifetime in the teaching profession, as well as his deep concern for all of his students and his belief in the value and self worth of each individual. Open to graduating seniors and past graduates of Bristol Eastern High School with an interest in social studies and/or education and with consideration to an individual with potential who may be struggling to overcome difficulties.
