​The Community Fund of Darien invests in vital, nonprofit health and human services organizations that:

• Address Basic Needs, Youth Success, Workforce Development and Community Health (see our Key Areas of Impact for more detail).

• Can validate that the recipients of the applicant’s services, or specific program for which funding is being sought, are primarily residents of Darien, Norwalk and/or Stamford. We prioritize organizations which predominately serve our local catchment area.

• Clearly demonstrate outcomes and impact through key performance indicators and metrics, including specific outcomes for program recipients in Darien, Norwalk and Stamford. A sample of indicators and measurements that will be considered for each of our key areas of impact can be found here.

• Can provide two years of audited financials.

• Adhere to a non-discrimination policy on the basis of age, race, religion, sexual orientation, physical or mental disabilities, gender or national origin or any other characteristic protected by law in all aspects of organizational operations including hiring, leadership, and service provision.

• Are a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.

Grants typically range from $5,000 to $40,000 and are awarded after the end of The Community Fund of Darien's June fiscal year end.

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Organizations/programs not eligible for funding

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The Community Fund of Darien will generally NOT consider grants in:

• Individuals

• Annual appeals or membership drives

• Fundraising events

• Capital campaigns

• Capital projects

• Religious activities, projects or organizations which do not serve the public on a nondenominational basis

• Political or lobbying efforts

• Endowment campaigns

• Scholarships

• Conference fees

• Research

• Environmental programs

• Arts or cultural programs

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Application Process

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If your organization or program meets all the Eligibility Requirements, The Community Fund of Darien encourages you to submit Part I of the application for a 2024 grant, which can be found here: https://app.smarterselect.com/programs/92729-The-Community-Fund-Of-Darien

 

The application is due back by December 4, 2023. All information must be submitted through The Community Fund of Darien's online portal, Smarter Select.

Organizations will be informed in late January if they are invited to submit a Full Application, which will be due on February 23. Invitation to proceed with the Community Grant application process is at the sole discretion of The Community Fund of Darien.

Community Grant applications must conform to the format and content specifications provided in the application forms. Late or incomplete applications will not be considered. The Community Fund of Darien may not approve a grant request even though it meets the established criteria. Community Grants are announced after the end of our June 30 fiscal year end and are distributed in July and January.  The Community Fund of Darien reserves sole discretion to award or deny grants as it deems appropriate. Grantees will be required to submit a final (12-month) report detailing how funds were used.