By Ryan Blessing
The Catholic Foundation of the Diocese of Norwich distributed more than $300,000 in grant money to diocese schools, ministries, parishes and programs at its grant awards ceremony June 20 in Norwich.
Tuition grants for 2019 provided by the Catholic Foundation Educational Endowment Fund and the Seton Scholarship Fund totaled $133,695 and benefited 281 students in elementary schools throughout the diocese.
The foundation gave $51,465 in non-tuition grants through its Educational Endowment Fund.
The foundation has awarded $302,807 in total funds in 2019, and has given away almost $4.5 million since its first awards dinner in 2000 to support the spiritual, educational and social needs of the Catholic community.
Since the previous awards, four new endowments have been established: The Rev. Richard Archambault Endowment, The Maria and Edward Hargus Family Endowment, The Roach Family Endowment and The Sacred Heart ChurchEducation Endowment.
The awards ceremony and dinner was held at the Holiday Inn in Norwich, where the Most Reverend Michael R. Cote, D.D., Bishop of Norwich, presented funds to the grateful recipients.