Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $4,947,741 (2023)
• Total Assets: ~$150 million across 280+ funds
• Grant Range: $1,000 - $50,000 (most programs lower)
• Geographic Focus: 20-town service area in Northwest Connecticut
• Scholarships: $532,100 awarded (2025-2026 academic year)
• Total Grants Awarded: 93 grants (2023)

Contact Details

Address: Torrington, CT
Website: https://www.yournccf.org/
Phone: 860-626-1245
Grants Manager: Christina Tranquillo, ctranquillo@yournccf.org
Application Portal: Online Grant Lifecycle Manager Portal
Nonprofit Resources: https://www.yournccf.org/information-for/nonprofits

Overview

Founded in 1969 with an initial donation of $15,000, the Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation (NCCF) has grown to become a major philanthropic force in the region, managing over 280 funds with total assets of approximately $150 million. The foundation's mission is to enrich the quality of life for residents of Northwest Connecticut by inspiring local philanthropy, convening stakeholders in community welfare, strengthening the regional nonprofits network, and fostering collaborative funding partnerships. In 2023, NCCF distributed $4.9 million in grants to area nonprofits across its 20-town service area, with 93 grants awarded. The foundation emphasizes flexible funding organized around the type and timing of funding rather than rigid thematic restrictions, making it an accessible funder for the region's nonprofit sector.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programs

NCCF offers multiple funding mechanisms throughout the year:

Cycle Grants (Three times annually)
Competitive grant rounds from Community Catalyst and Field of Interest funds supporting programs, capital improvements, capacity building, and operating expenses. Grant amounts vary by fund.

Year-End Critical Needs Grants (Deadline: October 15)
Minimum $60,000 allocated annually for critical needs grants to public charities and faith-based organizations through the Draper Foundation Fund and Marion Wm. & Alice Edwards Fund.

Building Healthy Communities Fund
Grant awards typically range from $5,000-$50,000, with larger requests considered if critical to project success.

Torrington County Impact Grants (Deadline: Early April)
Grants up to $15,000 for community impact projects.

Youth Fund Grants (Spring deadline)
Awards determined by recommendations from area high school students participating in the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) council.

Edwards Community Endowment Program (ECEP)
Matching grants program providing $1 for every $4 raised (maximum $20,000 match) to help nonprofits establish or grow endowments. Minimum 3 years in existence required; organizations must raise at least $16,000 to receive matching funds.

Priority Areas

NCCF empowers nonprofits across multiple sectors:

• Arts and Culture
• Civic Engagement
• Education (with special emphasis on Early Childhood Literacy)
• Health (including mental health and addiction prevention)
• Social Services (including domestic violence prevention)
• Environmental Stewardship
• Women and Girls' Causes
• Youth Support and Childcare
• Housing and Food Systems
• Economic Development

Special Priority: NCCF has established a funding priority around Early Childhood Literacy, encouraging thought leadership and program development in this area. The foundation notes there are many ways nonprofits can inspire reading and boost reading comprehension.

What They Don't Fund

For the Edwards Community Endowment Program specifically, the following do not qualify:

• Funds from existing reserves or operational pledges
• Funds re-directed by a Board of Directors that are specifically earmarked for current operational uses

Governance and Leadership

Key Personnel

Guy Rovezzi - President and CEO
Under Rovezzi's leadership, the foundation has emphasized collaborative approaches to community challenges. He has stated: "Local nonprofits are the backbone of our community well-being, and it's incumbent on those who have resources to step forward and protect these institutions that make our region so special."

On community collaboration, Rovezzi noted: "Our hope is that all community stakeholders will use [our reports] to take steps to address these findings, develop partnerships with others to create new strategies for supporting our children and families, and to advocate for local, state and federal policy changes that will improve child and family outcomes."

Senior Staff:

• Kyle Wilkinson - Senior VP of Finance and Operations
• Leslie Friscia - Chief Financial Officer
• Julia Scharnberg - VP of Community Engagement
• Christina Tranquillo - Grants Manager
• Brigid Healy - Grants and Scholarships Officer
• Nicole Easley - VP of Communications and Digital Media
• Katina Hungerford-McGrath - Communications Officer
• Bradford Hoar - VP of Philanthropic Services
• Lorraine Haddock - Assistant to the President

Recent Board Additions:

• Anthea Disney - Media and publishing luminary with extensive leadership experience
• Sandra (Sandy) Edelman - Legal expert in trademark, copyright, and social media law

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

Applications are submitted through NCCF's Online Grant Lifecycle Manager Portal. The foundation provides comprehensive support materials including:

• Quick Start Guide
• Grant Guidelines documents
• Online tutorials and support

Contact for Questions: Christina Tranquillo, Grants Manager
Email: ctranquillo@yournccf.org
Phone: 860-626-1245

Eligibility Requirements

General Requirements:

• 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
• Located within or serving NCCF's 20-town service area in Northwest Connecticut
• Organizations must be able to demonstrate impact within the service area

ECEP Additional Requirements:

• Minimum 3 years in existence
• Must raise minimum $16,000 to qualify for matching funds
• Must demonstrate organizational stability and track record in fundraising
• Board member involvement in fundraising required
• Marketing plan including planned giving initiatives

Application Deadlines

The foundation operates on multiple timelines depending on the grant program:

• Cycle Grants: Three competitive rounds per year (specific dates vary)
• Year-End Critical Needs: October 15
• Torrington County Impact Grants: Early April
• Youth Fund Grants: Spring
• Next Deadline Referenced: January 31 for certain programs

Decision Timeline

Cycle Grants are reviewed and awarded three times per year following competitive review processes. Specific decision timelines vary by program and are communicated to applicants during the application process.

