Five Connecticut Nonprofits Vie for $10,000 IMPACT Award from Red Sox Foundation; Fan Voting Ends Friday
/Voting is now underway in a competitive awards program for nonprofit organizations in the New England states, including Connecticut. The 7th Annual “IMPACT” Awards (Inspiring More Philanthropy Across Charities Together) is presented by the Red Sox Foundation and the Ruderman Family Foundation. In 2021, the IMPACT Awards will again focus on organizations that have “demonstrated deep impact in raising awareness and improving the mental health outcomes of the young adults in their community.”
The IMPACT Awards provide Red Sox fans with the opportunity to nominate and vote for their favorite local non-profit organization, giving them each a chance to win a grant from the Red Sox Foundation. Out of all the nominees received, Red Sox Foundation names five finalists from each state – Massachusetts, Maine, New Hampshire, Vermont, Rhode Island and Connecticut.
As the official team charity of the Boston Red Sox, the Red Sox Foundation's mission is to serve children, families, veterans and communities in need through health, education and recreation opportunities across New England. Founded in 2002, the Red Sox Foundation is the largest team charity in all professional sports.
The deadline for fan voting is Friday, July 9 as five finalist non-profit organizations in Connecticut vie for a substantial award from the Foundation. The organization with the most votes in each of the New England states will win a grant; $10,000 for first place, $3,000 for second place and $2,000 for third place. Finalists were named on June 21.
Fans are urged to vote for “your favorite nonprofit that has demonstrated an impact on raising awareness and improving mental health outcomes in their community.” Voting is open at https://www.mlb.com/redsox/community/impact-awards/form
Connecticut contenders are:
Andover, Hebron, Marlborough Youth And Family Services, Inc. - promoting and supporting the health and well-being of children, youth and families for themselves and for the greater good of the communities.
Community Health Resources Inc. - comprehensive, non-profit behavioral healthcare provider offering a wide range of personalized services for children, families and adults whose lives have been touched by mental illness, addiction or trauma.
Connecticut Legal Rights Project Inc. - provides high quality legal services to low income persons with psychiatric disabilities living in Connecticut, primarily on matters related to their treatment and civil rights.
Mental Health Connecticut Inc. - through advocacy, education, and service, empowers people to promote mental wellness, instigate meaningful systems change, and engage in mental health recovery furthering the mission to improve mental health for all Connecticut residents.
Special Olympics Connecticut - local programs are coordinated by volunteers and/or employees of a community, school or agency who wish to involve individuals with intellectual disabilities in Special Olympics sports training and competitions, unleashing the human spirit through the transformative power and joy of sports.
The philanthropic arm of the team, “the Red Sox Foundation is committed to using the power of Red Sox Nation to create new and strengthened community partnerships that will improve the lives of children and adults across New England. We are committed to inspiring recovery and rebirth in our communities in the year ahead, and thank you for your support of our critical work,” the Foundation website notes.
Last year’s grant recipients in Connecticut were Healing Meals and Mental Health Connecticut. Mental Health Connecticut and Andover, Hebron, Marlborough Youth And Family Services, Inc. were among the five finalists last year.
Two years ago, the top recipients from Connecticut were the Connecticut Veterans Legal Center and Greater New Britain Teen Pregnancy Prevention, Inc. In 2018, Community Action Agency of Western Connecticut and River House Adult Day Center were grant recipients.
