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 2021 are due on March 18, June 22, and October 6.
• 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 dsullivan@dime-bank.com.

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 serve the residents of New London County, the towns of Glastonbury and Manchester, 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
• David Stanland, Vice President & Treasurer
• Cheryl Calderado, Vice President
• Dee Sullivan, Secretary
• Steven L. Bokoff, Director
• Lee-Ann Gomes, Director
• Peter Maneri, Director
• Linda L. Mariani, Esq., Director
• Paul Maxfield, Director
• Bonnie Stewart, Director
• Mark E. Tramontozzi, M.D.,Director

Recent Recipients

• Artreach, Inc.: Funding to create, heal, and sustain recovery through a supportive and fun community while providing a creative outlet for its members.
• Catholic Charities, Diocese of Norwich: Intensive Case Management/Emergency Basic Needs Program.
• Chrysalis Center, Inc.: Services that will link residents to a variety of social services.
• Covenant to Care for Children: Basic essential goods and services to children who are neglected, abused, at-risk and/or impoverished.
• Eastern CT Ballet: Nutcracker Free Ticket Initiative. 
• Eastern Connecticut Community Gardens Association, Inc.: Funding for the expansion of the Pawcatuck Whitfield Giving Garden. 
• Eastern CT Workforce Investment Board: Summer Youth Employment and Training Program.
• Girl Scouts of Connecticut: Girl Scouts Strong, a program aimed at helping girls recognize and diffuse bullying behavior. 
• Habitat for Humanity of Eastern CT: Funding to assist with the construction of two single family homes in the Greeneville section of Norwich. 
• Higher Edge: Support for College Access Program and College Success Program.  
• Immigration Advocacy & Support Center: Legal guidance and case management to low-income residents in Norwich and surrounding towns. 
• Jewish Federation of Eastern CT: General funding to support the food pantry. 
• New London Area Food Coalition: Purchase of food for the food pantry. 
• New London Community Meal Center, Inc.: General funding to support the food pantry. 
• New London Homeless Hospitality Center: Direct financial assistance to help individuals return to permanent housing. 
• New London Youth Affairs: Funding for the Early Childhood Family Center.
• Norwich Community Backpack Program: New backpacks and school supplies for low-income youth in Norwich.
• Norwich Housing Authority: Partial funding for the cost of providing a part-time Resident Services Coordinator.
• Operation WARM: Coat and shoe distribution to children in Dime's service area. 
• Rebuilding Together of Manchester: The rehabilitation of houses for lower income homeowners. 
• Riverfront Children's Center:  Tuition assistance program.
• Safe Futures: Support for Katie-Blair House. 
• South County Health: Senior workshops for all Westerly community patients who use or live in senior centers. 
• South East CT Community Center of the Blind, Inc.: Purchase of new hardware and software used by clients at the center. 
• Special Olympics CT: Support for the 2021 Fall Sports Festival/Sailing program and Annual Regatta.
• Thames Valley Council for Community Action (TVCCA): Emergency Client Assistance Fund.
• The Bridge Family Center: Transitional living apartment in Manchester for young men aging out of the foster care system.
• The Children's Museum, Inc (West Hartford): "Science Achievement for All" STEAM Programs.
• The Salvation Army: Emergency Services Program. 
• United Way of Central and Northeastern CT: Support for two regional foodbanks.
• United Way of Southeastern CT: Funding for the Gemma Moran Food Center.
• Westerly Area Meals Center Inc. (WARM): Funding to support all 13 vital programs. 
• Westerly Education Center: Career Exposure Day for students from high schools in Westerly, Stonington and North Stonington. 
• Whalers Helping Whalers: Provide winter coats to disadvantaged families in New London.