Branford Community Foundation & Branford Public Schools Announce Matching Challenge Grant to Support New Fund

Every Branford student deserves the opportunity to fully participate in school without financial barriers. This was the sentiment that inspired the creation of a new fund at the Branford Community Foundation (BCF)—The Branford Education Fund.

Beginning in 2025, the Branford Education Fund was conceived as a partnership between BCF and Branford Public Schools (BPS), in order to provide a lasting source of funding to support BPS students and their families facing financial hardship. Initially, the Fund will help cover the cost of school meals. As it grows, it will expand to address other financial barriers to participation—such as fees for music programs, athletics, field trips, and other activities that require out-of-pocket expenses. The goal is to ensure that all students have equitable access to the full educational experience, regardless of their financial circumstances.

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As a point of reference, over 33% of Branford students are eligible to participate in federal free and reduced lunch. In Connecticut, a family of four earning $42,900 or under qualifies for free lunch, and a family of four making under $61,050 qualifies for reduced-price meals. Additionally, Branford has four Title I schools.

This year, a local family calling themselves "Secret Angels" provided a $10,000 challenge grant to help the Fund get started. BCF and BPS are excited to announce that now, for every dollar raised, Secret Angels will match a dollar to the fund. Funds will be raised during the months of September and October, traditional back-to-school time, and BCF and BPS invite community members to participate as founding supporters of the Branford Education Fund by making a gift during this time when their impact will be doubled by the generosity of the Secret Angels.

"In our community, many are surprised to learn that one in three students qualify for free or reduced lunch. The newly established fund marks an exciting first step toward ensuring every child in Branford has the support they need to stay healthy, feel safe, and thrive in the classroom. We are incredibly fortunate to have Secret Angels and the Branford Community Foundation championing the well-being and success of all our children," said James O'Connor, Principal of Tisko Elementary School.

"The Branford Education Fund reaches the costs our school budget can't, so that no Branford student sits out lunch, a field trip, or a season on the team, and this September and October, the Secret Angels make every gift toward that goal count twice," said Blaize Levitan, Chief Operating Officer, Branford Public Schools.

No matter their financial situation, every student deserves the full school experience. A school lunch, a seat on the bus for a field trip, an instrument in band, or the chance to play on a team may seem like small things, but for a child, they can shape confidence, friendships, and a lifelong love of learning. The Branford Education Fund exists to remove financial barriers so every student can participate fully in school. By giving today, your gift helps to ensure that every child in Branford has the opportunity to learn, belong, and thrive. Your gift provides immediate assistance for students facing financial hardship, while building a permanent fund that will serve Branford families for generations. Together, we're creating a stronger, more equitable future, one student at a time.

To learn more or to make a contribution to the Branford Education Fund today, visit branfordcommunityfoundation.org/fund/branford-education-fund.