The Northwest Community Bank Foundation is a new charitable organization created to support non-profit organizations through grants. Funded and organized by Northwest Community Bank and its Divisions, Collinsville Bank and Litchfield Bancorp, the Foundation is a separate non-profit entity. The Foundation's aim is to extend the bank's contributions to non-profit agencies and organizations working to address the needs of the communities the bank serves.
About Us
Northwest Community Bank and its divisions, Collinsville Bank and Litchfield Bancorp have proudly served the financial needs of local individuals, families, business and institutions for over a century. As a leading community citizen, the three Banks' roles have been to support, encourage and help champion the advancement of children and families throughout the region.
In 2021, Collinsville Bank and Litchfield Bancorp consolidated into Northwest Community Bank and in keeping with the three Banks' longstanding commitment of investing back in the community, established the Northwest Community Bank Foundation. The Foundation's aim is to work collaboratively to support and build partnerships that promote innovative solutions to meet the complex needs of our community.
Our Mission
The Northwest Community Bank Foundation's mission is to support non-profit organizations that strengthen and enhance the quality of life in the communities we serve.
How To Apply
To begin the application process, click the button below.
Applications for Summer grants are due by July 1, 2022
If you have any questions, please email us at Foundation@nwcommunitybank.com.
Investment Focus Areas will include, but will not be limited to the following:
Education That Fuels Future Economic Success
Our education grants help empower people to build personal assets and skills to take charge of their futures.
- Youth development including early childhood education
- Financial education
- Employment skills/workforce development
- Women's empowerment
Safe and Affordable Housing
Our affordable housing grants support access to safe, clean and affordable places to live.
- Community development projects
- Maintenance and renovation projects
- Homebuyer programs
- Foreclosure and eviction prevention programs
Basic Human Services
Our basic human services grants support organizations that meet the immediate needs of individuals and families while also supporting prevention and long-term solutions for people living in difficult economic circumstances. (Food Pantries are encouraged to request support through Northwest Community Bank's Corporate Giving programs.)
- Food and nutrition programs
- Fuel assistance
- Domestic violence programs
- Temporary housing, shelter
- Basic necessity assistance e.g., clothing
- Health Services
Community Impact
Our community impact grants support the overall well-being of individuals within the community
- Disaster relief
- Environmental
- The Arts
Guidelines and Eligibility:
Eligibility for Grants:
To apply for a grant from the Northwest Community Bank Foundation applicants must be:
- A registered 501(c) 3 organization that demonstrates significant local impact.
- An organization whose mission or services align with Northwest Community Bank's investment focus
- An organization within Northwest Community Bank Communities*
*While preference is given to organizations primarily serving the aforementioned cities and towns, the Foundation Board will also consider funding for programs which reach a broader, more regional area, as long as that area incorporates services provided to Northwest Community Bank Communities.
The Foundation does not provide financial support to political organizations or candidates, activities for religious purposes, individual endeavors or organizations which are discriminatory in their practices. Additionally, it will not fund organizations which utilize a fiscal agent.
Geographic Preference:
Avon, Barkhamsted, Bethlehem, Burlington, Canaan, Canton, Colebrook, Collinsville, Cornwall, East Granby, Falls Village, Farmington, Goshen, Granby, Hartland, Harwinton, Kent, Lakeville, Litchfield, Morris, New Hartford, Norfolk, North Canaan, Roxbury, Salisbury, Sharon, Simsbury, Torrington, Warren, Washington, Watertown, Winchester, Winsted and Woodbury
Grant Programs:
The Foundation will consider the following types of funding requests from organizations that fit our investment focus areas.
- Program Grants to support the delivery and/or expansion of the direct services core to the mission of local organizations.
- Capacity Building Grants aimed at strengthening an agency's ability to make a greater impact, improve effectiveness and efficiency or adapt to address changing community needs. e.g., strategic planning, staff and board development, technology upgrades, and marketing.
- Capital Grants and Campaigns will be considered by the Foundation but may also be selectively considered by Northwest Community Bank's Corporate Giving programs.
*Capital projects are typically defined as major building purchases, new construction, expansion, renovation, and/or land acquisition.
Frequency:
Organizations may be considered to receive funding from Northwest Community Bank Foundation more than once per calendar year but will generally be limited to one time per calendar year.
Deadlines and Review Process:
Grants will be reviewed on a bi-annual basis by the Foundation's Board of Directors in an impartial manner based upon an evaluation of each grant request. Some key elements examined in our grant evaluation process include an organizations' financial sustainability, leadership, impact and collaboration within the community.
| Phase I: Application Available February 15th | Due April 1st | Notification May 1st |
| Phase II: Application Available May 15th | Due July 1st | Notification August 1st |
| Phase III: Application Available August 15th | Due October 1st | Notification November 1st |
Additional Eligibility Guidelines:
Although there are many worthy endeavors, the Foundation generally does not invest in the causes listed below. If you fall into one of these categories, we suggest you review Northwest Community Bank's Corporate Giving programs to possibly submit your request.
- Individuals including those seeking scholarships, fellowships, or sponsors for a particular cause
- Alumni organizations
- Endowment campaigns
- Fundraising dinners or events and tickets to fundraising events
- Individual sports teams including youth sports teams and leagues
- Advertising and promotional items or merchandise
- Organizations designed primarily for lobbying, Political Action Committees, candidates, and lobbying
- Travel, including conferences, seminars, tours and student trips
- The Foundation does not make grants to organizations for which program services are contingent on participation in religious services or events or adherence to religious doctrine.
- Other Foundations