Main Street Community Foundation

Quick Stats

Annual Giving: $2,700,000 (FY 2024)
Total Assets: $61,900,000
Grant Range: $750 - $150,000
Average General Grant: ~$3,200
Geographic Focus: Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott, Connecticut
Funds Managed: 297 funds established since 1995
Total Giving Since 1995: $30,900,000

Contact Details

Main Street Community Foundation

Website: www.mainstreetfoundation.org
Phone: 860-583-6363
Address: Bristol, CT

Grantmaking Team:

Whitney Shufelt, Director of Grants & Programs: whitney@mainstreetfoundation.org
Alicia Krar, Grants Manager: alicia@mainstreetfoundation.org
Samantha Rajotte, Scholarship & Program Officer: samantha@mainstreetfoundation.org

Required Pre-Application Contact: Applicants must contact the grants team at least one week before the deadline to discuss eligibility and proposed projects.

Overview

Founded in 1995, Main Street Community Foundation serves six Connecticut communities with $61.9 million in total assets and $2.7 million in annual grantmaking. The foundation manages 297 donor-advised funds, endowments, and designated funds, distributing grants through competitive cycles and donor-directed giving. Over its 30-year history, the foundation has awarded $30.9 million in grants and scholarships, making it one of the leading grantmakers in Central Connecticut. The foundation earned a 4/4 Star rating from Charity Navigator. In 2024, the foundation received $2.7 million in gifts and established 12 new funds. Leadership emphasizes responsive grantmaking that addresses emerging community needs identified by local nonprofits, with a particular focus on flexible funding that allows organizations to innovate and diversify their programs.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

General Grant Cycle (Annual, Spring)

Amount: $750 - $5,500 (typical range)
Total Pool: ~$160,000 annually
Application: Online through grants portal
Deadline: Late March
Description: Competitive grants for programs, capital expenditures, or general operating support. Organizations funded for two consecutive years must skip the next cycle.

Bradley Henry Barnes and Leila Upson Barnes Memorial Trust

Amount: $25,000 - $150,000
Total Pool: ~$655,000 annually
Focus: Health and healthcare initiatives in Southington
Cycles: New funding (January/February) and continued funding (February/March)
Recent Recipients: LiveWell ($150,000 for dementia initiatives), Wheeler Clinic ($116,422 for mental health services)

Plainville Community Fund

Deadline: Mid-March
Focus: Basic Needs, Access to Opportunity, Vibrant Communities
Service Area: Plainville residents only

Women & Girls Fund and Men & Boys Fund

Cycles: Fall deadlines (September)
Recent Awards: $60,000 distributed to 14 organizations supporting women and girls

Multiple Donor-Advised and Designated Funds

Over 150 specialized funds with varying eligibility criteria
Application requirements vary by fund

Priority Areas

The foundation organizes funding around three strategic themes:

Basic Needs

Food security and emergency assistance
Housing support
Essential services for vulnerable populations

Access to Opportunity

Youth development and education programs
Skills training and workforce development
Programs reducing barriers to advancement

Vibrant Communities

Arts and cultural programming
Community development initiatives
Environmental and animal welfare projects
Civic engagement and leadership

What They Don't Fund

Previously incurred obligations or operating deficits
Organizations outside the six-town service area
Organizations not in compliance with prior grant reporting requirements
General Grant Cycle applications from organizations funded two consecutive years

Governance and Leadership

Leadership Team

Susan D. Sadecki, MBA - President & CEO

Provides overall organizational leadership since before 2020
Key Philosophy: "I love when organizations put together some very unique applications, and we're able to provide the funding for those because they can't otherwise diversify their offerings if they don't have a funder like the Main Street Community Foundation."
On responsive grantmaking: "For us to be able to respond to those changing needs, we need to be able to listen to our nonprofits. And this is just one way that we do that, through the general grant application process."

Whitney Shufelt - Director of Grants & Programs

Oversees all grantmaking and scholarship programs
Reviews grant proposals and provides technical assistance to applicants
Responsible for developing program initiatives and monitoring grants

Board of Directors

The foundation is governed by a 21-member board of community leaders serving up to two 3-year terms.

