Lucie Connell, executive director of the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation, Inc has announced the organization’s next grant cycle for funding.

Since 2014, the foundation has provided $1,021,315 in grant awards to organizations working with individuals who have been impacted by 12/14/12 and to strengthen the community as a whole to support one another.

The foundation continues to focus on the development of partnerships with organizations and groups in the community who will be able to support and sustain recovery efforts for the long term. The hope is that over time, with the right structures in place, the community will be better equipped to support itself.

The foundation solicits proposals from qualified organizations to support this goal with an annual application deadline of March 20 — grant applications can be obtained by e-mailing Ms Connell at lconnell@nshcf.org.

“Per our mission, the Newtown-Sandy Hook Community Foundation provides funding for 501(c)(3) organizations that are working to support recovery efforts with groups and individuals impacted by the tragedy at Sandy Hook School on 12/14/12,” Ms Connell said.

Grant Awards Focus

The foundation is eager to partner with organizations that:

*focus and emphasize direct service to those most impacted, starting with the families of victims, surviving SHS students and staff, emergency responders, and others suffering traumatic effects from 12/14/12;

*recognize the importance of connecting individuals and groups to cohesive relationships and who have a record of doing so in the community;

*actively collaborate with other community organizations to complement services and create a network of support;

*offer programs and services that are supported by research and best practices in the field of trauma and disaster recovery;

*make data-informed decisions in programming and planning; and

*demonstrate solid sustainability plans.

This is a competitive grant process and all proposals will be reviewed by the Sandy Hook School Support Fund Distribution Committee, Ms Connell explained.

“Each proposal is evaluated with respect to available dollars and alignment with our priority areas for this round of funding,” she said. “During the review process, staff or committee members may initiate contact with an organization if additional information is needed or if a site visit is requested.”

After careful review, members of the Distribution Committee will make recommendations to the foundation’s board of directors for final approval. It is expected that all applicants will be notified by e-mail or mail no later than the final week in May regarding funding decisions.

Application Process

To be considered for funding, the foundation asks applicants to submit a proposal based on the specific guidelines.

For questions about this grant opportunity, e-mail Ms Connell or call 203-461-2233. Proposals must be submitted to lconnell@nshcf.org by 5 pm on March 20, 2020.

For more information, visit nshcf.org.