9 Southington Organizations Receive Major Community Grant

SOUTHINGTON, CT — Nine organizations serving Southington residents will share more than $29,000 in grants for projects ranging from a food pantry and youth robotics to softball field improvements and preservation work at the Barnes Museum.

Main Street Community Foundation recently awarded $29,280 to the organizations through its annual General Grant Cycle.

The Southington awards are part of $167,740 in grants distributed to 47 organizations serving Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott.

The largest Southington-related award, $6,000, went to the Southington Public Library-Barnes Museum for exterior preservation and conservatory woodwork restoration.

The Southington Housing Authority received $5,000 for improvements to community spaces intended to encourage socialization and physical activity and improve safety.

CyberKnights Robotics received $4,500 to begin modernization and upgrades to its shop as part of the Southington STEM Pipeline.

Other grants benefiting Southington include:

• Mattatuck Museum in Waterbury — $4,140: For an after-school art program conducted in collaboration with the Southington YMCA. The program will introduce participants to different artists, mediums and styles.
• Palace Theater Group in Waterbury — $3,000: To support a performance of "Mrs. Doubtfire" and a post-show discussion for high school students from Southington and four other area communities.
• Friends of Southington Community Services — $2,000: For equipment and supplies for its Operation Stay Warm clothing program for families in need.
• Southington Girls Softball League— $2,000: To replace the Field 1 dugout, a project expected to benefit 350 female athletes.
• The Tabernacle Christian Church — $1,440: To purchase groceries and fresh food for its Giving Back Food Pantry, which serves food-insecure residents in Southington and surrounding communities.
• Southington Symphonic Band — $1,200: For sheet music and related expenses supporting community performances.

Main Street Community Foundation's General Grant Cycle supports projects addressing basic needs, access to opportunities and community quality of life. Funding comes from endowed charitable funds established by donors.

Applications are submitted annually in the spring and reviewed by local residents serving on the foundation's Distribution Committee.

]Committee members review proposals and conduct site visits before making recommendations to the foundation's board of directors.

Main Street Community Foundation, established in 1995, serves Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington and Wolcott. The foundation said it has awarded nearly $36 million in grants and scholarships since its founding.