Foundation Awards $2.7M, Names New Leaders At Annual Meeting

BRISTOL/SOUTHINGTON, CT — The Bristol-based Main Street Community Foundation reported more than $2.7 million in grants and scholarships awarded in 2025 and elected new board leadership during its annual meeting, which reviewed the organization’s 30th year of operations.

The funding supports residents in Bristol, Burlington, Plainville, Plymouth, Southington, and Wolcott.

Since its founding in 1995, the foundation has distributed more than $33.6 million, officials said.

In 2025, the organization also received $4.9 million in contributions and established 35 new charitable funds.

Brain health initiative highlighted

At the recent meeting, Michael Smith, president and CEO of LiveWell, outlined efforts to promote brain health in the region.

LiveWell, located in the Plantsville section of Southington, is a specialized clinic for dementia and Alzheimer's care.

Smith discussed the launch of a FINGER-based Cognitive Wellness Clinic at LiveWell, supported by a grant from the Barnes Memorial Trust, which is overseen by the foundation and originated out of Southington.

The clinic, developed in partnership with the Yale School of Nursing, evaluates individuals for dementia risk factors and connects them with programs at LiveWell’s Resilient Living Center.

LiveWell aims to establish Southington as a “Healthy Brain Zone,” focusing on prevention strategies.

According to research cited at the meeting, about 45% of dementia cases may be preventable or delayed through lifestyle interventions.

New board members and officers elected

Foundation members elected two new board members: Terry Gomez Lombardi of Southington and Keith Bernier of Bristol.

The board also approved new officers:

• Kathryn Reinhard as chair
• William Micari as vice chair
• Kyle Biddick as secretary
• Mark Moriarty as treasurer
• Daniel Daigle as past chair

Board members are responsible for overseeing grantmaking and ensuring donor intent is carried out.

Next steps

Foundation leaders said they plan to continue expanding grantmaking and partnerships across the six-town region in 2026, with a continued focus on community health, education, and nonprofit support.

For more information on the Main Street Community Foundation, click on this link.