Once again, the Lewis Fund is seeking applicants. The Lewis Fund awards grants to non-profit organizations for activities “which are conducted in whole or in part for the benefit or use of residents of Ridgefield and its vicinity.”
Started under the term of the will of Wadsworth R. Lewis, the son of a prominent Ridgefield family, who died in 1942, the Lewis Fund has awarded grants totaling in excess of $3,950,000.
Distribution of Lewis Fund grants began in 1950 after the death of Mary Russell Lewis, the mother of Wadsworth Lewis. Last year, the Lewis Fund awarded grants totaling over $130,000 to 50 organizations. The Ridgefield Boys & Girls Club, Visiting Nurse Association of Ridgefield, Ridgefield Library, Founders Hall and Meals on Wheels were some of the local organizations that received awards from the Lewis Fund.
“We look forward to receiving grant requests from many different organizations throughout town whose mission is to serve Ridgefield residents,” said Marcie Coffin, Chairman of the Advisory Committee of the Lewis Fund and Executive Vice President of Fairfield County Bank. Coffin is one of three Ridgefield residents who oversees the distribution of Lewis Fund grants.
Due to the many unusual circumstances this year, the deadline has been extended from December 18th to December 31, 2020.
Requests must include: a current IRS determination letter, a copy of the organization’s most recent financial statement, proposed budget for the current year, and a proposal requesting funds for a specific project or general support that describes the organization’s activities which specifically benefit Ridgefield’s Residents. Requests can be sent to Marcie Coffin, Executive Vice President, Fairfield County Bank, 94 Danbury Road, Ridgefield, CT. 06877. The committee will review requests in January and funds will be distributed in February.