Officers (2025):

Daniel Daigle (Chair) - Mugford & Dibella
Kathryn C. Reinhard (Vice-Chair) - Joe & Kay Calvanese Foundation Inc.
William R. Micari (Secretary) - Micari Financial Group, LLC
Kyle S. Biddick (Treasurer) - Adams Samartino & Co., P.C.
Scott F. Fournier (Past Chair) - Retired Small Business Owner

Notable Board Members:

Kim Ward Holley (BristolWorks!)
Megan E. Albanese (Southington Steps Coalition)
Mark Moriarty (First Tee of Connecticut)
Jennifer O'Connor (Barnes Foundation)
Michael F. Sweeney (Torrington Savings Bank)

The Distribution Committee reviews all proposals, conducts site visits, and makes final funding recommendations to the Board of Directors.

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

CRITICAL FIRST STEP: All applicants must contact Whitney Shufelt (whitney@mainstreetfoundation.org), Alicia Krar (alicia@mainstreetfoundation.org), or another grantmaking team member at least one week before the application deadline to:

Discuss the proposed project
Confirm eligibility
Receive guidance on the application

Application System: All applications submitted through the online grants portal at grantinterface.com/Process/Apply?urlkey=mainstreetfoundation

Eligibility Requirements:

501(c)(3) tax-exempt public charity status
Serve residents of Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, or Wolcott
Compliance with all prior grant reporting requirements
Cannot have received General Grant Cycle funding for two consecutive years

Application Types Accepted:

Programs
Capital expenditures
General operating support (for future, planned expenditures only)

Decision Timeline

While specific decision timelines vary by grant cycle, the foundation follows this general pattern:

Spring application deadlines (late March)
Distribution Committee review and site visits (timing not publicly specified)
Board approval
Award notifications and distribution (typically summer)
Fall application deadlines (mid-September)

The foundation distributed $2,006,000 from January through September 2025, indicating ongoing grant cycles throughout the year.

Success Rates

Based on recent General Grant Cycle data:

2025: 50 organizations funded from applicant pool (exact application number not disclosed)
2023: 44 organizations funded
2018: 40 organizations funded from 45 proposals = 89% success rate

The high success rate in 2018 suggests competitive but achievable funding, though success rates may vary year to year based on funding availability and application quality. The required pre-application consultation likely helps screen out ineligible applicants, improving overall success rates.

Reapplication Policy

General Grant Cycle Restriction: Organizations receiving funding for two or more consecutive years are not eligible to apply in the following grant cycle. This policy encourages broader distribution of resources across the nonprofit community.

Second-Year Applicants: Organizations applying for a second consecutive year of funding for the same program may qualify for an abbreviated application.

Unsuccessful Applicants: The foundation does not appear to have a waiting period or restriction for organizations whose applications were denied. They may reapply in subsequent cycles.

Compliance Requirement: All applicants must be in compliance with previous grant reporting requirements to be considered.

Application Success Factors

What This Funder Values

Collaboration and Partnership The foundation explicitly states: "Collaborations between organizations are encouraged and will be given special consideration." Multi-organizational partnerships addressing community needs are viewed favorably.

Innovation and Unique Approaches President Susan Sadecki emphasizes the foundation's role in enabling innovation: "I love when organizations put together some very unique applications, and we're able to provide the funding for those because they can't otherwise diversify their offerings." Don't hesitate to propose creative solutions or new program models.

Responsiveness to Community Needs The foundation prioritizes "emerging needs that are identified by our local nonprofit organizations." Applications should demonstrate clear community need and how the organization is positioned to respond effectively.

Geographic Connection All proposals must demonstrate clear benefit to residents of the six-town service area. Specificity about which communities are served and how strengthens applications.

Financial Planning Grants are for "future, planned expenditures and not to cover operating deficits or previously incurred obligations." Applications must demonstrate forward-looking financial planning.

