Two New Investments Established by The Community Fund of Darien:The Norwalk Fund and The Stamford Fund

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 in 2019-2020 served agencies in Norwalk and Stamford focused on basic needs, youth success, workforce development and community health.

To better serve its donors, The Community Fund of Darien is launching The Norwalk Fund and The Stamford Fund, which restrict contributions to investments in nonprofits serving their respective towns.  Donations to each fund benefit from TCF’s 70-years of experience, knowledge, relationships, due diligence and the collective impact of donor gifts to nonprofit agencies in Norwalk or Stamford.

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 Norwalk and Stamford agencies include:

• The Teen Talk programs at Brien McMahon High School and Norwalk High School to provide an on-site, full-time master's level counselor at each school to provide counseling and preventive education.
• Financial and housing advocacy services for domestic violence victims.
• 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.

“For 70 years, The Community Fund of Darien has partnered with our donors to improve the lives of residents in Norwalk, Stamford and Darien,” noted Janet King, executive director of TCF.  “Establishing The Norwalk Fund and 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 Norwalk Fund or Stamford Fund benefits multiple nonprofit organizations, including STAR, Lighting the Way, the Carver Foundation, Liberation Programs, Norwalk Grassroots Tennis and Education, Family & Children’s Agency and Kids in Crisis in Norwalk and Abilis, Building One Community, Americares, Inspirica, Laurel House and Future Five in Stamford.