BACKGROUND
The Greater Fairfield County Foundation, Inc. grants program was created to fund and support projects and organizations that address the compelling needs of underserved, low-income, residents of Fairfield County.

The pandemic has had a substantial impact on communities and families throughout the nation, the state of Connecticut, and Fairfield County. COVID-19 related school closures during the 2020 and 2021 academic years have impacted children profoundly and have disrupted the education of many students. Remote/virtual/hybrid teaching modes have proven insufficient to maintain optimal student learning. Moreover, the challenges for many students have been compounded by the scarcity of equipment, lack of internet connectivity, and sporadic adult engagement or supervision while attending classes from home. As a result, many students have experienced learning loss and academic decline.

Learning loss of low-income, underserved, Title 1 students and children of color is being predicted to be as much as one full school year.  That loss is in addition to and compounded by the educational achievement gaps that existed pre-pandemic.

LEARNING LOSS RECOVERY GRANT
With that in mind, The Greater Fairfield County Foundation, Inc. has identified student learning loss as a critical and urgent problem and has launched the “Learning Loss Recovery Grant”. This initiative will provide funding to organizations that are creating and implementing measurable and impactful interventions and projects designed to help middle and high school students (grades 5-12) in Fairfield County begin to rebound, recover and catch up. Organizations located in Stamford, Norwalk, and/or Bridgeport, CT will be considered.

Three (3) grants of $5,000 each will be awarded in January 2022. Applications must be received by Friday, December 3, 2021, at 11:59pm. Applicants may be invited to participate in virtual (zoom) interviews as a part of the grantor’s decision-making process.  Finally, successful applicants will be required to submit a final report summarizing the results and impact of their projects by July 1, 2022.

There is a clear preference for projects that support middle and high school students (grades 5-12) experiencing learning loss resulting from COVID-19 due to factors such as race, ethnicity, and socioeconomic status.

GRANT ELIGIBILITY
Who is eligible to apply?

• Non-profit, charitable organizations as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the IRS tax code 
• Organizations with a 501 (c)(3) Fiscal Sponsor 
• Public Schools 
• Public Charter Schools 
• Faith-based organizations that provide programs and services for broader community benefit, may be considered.
• Organizations located in Stamford, Norwalk, and/or Bridgeport, CT
   

Who is not eligible?

• Recreational groups 
• Sports teams and sporting events 
• Individuals or individual pursuits
   

What activities will not be funded?

• Fundraising initiatives 
• Conferences, trade shows, fairs 
• Production of videos, DVD’s and television shows

What will this grant fund?

Educational projects designed to help middle and high school students in Fairfield County, CT overcome and recover from learning loss occurring as the result of the disruptions in their educational progress during 2020 and 2021 academic years will be considered for funding.

Who is eligible to receive funding?

Non-profit, charitable organizations as defined by section 501(c)(3) of the IRS Tax Code

Organizations with a 501 (c)(3) Fiscal Sponsor

Public Schools

Public Charter Schools

Faith-based organizations that provide programs and services for broader community benefit, may be considered.

Organizations located in Stamford, Norwalk, and/or Bridgeport, CT

 Who is not eligible to receive funding?

Recreational groups

Sports teams and sporting events

Individuals or individual pursuits

What is the deadline for submitting the grant application form?

October 15, 2021 at 11:59pm is the deadline for submission of the grant application form.

Do I have to provide a budget as a part of the application process?

Yes, a detailed project budget must be submitted with the application form.

Are there any activities that will not be eligible for funding?

The following activities will not be funded:

Fundraising initiatives

Conferences, trade shows, fairs

Production of videos, DVD’s, or television shows

When will I be notified of the Grantor’s decision?

Successful applicants will be announced and notified in January, 2022.

Will I have the opportunity to personally present the details of my project or participate in an interview during the decision-making process? 

Applicants may be invited to participate in virtual (Zoom) interviews as a part of the grantor’s decision-making process.

If I have questions about the grant application form or process, who should I contact?

Please send your questions to agneswilson@optonline.net, and include a phone number where you can be reached if a call back is required.