The 2026 funding cycle marks the Foundation’s largest grant distribution and highest number of grant recipients.

Danbury, Conn. (July 7, 2026) – The Union Savings Bank (USB) Foundation recently awarded a record $693,000 in grants to 80 nonprofit organizations across 34 communities, marking the largest grant distribution and highest number of recipients since the Foundation’s inception in 1998. The funding supports organizations serving individuals and families throughout Central and Western Connecticut, as well as neighboring areas, reflecting the 160-year-old community bank’s continued investment in the regions it serves.

The 80 grant recipients for 2026 provide a diverse spectrum of essential community services, ranging from education and literacy to youth enrichment, the arts and culture, health and wellness, food insecurity, housing, and economic development.

“At Union Savings Bank, we believe that the strength of our region is defined by the resilience and dedication of the nonprofits that serve it,” said Union Savings Bank President and CEO, Chelen Reyes. “By awarding a record $693,000 this year, we are proud to broaden our reach across Central and Western Connecticut and neighboring communities, supporting the vital missions of 80 exceptional organizations.

Michele Bonvicini, executive director of the USB Foundation added, “At a time when many local nonprofits are navigating the dual pressures of rising costs and strained funding resources, we recognize that our support is more vital than ever. It is an honor for the USB Foundation to empower these partners as they provide the care, education, and resources that help our neighbors thrive.”

Organizations receiving 2026 grants include:

