Preston — The Community Foundation of Eastern Connecticut this week announced that five local entities will receive a portion of more than $3,500 in grant awards from the Preston Community Fund.

The Amos Lake Association will receive $800 for water quality maintenance. The Diocese of Norwich Catholic Charities will receive $1,000 to continue its emergency services assistance programs. Preston Public Library was awarded $655 to develop its literature collection. Preston Historical Society received $500 to refurbish the Welcome to Preston sign and United Community and Family Services was awarded $575 to support the Rosalyn Allen Food Pantry Preston pop-up food pantry events.

The Preston Community Fund was established in 1991 with funds given by the former American Ref-Fuel Company of Southeastern Connecticut, which operated the Preston trash incinerator, to help support the varied nonprofit and civic organizations in town, under the guidance of an advisory committee of Preston residents.

In 2015, the advisory committee voted to transfer the fund to the Community Foundation and retain its role as advisors to the permanently endowed fund, in making annual grants to benefit Preston residents.