The Community Fund Of Darien Awards $530K To Local Nonprofits

Via The Community Fund of Darien

DARIEN, CT — The Community Fund of Darien (TCF) hosted its Community Investment Award celebration on July 13 to recognize its local nonprofit beneficiaries.

TCF awarded $530,000 in community investment grants to 32 nonprofits in Darien, Norwalk and Stamford that focus on basic needs, community health, youth success and workforce development. More than 70 people attended the event at the Darien Community Association.

TCF community investment grants were awarded to the following local agencies:

• Abilis
• AmeriCares Free Clinics
• Boys & Girls Club of Stamford
• Building One Community
• Carver Community Center
• Child Advocates of SW CT
• Child Guidance Center of Mid-Fairfield County
• Child Guidance Center of So. CT
• Children’s Learning Centers
• The Depot
• Domestic Violence Crisis Center
• Domus
• Family Centers
• Filling in the Blanks
• Food Rescue
• Future 5
• Horizons at New Canaan Country School
• Horizons at Norwalk Community College
• Inspirica
• Intempo
• Kids in Crisis
• Laurel House
• Liberation Programs
• New Covenant Center
• Open Doors
• Pacific House
• Person to Person
• Rowan Center
• Senior Nutrition/Catholic Charities
• SilverSource
• Stamford Public Education Fund
• STAR Inc., Lighting the Way

"The Community Fund supports the people of Darien, Norwalk and Stamford through the engagement of donors and volunteers," said TCF Executive Director Janet King in a news release."Our process analyzes each nonprofit to assure that we are directing charitable giving to effective organizations that improve the quality of life for our neighbors in Stamford, Norwalk and Darien."

TCF’s Community Investment process:

To qualify for a grant, all eligible local nonprofit organizations first submit a letter of inquiry to TCF in the fall; likely candidates are then invited to complete a full, detailed application due in January.

Eight panels of TCF-trained community investment volunteers (63 total) enhance the organization's thorough due diligence by reviewing the applications, then researching and evaluating the large grant candidates before presenting their funding recommendations.

The process ensures that donors’ contributions are responsibly invested where they are most needed, for the greatest effectiveness and maximum impact, and have a measurable impact and sustainable benefit.

"By investing in effective programs and organizations that promote equity and provide long-term support for all local residents, TCF strengthens our whole community," TCF said in a news release.

The community investment review process runs from approximately March 1 through May 1. Each group meets around six times, including two to three site visits, with an estimated total time commitment of 15-20 hours. Those interested in serving next year or learning more should contact Lisa Haas, TCF Community Investment Director, at lisa.haas@communityfunddarien.org.

Since its founding in 1951, TCF has distributed over $20 million to local nonprofit organizations and community initiatives. More information on TCF can be found here.