• Ability Beyond – (Bethel) Provides clinical, residential, and employment services for people with disabilities. $10,000
• After School Arts Program Inc. (ASAP!) – (Washington Depot) Provides scholarships and educational arts programming for children in the community. $18,000
• American Mural Project – (Winsted) Offers educational programs and workshops centered on a massive artistic tribute to American workers. $5,000
• Amos House Inc. – (Danbury) Provides transitional housing and support services for homeless individuals and families. $10,000
• Ann’s Place Inc. – (Danbury) Provides cancer wellness and support programs for individuals and their families. $25,000
• Arethusa Farm Foundation – (Litchfield) Supports agricultural education and sustainable farming practices. $5,000
• Arts for Learning Connecticut – (Hamden) Inspires young people and expands their learning through the arts. $2,500
• Association of Religious Communities Inc. (ARC) – (Danbury) Facilitates interfaith cooperation to address community needs like housing and domestic violence. $20,000
• Bedrock Credit America Inc. – (Southbury) Provides financial literacy and credit education to help individuals improve their financial health. $6,000
• Ben’s Lighthouse – (Newtown) Fosters social-emotional development and community connection in youth. $5,000
• Boys & Girls Club of Ridgefield – (Danbury) Provides a safe and supportive environment for youth to learn and grow through diverse programming. $20,000
• Brave Enough to Fail – (New Milford) Motivates students to achieve through inspiration and social-emotional learning curricula. $15,000
• Brookfield Craft Center Inc. – (Brookfield) Dedicated to teaching and preserving the skills of fine craftsmanship. $5,000
• Building Neighborhoods Together – (Bridgeport) Works to expand affordable housing and provide financial education to help families achieve stability. $10,000
• Burnham School Parent Teacher Organization – (Bridgewater) Supports the educational and social environment of Burnham School students. $4,000
• Catholic Charities of Fairfield County – (Bridgeport) Provides a wide range of social services including food assistance, housing, and mental health support. $10,000
• Catholic Charities Inc. – Archdiocese of Hartford – (Hartford) Offers social services to strengthen families and assist those in need. $5,000
• Circle of Care for Families of Children with Cancer – (Wilton) Provides practical, emotional, and financial support to families of children battling cancer. $5,000
• CJR Inc. – (Litchfield) Offers a range of behavioral health and educational services for children and families. $10,000
• Connecticut Foodshare – (Wallingford) Works to end hunger in Connecticut through a network of food banks and community partners. $5,000
• Connecticut Housing Partners – (Trumbull) Develops and manages affordable housing communities and provides resident services. $5,000
• Connecticut Institute For Communities – (Danbury) Provides health care, early childhood education, and housing services to the community. $7,500
• Connecticut Yankee Council, Scouting America – (Milford) Provides character development and leadership training for youth through the scouting program. $2,500
• Danbury Music Centre Inc. – (Danbury) Provides opportunities for people of all ages to participate in and enjoy music through enrichment programs. $5,000
• Danbury Students and Business Connection – (Danbury) Enhances the lives of local students through a school-based mentoring program. $25,000
• Domestic Violence Crisis Center – (Norwalk) Offers confidential support and advocacy for victims of domestic violence. $5,000
• EverWonder Children’s Museum – (Newtown) Provides hands-on museum exhibits and programming to spark imagination and interest in STEM. $15,000
• Families Network of Western CT Inc. – (Danbury) Offers parenting education and support services to foster healthy family development. $20,000
• Family & Children’s Aid – (Danbury) Provides high-quality mental health care and educational support for children and their families. $10,000
• Five Ducks Foundation – (Danbury) Supports educational and summer learning enrichment opportunities for youth. $7,500
• Five Points Center for the Visual Arts – (Torrington) Promotes the visual arts through exhibitions, education, and community engagement. $2,500
• Flanders Nature Center & Land Trust – (Woodbury) Provides environmental education and preserves land for the community. $10,000
• FOCUS Center for Autism – Fresh Start School – (Canton) Provides educational and clinical services for children and young adults with autism. $20,500
• FOUNDERS HALL FOUNDATION, INC. – (Ridgefield) Offers educational, social, and fitness programs for people aged 60 and older. $2,500
• Griffin Hospital Development Fund – (Derby) Supports the mission of Griffin Hospital to provide high-quality healthcare to the community. $5,000
• Hall Neighborhood House Inc. – (Bridgeport) Provides comprehensive social services and educational guidance for families and students. $10,000
• Hartford Youth Scholars – (Hartford) Prepares highly motivated students from Hartford for college and career success. $2,500
• Hillside Food Outreach, Inc. – (Mt. Kisco, NY) Serves Westchester, Putnam and Fairfield counties by delivering high-quality, nutritious food to people experiencing food insecurity who are unable to access food pantries. $10,000
• Housatonic Habitat for Humanity – (Danbury) Builds affordable housing and provides financial education for local families. $15,000
• Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County – (Shelton) Inspires and prepares young people to succeed through financial literacy and career readiness programs. $25,000
• Kent Historical Society – (Kent) Preserves and shares the history of the Kent community through archival work and education. $2,500
• KidsPlay Children’s Museum Inc. – (Torrington) Offers interactive museum exhibits that stimulate curiosity and learning in children. $7,500
• Leaders for Educational Advocacy and Diversity (LEAD) – (New Britain) Works to build a movement of local leaders to advocate for high-quality education for all children. $5,000
• Litchfield Performing Arts Inc. – (Litchfield) Dedicated to changing lives through music and dance education and performances. $5,000