Success Rates

• 2023: 93 grants awarded
• 2022: 88 grants awarded
• 2021: 86 grants awarded
• 2020: 64 grants awarded

The foundation is described by Inside Philanthropy as "an accessible funder" for nonprofits in its 20-town region, with most programs accepting applications rather than operating on invitation-only basis.

Reapplication Policy

Specific reapplication policies vary by fund. Organizations should review guidelines for individual grant programs and consult with the Grants Manager regarding reapplication opportunities after an unsuccessful submission.

Application Success Factors

Based on NCCF's stated priorities and funded projects, successful applications demonstrate:

For General Grant Programs:

• Clear Connection to Service Area: Direct benefit to residents of the 20-town service area
• Alignment with Priority Areas: Strong fit with arts, education, health, social services, environmental stewardship, or the special priority of Early Childhood Literacy
• Community Impact: Measurable outcomes and community benefit
• Collaborative Approach: Partnership with other organizations or community stakeholders reflects the foundation's emphasis on "convening stakeholders in community welfare"
• Capacity and Stability: Demonstrated organizational effectiveness

For Edwards Community Endowment Program (ECEP): The foundation specifically recommends that organizations:

• Integrate Endowment-Building: Incorporate endowment development into overall development strategy
• Demonstrate Board Engagement: Show active board member involvement in fundraising efforts
• Present Marketing Plans: Include planned giving initiatives in development communications
• Show Organizational Track Record: Demonstrate stability and success in various fundraising methods
• Commitment to Sustainability: Long-term thinking about organizational financial health

Examples of Recently Funded Projects:

Women & Girls Fund (2024):

• Housatonic Youth Service Bureau: $4,000 for summer enrichment programs and GoLiveGirl implementation
• Litchfield Hills Rowing Club: $1,750 for seasonal and competition fees for young women ages 14-19
• McCall Behavioral Health Network: $4,500 for Return-to-Work program for women experiencing unemployment

Douglas and Janet Roberts Fund (2023):

• Friends of American Legion and Peoples State Forests: Documentary film for 100th anniversary of People's State Forest
• Barkhamsted Historical Society: Preservation projects for Merrill Tavern and Barkhamsted Center Schoolhouse
• Town of Barkhamsted: Feasibility study for pedestrian bridge across Farmington River
• Barkhamsted Youth Baseball League: Construction of snack shack with bathrooms at Riverton Ballfields

These examples show the foundation's interest in supporting youth development, cultural preservation, infrastructure improvements, and women's economic empowerment.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic Specificity is Critical: Ensure your project clearly serves residents within NCCF's 20-town Northwest Connecticut service area
• Consider Early Childhood Literacy Priority: If your work touches on reading, literacy, or early childhood development, emphasize this alignment with NCCF's stated priority area
• Multiple Funding Opportunities: With programs running on different cycles throughout the year, there may be multiple relevant opportunities—review all grant programs to identify the best fit
• Accessible and Flexible Funder: NCCF is described as organizing funding "around the type and timing of funding" rather than rigid themes, making them more accessible than highly prescriptive funders
• Emphasize Collaboration: Given President Rovezzi's emphasis on partnership and convening stakeholders, applications that demonstrate collaborative approaches may resonate strongly
• Use Available Resources: Take advantage of the Quick Start Guide, Grant Guidelines, and the expertise of Grants Manager Christina Tranquillo—the foundation provides substantial application support
• Consider ECEP for Long-Term Sustainability: If your organization is ready to build endowment capacity, the 1:4 matching program represents significant leverage for fundraising efforts (up to $20,000 match)

References

1. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Official Website: https://www.yournccf.org/ (Accessed December 2024)
2. Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Nonprofit Resources: https://www.yournccf.org/information-for/nonprofits (Accessed December 2024)
3. Cause IQ Profile - Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation: https://www.causeiq.com/organizations/northwest-connecticut-community-foundation,061565733/ (Accessed December 2024)
4. Inside Philanthropy - Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation: https://www.insidephilanthropy.com/find-a-grant-places/connecticut-grants/northwest-connecticut-community-foundation (Accessed December 2024)
5. GuideStar Profile - Northwest CT Community Foundation: https://www.guidestar.org/profile/06-1565733 (Accessed December 2024)
6. Candid Foundation Directory - Northwest CT Community Foundation: https://fconline.foundationcenter.org/fdo-grantmaker-profile?key=TORR004 (Accessed December 2024)
7. Republican-American: "Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation awards $187,750 in grants to area nonprofits" (April 2024): https://www.rep-am.com/localnews/2024/04/16/in-grants-for-area-nonprofits/ (Accessed December 2024)
8. Connecticut Council for Philanthropy - Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation: https://www.ctphilanthropy.org/redhen/org/211 (Accessed December 2024)
9. ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer - Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation Inc: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/61565733 (Accessed December 2024)
10. Republican-American: "Northwest Connecticut Community Foundation pledges $470K to help nonprofits impacted by pandemic" (March 2020): https://www.rep-am.com/local/localnews/2020/03/26/northwest-connecticut-community-foundation-pledges-470k-to-help-nonprofits-impacted-by-pandemic/ (Accessed December 2024)
11. CT Insider: "In 10th year, Giving Tuesday 'essential' to some CT organizations": https://www.ctinsider.com/business/article/In-10th-year-Giving-Tuesday-essential-to-16661219.php (Accessed December 2024)