​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, impact and trends through key performance indicators and metrics, including specific outcomes for program recipients (in Darien, Norwalk and Stamford).

• Can provide three 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.

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

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Organizations/programs not eligible for funding

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The Community Fund of Darien will generally NOT consider investments 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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Applications for a 2023 grant are closed. The link to the Initial Application for a 2024 grant will be available on October 31, 2023, and is due back by December 2, 2023. All information must be submitted through The Community Fund of Darien's online portal, Smarter Select.

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If your organization or program meets all the Eligibility Requirements, The Community Fund of Darien encourages you to submit an Initial application.

Organizations will be informed in mid-January if they are invited to submit a Full Application, due at the end of February. Invitation to proceed with the Community Investment 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 an investment request even though it meets the established criteria. Community Grant Awards are announced at the end of our June 30, and are distributed in July. The Community Fund of Darien reserves sole discretion to award or deny investments as it deems appropriate.

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Reporting Requirements and Grant Agreement

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• Grantees will be required to sign and return a grant  award agreement.

• Grantees will be required to submit interim (6-month) and final (12-month) reports detailing how funds were used (see indicators and measurements below).