Celebrating 60 Years of Impact!
By Jeanette W. Weldon
Executive Director, Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA)
This year, the Connecticut Health and Educational Facilities Authority (CHEFA) proudly celebrates 60 years of service, investment, and impact across our state. Since 1965, CHEFA has played a vital role in financing Connecticut’s nonprofit institutions, supporting healthcare, education, and community organizations that provide critical services to Connecticut residents. As we reflect on CHEFA’s legacy, we also look to the future, ensuring CHEFA remains a catalyst for innovation and opportunity.
CHEFA was founded to provide financing solutions for Connecticut’s higher education institutions. In 1967, its mission expanded to include healthcare, allowing CHEFA to support hospitals, research facilities, and essential medical institutions. Over the decades, CHEFA has evolved—broadening its reach to nursing homes, childcare providers, and other organizations that provide critical services.
CHEFA financings have helped build dormitories, libraries, research centers, and hospitals. CHEFA has enabled healthcare systems to expand services, invest in new technology, and improve patient care. CHEFA has also supported educational institutions in modernizing campuses, creating state-of-the-art learning environments. These investments have strengthened healthcare, education, and communities across Connecticut.
Today, CHEFA’s mission remains as essential as ever: provide financial assistance to eligible entities in the State, expand educational opportunities for Connecticut students, and enhance the quality of life for State residents, including those in distressed communities.
Beyond traditional bond financing, CHEFA offers grant funding and other financial tools to help nonprofits expand their reach. A recent example of CHEFA’s commitment to its mission is the $250,000 Enterprise Capital Grant awarded to All Our Kin to support home-based early childhood educators. This initiative reflects CHEFA’s belief that strong communities begin with strong foundations, and early education is a key investment in our state’s future.
Looking ahead, CHEFA remains focused on driving meaningful change. CHEFA recognizes the evolving challenges nonprofits face, from financial pressures to the need for greater equity in education and healthcare. To meet these challenges, CHEFA is exploring new, flexible financing solutions that ensure Connecticut’s nonprofits have the resources they need to thrive.
Whether through low-cost loan funds, grant programs that support vital community programs, or impactful capital projects funded through CHEFA’s tax-exempt financings, CHEFA is committed to fostering a stronger, healthier, and more vibrant Connecticut.
For 60 years, CHEFA has helped build hospitals that heal, schools that educate, and community spaces that bring people together. CHEFA is happy to reaffirm its dedication to supporting the next generation of transformational projects in celebrating this historic milestone.
The future is bright, and CHEFA stands ready for the next 60 years of impact, innovation, and investment.
