People’s United embraces Fairfield County nonprofits

Bridgeport-based People”™s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People”™s United Bank, has awarded $222,500 to nonprofits throughout Fairfield County during its third grant cycle of 2014.

Twenty-six organizations received funding in support of activities that ranged from education programs and basic needs services to workforce development programs and affordable-housing initiatives.

Recipients included Action for Bridgeport Community Development, Urban Outreach Initiatives, Kids in Crisis, Danbury Youth Services, Star Inc. Lighting the Way, Neighbors Link Stamford and Homes with Hope.

People”™s United Community Foundation awarded a total $741,000 in grants to 116 nonprofit organizations in the communities it serves in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine during its third grant cycle this year, the foundation reported.

The grant funding was distributed within the foundation”™s three areas of focus, with 43 percent allocated to youth development, 34 percent to community development and 23 percent to affordable housing.

“Our grant recipients continue to deliver outstanding programs to the individuals they serve,” said Vincent Santilli, executive director of the foundation, in a press release. “We are proud to support their efforts and grateful for the opportunity to witness extraordinary outcomes in our communities as a result of our partnerships.”

People”™s United Bank, founded in 1842 and serving customers from New York to Maine via more than 400 branches, bills itself as the largest independent bank headquartered in New England.