New London — On Tuesday, the Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut announced it had issued more than $1.9 million to local nonprofits in its latest round of charitable grants.

The grants were awarded to causes that aligned with the Community Foundation's priorities of empowering youth, promoting basic needs and rights, preserving the environment and advancing animal welfare, and they bring the foundation's year-to-date charitable community investments to $3.7 million.  

The Community Foundation has been offering support in Connecticut for 35 years and its grants, in part, are made possible through 144 funds created by donors.

Some of the local grants include:

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[naviga:li]Sustainable CT: $50,000 to support eastern Connecticut towns in conservation planning with an equity and social justice lens.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Sankofa Education and Leadership: $2,500 to help Norwich high school youth to participate in the Dr. Grace Sawyer Jones Debate Program.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Eastern Connecticut Symphony Orchestra: $16,000 for music education and opportunities for students to experience a live symphony orchestra performance.[/naviga:li]

[naviga:li]Groton Animal Foundation: $12,500 for Groton Animals Matter and to offer medical support for cats and dogs.[/naviga:li]

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