Recent Funded Projects (2025)

Examples of successful grants provide insight into funding patterns:

Youth & Education:

Bristol Boys & Girls Club: After-school programming
Bristol Little League: Equipment for concession area
First Tee of Connecticut: Youth development programming

Basic Needs:

Bristol Community Organization: Food pantry operations
Plainville Community Food Pantry: Emergency food assistance
Southington Community Services: Basic needs support

Health & Wellness:

LiveWell: $150,000 for dementia care initiatives
Wheeler Clinic: $116,422 for mental health and substance abuse services
Senior Transportation Services: $113,127 for older adult mobility

Arts & Culture:

Bristol Symphony Orchestra: Performance series
Plainville Historic Center: Museum operations
Bristol Historical Society: Preservation activities

Animal Welfare:

Animal Rescue Foundation: Shelter operations
Various animal welfare organizations

Strategic Timing

The required pre-application consultation serves multiple purposes:

Ensures eligibility before investing time in a full application
Provides opportunity to refine project concept with foundation guidance
Allows staff to connect applicants with appropriate funding sources
Builds relationship with foundation staff

Contact the grants team early in your planning process, not just one week before the deadline.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

Pre-application consultation is mandatory - Contact Whitney Shufelt or Alicia Krar at least one week before the deadline. Use this conversation strategically to refine your proposal.
Collaboration receives special consideration - Partnerships between organizations addressing shared community needs are explicitly encouraged. Consider coalition applications.
Innovation is welcomed - The foundation specifically seeks to fund "unique applications" that help organizations diversify offerings. Don't shy away from creative or pilot programs.
Two-year funding limit for General Grants - If you've received General Grant Cycle funding for two consecutive years, you must skip a cycle. Plan accordingly and explore other foundation funds during off years.
Geographic specificity matters - Clearly articulate which of the six communities your project serves and demonstrate deep understanding of local needs.
High success rates suggest accessibility - The 89% success rate in 2018 indicates that well-prepared, eligible applications have strong chances of funding. The pre-application consultation helps filter out weak applications.
Multiple funding opportunities exist - With 297 funds under management, including specialized funds for women/girls, men/boys, and specific health initiatives, research all available options beyond the General Grant Cycle.

References

Main Street Community Foundation Official Website. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org. Accessed December 16, 2025.
Main Street Community Foundation Grants Page. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/grants. Accessed December 16, 2025.
Main Street Community Foundation - Apply for a Grant. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/apply-for-grant. Accessed December 16, 2025.
Main Street Community Foundation - Grants Awarded. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/grants-awarded. Accessed December 16, 2025.
Main Street Community Foundation - Board of Directors. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/board-of-directors. Accessed December 16, 2025.
Main Street Community Foundation - Staff. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/staff. Accessed December 16, 2025.
Main Street Community Foundation - Financial Overview. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/financial-overview. Accessed December 16, 2025.
Charity Navigator - Rating for Main Street Community Foundation. https://www.charitynavigator.org/ein/061433299. Accessed December 16, 2025.
Main Street Community Foundation | Cause IQ. https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/main-street-community-foundation,061433299/. Accessed December 16, 2025.
"Main Street Community Foundation Shifts Focus Amid COVID-19 Pandemic." Main Street Community Foundation. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/main-street-community-foundation-shifts-focus-amid-covid-19-pandemic-awards-over-465000-operating. Accessed December 16, 2025.
"Supporting Basic Needs. Developing Access to Opportunities. Creating Vibrant Communities." Main Street Community Foundation. https://www.mainstreetfoundation.org/2025generalgrants. Accessed December 16, 2025.
"Main Street Community Foundation awards over $160,000 to 50 organizations in the greater Bristol area." The Bristol Edition. August 6, 2025. https://www.bristoledition.org/blog/2025/08/06/main-street-community-foundation-awards-over-160000-to-50-organizations-in-the-greater-bristol-area/. Accessed December 16, 2025.
"Main Street Community Foundation marks 30 years at annual meeting." The Bristol Edition. March 31, 2025. https://www.bristoledition.org/blog/2025/03/31/main-street-community-foundation-marks-30-years-at-annual-meeting/. Accessed December 16, 2025.