Six-figure help from People’s United targets multiple needs

Bridgeport-based The People”™s United Community Foundation, the philanthropic arm of People”™s United Bank, awarded $147,000 in grants to nonprofits in Bridgeport, Danbury, Fairfield, Greenwich, Norwalk, Stamford and Westport.

A total 23 nonprofits received funding in support of basic needs and services that include literacy programs, life skills training, education and mentoring programs. Affordable housing initiatives also received money.

Grant recipients included Action for Bridgeport Community Development; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Southwestern Connecticut; Bridgeport Neighborhood Trust; Bridgeport Public Education Fund; Catholic Charities of Fairfield County; Family and Children”™s Agency; Hall Neighborhood House; Housing Development Fund; Homes with Hope; Kids in Crisis; New Beginnings Family Academy and Supportive Housing Works.

“People”™s United Community Foundation is pleased to continue its support to a number of nonprofit organizations throughout the Greater Bridgeport area that are having a positive impact on our community,” said Armando Goncalves, Officer of People”™s United Community Foundation and Southern Connecticut Division President for People”™s United Bank. “Our nonprofit partners are providing the types of services that are essential to improving the quality of life for residents.”

In this, its third giving cycle of the year, People”™s United Community Foundation awarded a total $694,000 to 132 nonprofit organizations throughout its footprint in Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts, Vermont, New Hampshire and Maine. People”™s United maintains 412 branches between New York and Maine.

Almost half the money ”“ 44 percent ”“ was allocated to youth development; 32 percent went to community development; and 24 percent to affordable housing initiatives.

Established in 2007, People”™s United Community Foundation places special emphasis on programs designed to promote economic self-sufficiency, education and improved conditions for low-income families and neighborhoods. Its priorities are in the arenas of community development, youth development and affordable housing.