The Community Fund of Darien Gives to Local Nonprofits at Community Investment Award Celebration

July 15, 2022

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

Thanks to the generous support of its donors, this year The Community Fund of Darien (TCF) is awarding $530,000 in community investment grants to 32 nonprofit organizations in Darien, Norwalk and Stamford that focus on basic needs, community health, youth success and workforce development. The event was held at the Darien Community Association with more than 70 in attendance.

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, and STAR Inc., Lighting the Way.

“The Community Fund supports the people of Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford through the engagement of donors and volunteers. 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," said Executive Director Janet King.

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.

The community investment review process runs from approximately March 1 through May 1st. Each group meets around six times, including 2-3 site visits, with an estimated total time commitment of 15-20 hours. The volunteers gained a better understanding of the needs of our local community; those interested in serving next year or learning more should contact Lisa Haas, TCF Community Investment Director, at lisa.haas@communityfunddarien.org.