September 2025 - Because needs within a community are ever-changing, unrestricted community funds are vitally important in helping to build thriving and vibrant communities where all residents have access to services.

Flexible and responsive to emerging and changing community needs, unrestricted community funds have no restrictions on their gifts and leave decisions about charitable use of the funds to the Foundation, making an impactful difference where it is needed most.
Examples of grants from unrestricted community funds have supported organizations and programs such as:

• Plainville Community Food Pantry, Inc., for the Food, Intervention, Outreach and Referral Program
• A therapeutic art program in Wolcott from the Community Counseling Center of Central CT and an equine therapy program in Bristol at Shepard Meadows Equestrian Center
• Grant Mastery Training mini-conference for local nonprofits to improve their knowledge of and ability to raise money
• Terryville Public Library and Burlington Public Library for expanded access to access to eBooks, audiobooks, and digital media

During the planning of MSCF’s 30th anniversary celebration in 2025, the Board of Directors wanted to ensure that the celebration would not only be a fabulous party, but that it would have an impact on the communities of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott for generations to come. Attendees were offered an exciting opportunity to establish their own unrestricted fund with MSCF matching any $5,000 donation, creating a $10,000 endowment immediately. The match opportunity had a massive response, with over two dozen attendees raising their paddles to show not only their trust in MSCF but their dedication to bettering their communities as well.

Prior to The Main Event, only 19 funds (6% of all funds) at the Foundation were unrestricted. As a result, there are currently a total of 42 unrestricted funds (12.6% of all funds) that have been established at MSCF. As these funds continue to grow, more and more grant dollars will be dispersed throughout your communities, helping MSCF meet the most pressing needs, which constantly change.

Contact us to learn more about how you can make an impact in YOUR community by establishing an unrestricted community fund at the Foundation.