Community Fund of Darien Launches 'The Stamford Fund'

Information via The Community Fund of Darien

STAMFORD, CT — Local residents may not be aware that despite its name, only a small percentage of donations raised by The Community Fund of Darien (TCF) actually remain in Darien.

Approximately 95% of the nonprofit organization’s funding serves agencies in Norwalk and Stamford, with 52% invested in Stamford health and human services organizations focused on basic needs, youth success, workforce development and community health in 2019-2020, according to a news release. (To sign up for Stamford breaking news alerts and more, click here.)

To better serve its donors, The Community Fund of Darien is launching The Stamford Fund, which restricts its contributions to investments in nonprofits serving Stamford. Donations to The Stamford Fund stay in Stamford, while benefiting from TCF’s 70-years of experience, knowledge, relationships, due diligence and the collective impact of donor gifts to nonprofit agencies.

Each organization funded by The Community Fund of Darien is thoroughly vetted by its small staff and more than 60 trained community volunteers to ensure that donor contributions are allocated effectively with targeted impact, and recipient organizations are reviewed throughout the year for progress. By investing in effective programs and organizations that promote equity and provide long-term support for all local residents, TCF strengthens the entire community.

The Community Fund of Darien's numerous, impactful program investments last year in Stamford agencies include:

• Mobile crisis intervention services providing vital resources and mental health assessments for Stamford teens and children.
• A healthy breakfast, lunch and snack initiative for young Stamford students that met 80% of children’s daily nutrition requirements.
• Emergency food and shelter, case management, youth and street outreach and recovery services for the homeless.

• Education, training and support to prepare local immigrants for living wage work.

"For 70 years, The Community Fund of Darien has partnered with our donors to improve the lives of residents in Stamford, Norwalk and Darien," Janet King, executive director of TCF, said in a news release. "Establishing The Stamford Fund gives donors the added benefit of designating their gifts to a specific town, making a difference in their very own neighborhood."

Just one gift to The Community Fund of Darien's Stamford Fund benefits multiple nonprofit organizations in Stamford, including Abilis, Building One Community, Americares, Inspirica, Laurel House and Future Five.

To learn more or to make a donation to The Stamford Fund, please visit communityfunddarien.org or email info@communityfunddarien.org.