• Literacy Volunteers of Greater Waterbury – (Waterbury) Provides free literacy tutoring and support to adults in the greater Waterbury area. $5,000
• Literacy Volunteers on the Green – (New Milford) Offers free English literacy and citizenship instruction to adults. $5,000
• Malta House – (Norwalk) Provides a nurturing home and workforce development services for expectant mothers. $5,000
• Maria Seymour Brooker Memorial – (Torrington) Provides health and childcare services, including dental hygiene education for children. $5,000
• Mark Twain Library Inc. – (Redding) Serves as a center for community discovery, inspiration, and educational enrichment. $2,500
• McCall Behavioral Health Network – (Torrington) Provides comprehensive services for substance use and mental health disorders. $10,000
• Mercy Learning Center – (Bridgeport) Provides literacy and life skills education to women in the Bridgeport community. $7,500
• Merryall Community Center Inc. – (New Milford) Provides a gathering place for the community to enjoy cultural and educational programming. $2,500
• Mid-Fairfield Community Care Center – (Norwalk) Provides mental health and wellness services for children, adults, and families. $10,000
• Newtown Youth and Family Services – (Sandy Hook) Provides counseling and safety education programs for children and families. $6,000
• Norwalk Community College Foundation – (Norwalk) Supports Norwalk Community College through scholarships and program development. $2,500
• Norwalk Housing Foundation – (Norwalk) Provides educational support and college scholarship programs to local housing residents. $10,000
• Open Doors – (Norwalk) Provides emergency shelter and social services to help individuals overcome homelessness. $7,500
• Pivot Ministries – (Bridgeport) Offers a faith-based recovery program for men struggling with addiction. $5,000
• Pratt Nature Center – (New Milford) Provides environmental education and outdoor outreach experiences for children. $10,000
• Reach Western CT – (Brookfield) Provides educational and social enrichment programs for youth in Western Connecticut. $20,000
• Ridgefield Playhouse for Movies and the Performing Arts Inc. – (Ridgefield) Presents a wide variety of performing arts and films for the community. $7,500
• RVNAhealth – (Ridgefield) Provides community health services, including dementia education and training. $7,500
• Sacred Heart University (Horizons Program) – (Fairfield) Provides academic and recreational enrichment programming to Bridgeport youth. $10,000
• Sightbridge Mobile Vision LLC – (Ridgefield) Provides mobile vision care services to underserved communities. $5,000
• Stepping Stones Museum for Children – (Norwalk) Provides a playful learning environment and summer camp programs for children. $10,000
• Susan B. Anthony Project Inc. – (Torrington) Provides crisis intervention and prevention education for victims of violence. $10,000
• The Center for Empowerment and Education – (Danbury) Provides support services and prevention education to address domestic violence and sexual assault. $16,000
• The Center for Family Justice, Inc. – (Bridgeport) Provides crisis services and prevention education for those affected by domestic violence. $10,000
• The Child and Family Guidance Center – (Bridgeport) Provides mental health care and complementary supports to children and families regardless of their ability to pay. $5,000
• The Children’s Museum Inc. – (West Hartford) Offers hands-on exhibits and programs to inspire curiosity about science and nature. $2,500
• The John Pettibone Memorial Scholarship Fund – (New Milford) Provides scholarships for local high school graduates to pursue higher education. $2,500
• The Prospector – (Ridgefield) Provides meaningful employment and vocational training for people with disabilities. $7,500
• The Salvation Army – (Hartford) Provides social services, school readiness programs, and emergency assistance to those in need. $6,000
• The Tiny Miracles Foundation (TTMF) – (Darien) Provides support, resources, and mentoring for families of premature babies. $10,000
• The WorkPlace – (Bridgeport) Coordinates workforce development and job training programs in Southwestern Connecticut. $5,000
• Torrington Library – (Torrington) Provides resources, programs, and a community space for learning and discovery. $5,000
• Village Center for the Arts – (New Milford) Offers hands-on art education and after-school enrichment programs for people of all ages. $15,000
• Women’s Business Development Council – (Stamford) Supports women entrepreneurs through business training and financial education. $15,000
• YMCA Camp Mohawk – (Litchfield) Provides summer camp experiences that foster personal growth and community for youth. $5,000
• YoungLives Danbury – (Bethel) Provides mentorship and support for teen mothers and their children. $4,000

About Union Savings Bank Foundation

The USB Foundation was established in 1998 to provide the bank with an additional way to give back to the community. The Foundation focuses on helping programs that educate and enrich the communities that the bank serves. Since its inception, the USB Foundation has donated over $7 million in grants to hundreds of organizations.

About Union Savings Bank

Established in 1866 and headquartered in Danbury, Conn., Union Savings Bank is a $3 billion mutual bank dedicated to being the bank of choice. As a full-service financial institution, Union Savings Bank provides banking, mortgage, investment, trust and insurance products throughout western Connecticut with 25 offices in Bethel, Brookfield, Canton, Danbury, Goshen, Kent, Litchfield, Marble Dale, Monroe, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Norwalk, Ridgefield, Roxbury, Southbury, Torrington and Washington Depot. The bank provides financial services to individuals, businesses, not-for-profit organizations, and government entities through its commercial, residential and consumer lending, corporate services, retail banking and wealth management divisions. Please visit www.unionsavings.com for more information; the bank can also be found on LinkedIn. Member FDIC. Equal Housing Lender.

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Community Relations Contact:
Michele Bonvicini
Union Savings Bank
203.830.6045
mbonvicini@unionsavings.com