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Dime Foundation

A helping hand for organizations that give our communities a lift

Download Application Download Post-Grant Report

Mission

In 1998, Dime Bank established The Dime Foundation, enabling us to further our bank's mission of supporting and giving back to the communities we serve. We strive to improve the well-being and quality of life for members of our communities by funding organizations or programs that provide, strengthen, or enhance service to individuals.

About Us

  • The foundation has three grant cycles per year. The grant application can be downloaded here.
  • Grant applications for 2025 are due on October 1.
  • A post-grant report is required within one year of receiving grant funding, and prior to submitting a new grant application. The post-grant report can be downloaded here.
  • For more information, call Dee Sullivan at 860-859-4300, or email [email protected].

Eligibility

Grants are awarded to:

  • Organizations that are recognized as exempt from federal income taxation under Section 501( c )(3) of the Internal Revenue Code and governmental units referred to in Section 170( c )(1) of the Internal Revenue Code.
  • Organizations that primarily serve the residents of New London County, the towns of Glastonbury, Manchester, Vernon, East Hartford, and Marlborough, CT, and the towns of Westerly, Hopkinton and Richmond, RI.
  • Funding is generally not provided to fund-raising or capital campaigns; organizations that fund other organizations or foundations; political or fraternal organizations; religious institutions; parent-run organizations (such as Parent-Teacher Organizations or Little League)

Priorities

Our funding priorities are focused on projects and organizations that support the following:

  • Affordable housing
  • Basic human services for those considered most at-risk
  • Development/education, job training, or promotion of literacy, especially programs that encourage self-sufficiency
  • Opportunities for collaborative efforts
  • Services to at-risk or under-served children, families or the elderly, with emphasis on low/moderate income levels

Board of Directors and Officers

  • Nicholas Caplanson, President
  • John Lund, Vice President & Treasurer
  • Dee Sullivan, Secretary
  • Steven L. Bokoff, Director
  • Lee-Ann Gomes, Director
  • Peter Maneri, Director
  • Paul Maxfield, Director
  • Bonnie Stewart, Director
  • Mark E. Tramontozzi, M.D.,Director
  • Jenny Wronowski, Director

Recent Recipients

Organization

Project
Bikes for Kids Helmets and bike locks for kids who receive bikes in Dime's service area.
Care and Share of East Lyme, Inc. Food, financial assistance, coats and holiday items for people in need.
Connecticut Radio Information System General operating support.
Connecticut Science Center, Inc. Student programs, including field trips and Science in Motion (SIM) traveling programs, to public school students in K-8th grade in Groton and New London.
Covenant Shelter of New London, Inc. Essential shelter services for homeless individuals and families in SE CT.
East Lyme Giving Garden Support for growing over 12,000 pounds of fresh vegetables in 2025 and making them available to those in need.
Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board Summer Youth Employment Program.
Glenbrooke Outdoor Sports Center, Inc. Free swim lessons to 50 children from low-income households, to foster safety skills, physical fitness, and confidence.
Higher Edge Support for the College Access Program and the Success Program.
Jonnycake Center of Westerly Support for their food pantry.
Madonna Place, Inc. Operating support for vital porgramming.
Read to Grow Support for the Bookmobile.
Rebuilding Together of Manchester, Inc Rehabilitation of houses for lower income homeowners.
S.T.E.P.S., Inc.  Summer Leadership and Enrichment Program.
Safe Futures  Victim Advocate Law Enforcement (VALE) Advocate for the 2025-26 program year.
Southeastern Regional Action Council Programs and advocacy to help communities reduce the impact of substance use, problem gambling, and mental health-related issues.
Special Olympics Connecticut 2025 Fall Sports Festival/Sailing Regatta.
Thames River Community Service Economic Security and Housing Stability Program.
Thames Valley Council for Community Action, Inc.  Emergency Client Assistance Fund.
The Center: A Drop-in Community Learning and Resource Center, Inc. Summer Enrichment Program which will provide childcare from June through August 2025.
The RiseUP Group, Inc The Creative & Service Leadership Program.
Uncas Health District Training for teachers, students, and community members in effective, life-saving, bleeding control techniques.
United Way of Southeastern Connecticut Funding for the Gemma Moran Food Center.
Winning Ways Financial Literacy Program.