Grants Awarded To Community Programs

BRIDGEPORT — The Southbury Community Trust Fund, a component fund of Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation (GBAF), has granted more than $45,000 for ten community programs dedicated to the welfare of the Southbury region. The Southbury Community Trust Fund (SCTF) has made significant investments in initiatives focused on the environment, totaling more than $42,000 since 2002.

This year, SCTF committed nearly half of its grant funds to the environmental programs of Southbury Land Trust, National Audubon Society and Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition.

As a growing community, Southbury is experiencing rapid development and urbanization, which has highlighted the need for programs that preserve open space and protect nature. In response to this need, SCTF has granted more than $36,000 to Southbury Land Trust since 2002.

This year’s investment in the Endangered Properties Action Fund enables the land trust to balance land preservation with development, helping to protect Southbury’s natural resources and maintain the community’s native character and appeal.

The Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition received a $5,000 grant to attend the River Rally Conference, which will enable local elected officials, staff and volunteers to collaborate with other grassroots conservation groups and develop future action plans. The National Audubon Society also received funding for its Bent of the River program, which provides more than 700 students with the opportunity to actively conduct outdoor field research.

“As a committee made up of community members, we are dedicated to supporting programs that improve the quality of life for our families, our neighbors and the community at large,” said Shirley Michaels, Greater Bridgeport Area Foundation SCTF chairperson.

The complete 2006 Southbury Community Trust Fund grant recipients are: Girl Scouts Connecticut Trails, $2,477; Grace Meadows, $3,000; National Audubon Society at Bent of the River, $3,500; New Opportunities, $3,500; Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition, $5,000; Sacred Heart Youth Ministry, $1,000; Southbury Land Trust, $12,000; United Church of Christ, $2,000; Waterbury Hospital, $8,000; and Waterbury YMCA, $5,000.

Southbury Community Trust Fund committee awards grants annually to programs that have demonstrated a commitment to the wellbeing of Southbury and its residents.