Sara DeRose

Sara DeRose joined the Community Foundation in 2022. As Director, Development and Philanthropic Services, Sara works with our donors and fundholders to strengthen our community and expand our impact.

Before joining the Community Foundation, Sara began her career in the arts and culture sector of NYC, where she served as the Marketing and Communications Director for the Brooklyn Arts Council and as the Communications Manager for the Public Art Fund. Sara also worked as a consultant for several years during which time she had the opportunity to work with numerous nonprofit organizations including the National Council of Jewish Women, Choices in Childbirth, and Repair the World on projects ranging from strategic planning, communications planning, and fund development.

Most recently, Sara was the Development Officer at Person to Person focused on partnerships and donor engagement. Before that, she was the External Affairs Director for TMI Project where she headed up the fundraising and communications departments and oversaw the development of the organization’s new strategic plan, subsequent rebranding, website redesign, and new donor database and CRM implementation.

Sara holds a master’s degree in Public Policy & Non-Profit Management from The New School University and a bachelor’s degree from Fordham University. She is also a recent graduate of The Norwalk Leadership Institute, a professional development program administered by the Greater Norwalk Chamber of Commerce. Sara resides in Fairfield with her family.