WESTPORT — The Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund has begun accepting preliminary applications for 2022-23 grants.

The grants support programs that focus primarily on equitable education. 

Applications must be submitted no later than Sept. 10. For more information about the grant process, eligibility and to file an application, click here.

The fund, overseen by the Westport Weston Family YMCA, was created in 2015 with an endowment from YMCA trustee emeritus Ruth T. Bedford, who “believed in education for all and supporting those less fortunate,” according to a press statement.

One-year grants are awarded to programs selected through an annual process. 

In 2021, the fund awarded $290,000 in grants to 28 organizations in the Fairfield County area whose programs focus on equitable education, the statement says.

“The individuals who lead and run these organizations and their impact on the children in need of educational support in Fairfield County is remarkable; their efforts truly change the lives of the children and young adults in in our communities that they support,” Juliane Sunderland, co-chairwoman of the BFSRF Committee, said in the press statement. Libby McKinney Tritschler is the other co-chairwoman.

Organizations that are invited to submit a final application will be notified by Oct. 4. 

For more information about the Bedford Family Social Responsibility Fund or filing a grant application, email Julia Marshella at jmarshella@westporty.org.