Our Leadership Efforts
Arts Collaborative
The Connecticut Community Foundation, the Waterbury Regional Chamber and the Connecticut Commission on the Arts organized an Arts Summit in 2005 that led to the formation of the Waterbury Region Arts and Culture Collaborative.
Working to enhance the fine work of our region’s many arts and cultural institutions, the Connecticut Community Foundation encouraged area arts agencies to consider ways to strengthen local marketing, encourage joint programming, and build audiences.
As a result, the Waterbury Region Arts and Culture Collaborative has developed a Web site, joint brochures and launched “Out with the Artists” events.
Environment - Preserving and Enhancing Our Watersheds
In February 2011, a forum on the Naugatuck River, organized by CCF and Rivers Alliance of Connecticut, brought together more than 140 representatives from state agencies, municipalities and river organizations along the Naugatuck River corridor from Torrington to Derby.
Keynote speakers included Dan Esty, newly-appointed Commissioner of Connecticut’s Department of Energy and Environment, and U.S. Representative Chris Murphy, both of whom stressed the need for a partnership among businesses, river associations and government to revitalize the river valley.
Several speakers described the remarkable evolution of the river from a polluted industrial waterway to a clean river that has brought back fish and other wildlife to our area. Many recreational activities already occur on the river and more are planned such as the 44 mile Greenway.
Mayors and Selectmen from the river towns pledged their support for a coordinated effort to develop the river as a major asset for our region.
The Naugatuck River Forum is part of CCF's focus on preserving and enhancing our watersheds. Grants have also been awarded to the Pomperaug River Watershed Coalition and the Shepaug River Association. Read more
Cancer and heart disease remain two of the leading causes of death in the United States.
The Connecticut Community Foundation has been able to bring in national models of care working in partnership with area hospitals, health professionals, community agencies and the American Cancer Society and American Heart Association.
Nonprofit Assistance Initiative (NAI)
The Nonprofit Assistance Initiative (NAI), a joint program of the Connecticut Community Foundation and the United Way of Greater Waterbury, strengthens our nonprofits through technical assistance, grants, professional advisors and other resources that are available in our Nonprofit Survival Kit.
The NAI also serves as a regional conduit for the latest information on nonprofit best practices, innovation and excellence.
Lifelong Learning
The vision of one person, the staff support from a local private foundation, the interest of a local university and the leadership of the Connecticut Community Foundation resulted in the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) at the University of Connecticut in Waterbury.
Since its inception in 2006, OLLI has offered a wide range of classes and events to more than 750 area seniors.
LitLinks
The Connecticut Community Foundation is working in many of our 21 towns to help preschools and elementary schools improve kindergarten readiness, and insure that elementary school students are on target to be reading on grade level by age 8.
Through our LitLinks program, we partner with agencies to add new facilities and assist teachers, principals, child center directors, and parents to develop family resource centers. Read more
The Women’s Initiative Fund is a permanent endowment, established in 1993 at the Connecticut Community Foundation to support innovative programs that improve the quality of life of women and children in our region.
Co-founders, Kay Campbell and Peggy Lawlor, recruited dozens of area women to establish the fund. Since then hundreds of people have contributed to the fund with their time, talent and treasure – forming a giving circle that continues to grow. Learn more
