The all-volunteer, philanthropic organization Near and Far Aid awarded a $12,000 grant to the Housatonic Community College Foundation (HCCF) to help make college more affordable for students facing financial challenges. The organization, which helps thousands of individuals a year with grants intended to “target poverty and change lives,” funds programs that provide “life’s most basic necessities” as well as funding programs that seek to achieve lasting change.

“We are grateful for the support Near and Far Aid provides to our students through this generous grant to the HCC Foundation,” said HCC President, Paul Broadie II. “The financial assistance that this grant supports makes a lasting impact, not only on the lives of the students who benefit, but on the larger community. The economic impact of this support spreads far beyond the classroom as students complete their studies, enter the workforce and become active in the community.

The HCC Foundation will distribute the grant in the form of full-time or partial scholarship to students who have demonstrated academic achievement and a need for financial assistance. Tuition, fees and textbooks are all covered by the scholarship.

Near and Far Aid works with community leaders in the Fairfield County Region with the goal of improving the lives of children and families living in poverty. Since 2000, Near and Far Aid has granted more than $17 million to local non-profit agencies and programs.

About the Housatonic Community College Foundation, Inc. HCCF provides financial assistance to the college and its students beyond what is provided by the state of Connecticut. HCCF generates funding for HCC student scholarships, student emergency assistance, child care assistance, program enhancements and support for the Housatonic Museum of Art.