[CT-NFB] FW: Accepting Applications for the Calypso Grant
Michelle Puzzo
michellepuzzo at urcommunitycares.org
Mon Jul 28 10:24:23 UTC 2025
Hi! I turned this into a Word Document so I can share with my Blind Support Group, I hope that is, ok? I have attached for your review, but I wasn't sure if you wanted to include a dollar amount cap or something related to the amount of the grant.
Also, this is a radio interview about our upcoming Norwalk Eye Health Fair, hope you can attend. Community Access | iHeart<https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1211-community-access-26936016/episode/ur-community-cares-287038449/>
[https://i.iheart.com/v3/url/aHR0cHM6Ly9kM3dvNXdvanZ1djdsLmNsb3VkZnJvbnQubmV0L3RfcnNzX2l0dW5lc19zcXVhcmVfMTQwMC9pbWFnZXMuc3ByZWFrZXIuY29tL29yaWdpbmFsLzQzMDJkNzI5YjY4OTlmZWJmNzlhMGE0NWUxODY0ZmNmLmpwZw?ops=contain(1200,630)]<https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1211-community-access-26936016/episode/ur-community-cares-287038449/>
UR Community Cares - Community Access | iHeart<https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1211-community-access-26936016/episode/ur-community-cares-287038449/>
We spoke with Michelle Puzzo, the director of UR Community Cares about the programs and services and an upcoming eye health fair.
www.iheart.com
Thank you,
Michelle Puzzo, Executive Director, UR Community Cares®
860-430-4557<tel:860-430-4557>
www.urcommunitycares.org<http://www.urcommunitycares.org/>
Latest magazine interview: https://magazine.uconn.edu/2025/06/05/the-good-neighbor/
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From: CT-NFB <ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org> on behalf of Nathanael T. Wales via CT-NFB <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Sent: Saturday, July 19, 2025 4:08 PM
To: 'NFB of Connecticut Mailing List' <ct-nfb at nfbnet.org>
Cc: Nathanael T. Wales <ntwales at omsoft.com>
Subject: [CT-NFB] FW: Accepting Applications for the Calypso Grant
Deb and All,
Here is that announcement sent by our NFB of CT outreach coordinator.
Best,
Nathanael
From: CT-NFB [mailto:ct-nfb-bounces at nfbnet.org] On Behalf Of Lucia Lee via CT-NFB
Sent: Wednesday, July 16, 2025 10:46 AM
To: 'NFB of Connecticut Mailing List'
Cc: llee at nfbct.org
Subject: [CT-NFB] Accepting Applications for the Calypso Grant
Good Morning!
We are now accepting applications for the Calypso Grant. Below you will find all information to include submission dates/deadlines, eligibility requirements, Submission directions and the application. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to reach out.
Calypso grant
from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving.
The John E .Blair grant
The NFBCT- Calypso Program is a means through which Connecticut's blind and visually impaired community can receive assistance in the pursuit of training, employment, independent living and technological advancement. It is designed for easier and more frequent access to support opportunities. The intention of the program is to facilitate a higher yield of blind community support through a manner that is as equitable as it is immediate. Grants will be disbursed directly to vendors.
The program is designed for individuals who may be seeking anything from a talking watch, a computer system, a note taker such as a Braille Note or Braille Lite, and payment assistance toward post-secondary part-time course work. Grants are not limited to these items. For example, one may require a new suit for the sake of maximizing impressions on job interviews. The applicant must be a NFB CT. Active Member .
The NFBCT- Calypso Grants will be offered, evaluated, and awarded quarterly. Below is a chart of the deadlines and contact dates for award periods.
The following list of Ct towns are covered by the recent grant from the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving. These towns were verified via the grant application filed and by the Foundations website. There are 29 Towns eligible:
HARTFORD
ANDOVER
AVON
BLOOMFIELD
BOLTON
CANTON
EAST GRANBY
EAST HARTFORD
EAST WINDSOR
ELLINGTON
ENFIELD
FARMINGTON
GLASTONBURY
GRANBY
HEBRON
MANCHESTER
MARLBOROUGH
NEWINGTON
ROCKYHILL
SIMSBURY
SOMERS
SOUTH WINDSOR
SUFFIELD
TOLLAND
VERNON
WEST HARTFORD
WETHERSFIELD
WINDSOR
Windsor locks
Award Period Deadline Date Contact Date
1st Feb. 10th March 20th
2nd May 10th June 20th
3rd Aug. 10th Sept. 20th
4th Nov. 10th Dec. 20th
To be eligible for consideration, an applicant must be (a) legally blind, provide a blindness certificate, as defined by the state of Connecticut and (b) a resident of Connecticut.
Incomplete applications will not be considered; it is the responsibility of the applicant to make sure all documents are completed and received. New, complete applications that are not awarded will remain on file for review during three subsequent periods. AWARD RECIPIENTS WILL NOT BE ELIGIBLE FOR A SECOND AWARD FOR A TWO YEAR PERIOD AFTER RECEIVING THE FIRST AWARD.
Applicants must live in the greater Hartford area of CT. for this Calypso grant The applicant must provide a bill that shows that you live in this area. .
APPLICATION PROCEDURE
1. Type application form.
2. Include all necessary documentation:
(a) Certificate of blindness or letter from treating physician confirming legal blindness
(b) Two letters of reference, both written by individuals who can share their perceptions of the applicant, and attest to their level of competence and motivation
(c) A letter from your BESB Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor or Adult Services Social Worker detailing exactly why you were denied your request for equipment or services. In addition, inform us of any technology in your possession that you can use to support your request.
3. Mail complete applications to the following address:
NFBCT-Calypso Quarterly Grant Committee
National Federation of the Blind of Connecticut
NFB of CT. 111 Sheldon Road unit 420 Manchester Ct. 06045
(860) 289-1971
APPLICATION FORM
(Please Type)
Date: __________________
Applicant Name: ______________________________________________
Parent or guardian name (if applicable): ____________________________
Applicant Address: _____________________________________________
City, State, Zip: ________________________________________________
Telephone: ___________________________________________________
E-Mail Address: ________________________________________________
Please tell us about yourself, your goals, and describe how this product or service will enhance your daily life and/or career aspirations. Use additional page(s) if necessary.
Have a great day,
Christina Thompson
Outreach Director
National Federation of the Blind CT
111 Sheldon Rd. Unit 420
Manchester, CT 06045
(860)289-1971
[8BA625D3]
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