SBM Charitable Foundation
/OVERVIEW: This funder supports the Connecticut counties of Hartford, Tolland, and Windham in the areas of health, human services, education, housing, and the arts.
FUNDING AREAS: Health, human services, education, housing, the arts
IP TAKE: This is a very accessible funder with a very local focus. A wide variety of local groups catch SBM’s attention.
PROFILE: The SBM Charitable Foundation was established in 2000 by Connecticut Bankshares, which is the parent company of the former Savings Bank of Manchester. The foundation is now based in Manchester, Connecticut. According to this funder’s mission statement, it is “committed to bettering the lives of those who live and work predominantly East of the River in Hartford, Tolland, and Windham Counties.” The funder supports health, human services, education, housing, and the arts.
SBM's education grantmaking remains broad, but centered on scholarships and direct service programs that enhance adult literacy and reading readiness in Connecticut. Education scholarships offer up to $5,000 per student. In contrast, human services grants support everything from libraries to municipal programs, social services for families and children, and economic development initiatives. SBM also funds groups that expand home ownership and affordable housing close to home. In the arts space, SBM supports theater, music, and art programs that broaden access to the arts and enrich the lives of local residents.
Grants range, but remain modest under $10,000, sometimes surpassing this amount. SBM restricts to Connecticut and the Manchester area. To qualify for a grant, applicants' programs must serve residents of Hartford, Tolland, and Windham counties. While most funding invests in program support, community sponsorships, special community events, the foundation also considers capital projects. However, this funder does not support public or private schools. Past grantees include the Manchester Board of Education, Lawyers of Children America, Connecticut Farmland Trust, Connecticut Public Affairs Network, and the Mystic Seaport Museum.
The grant application process begins by submitting a 250-word pre-application online. This funder accepts online grant pre-applications if your nonprofit hasn’t received SBM funding in the last two years. Submission deadlines typically fall in early January, early April, early June, and, and early September. The pre-application form can be accessed on the funder’s website. The foundation is led by an executive director, Doreen H. Downham, and Kelley R. Gunther is the foundation and scholarship director. General questions can be directed to the staff at 860-533-0355. Keep up with foundation happenings in the news section of SMB’s website.
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