FBCF Grantees and Stakeholders,
The Farmington Bank Community Foundation (FBCF) recently underwent strategic planning with a focus on continuing the legacy of the Farmington Bank, while also simplifying grantmaking processes and honing in on critical community needs. The Board reaffirmed its commitment to serve 16 communities in central CT. However, Bristol, Farmington and New Britain are specifically targeted for increased levels of grantmaking given a combination of community need and alignment with the legacy of the former bank.
FBCF has a long history of supporting efforts to increase economic mobility in the communities it serves, and past funding has been distributed quite broadly . Going forward, the Foundation will focus on funding programs that support individuals and families to move along the economic mobility continuum from surviving towards striving.
Beginning this year, FBCF will have two grant cycles each year:
- Cycle One (primary grant cycle)- The Foundation will accept applications from organizations working in the SURVIVING part of the economic mobility continuum to provide a social safety net and economic stability to individuals and families. This includes access to food, shelter/housing, health/mental health and other basic human needs. Grants will be made across our geographic area.
- Cycle Two (secondary grant cycle)- The Foundation will offer a second grant cycle, accepting applications from organizations working in the STRIVING part of the economic mobility continuum to provide support to individuals and families that are building skills and working towards their version of a good life. This includes various educational, career development programs and other programs helping low/moderate income individuals and families achieve their economic goals. Grant requests serving New Britain, Bristol, and Farmington Valley will receive priority consideration.
2026 Grant Cycle Calendar:
| Cycle 1- Surviving | Cycle 2- Striving |
| Application Open: March 1 – April 15 | Application Open: September 1- October 15 |
| Board Approval: June | Board Approval: December |
Focusing its grantmaking will allow FBCF to continue to grow the size of grants to help nonprofits meet the increased cost of doing business and the growing community need. Beginning in 2026, the maximum grant size will increase from $12,500 to $20,000. Note that organizations receiving the maximum grant size will still be limited.
We welcome any questions you have about what these changes mean for your organization. Please feel free to e-mail fbcf@fbcfct.org with specific questions, or to set up time for further discussion.
With deep appreciation,
-The Board and Staff of the Farmington Bank Community Foundation