The Day's charitable foundation doled out $99,000 in grants in 2020-21
Oct. 1—NEW LONDON — The Bodenwein Public Benevolent Foundation, the philanthropic arm of The Day Publishing Co., has distributed a total of $99,000 over the past two years, providing annual grants ranging from $500 to $4,000 to dozens of nonprofit organizations in the region.
Timothy Dwyer, president and publisher of The Day, announced the awards, which were distributed in February 2020 and January 2021.
"We are pleased to share the information about the recipients," he said. "It is a reminder of the unique ownership model The Day has that was created to give back to the community and the people in it. When you support The Day, you are investing in your community."
The foundation, established in 1938 under the will of Theodore Bodenwein, owner and publisher of The Day from 1891 to 1939, seeks to support and promote quality educational, cultural and human services and health care programming for underserved populations. It is administered by The Day Trust, which also oversees The Day's newsgathering and publishing operations. Its funds come from The Day's earnings.
Forty-five grants totaling $49,000 were awarded in 2020, and 29 grants totaling $50,000 were awarded in 2021. Many of the recipients received grants each year.
Catholic Charities of the Diocese of Norwich received a $4,000 grant for a rental assistance program in 2021, having been awarded $1,000 in 2020. New London Community Meal Center, which operates a soup kitchen, also received $4,000 in 2021 and $1,000 in 2020.
Another major recipient, the Hispanic Alliance of Southeastern Connecticut, was awarded $3,000 in 2021 and $1,000 in 2020.
The foundation distributed $25,000 in 2019 after awarding at least $100,000 in each of the six preceding years. It has awarded some $12 million since its inception.
