Serving Connecticut Charities Since 1992
We bring you together with other passionate people, charities, and trusted resources to create lasting change in Fairfield County, Connecticut.
As a trusted community leader, we invite to the table leading experts, bold leaders and far-sighted funders to work together on solving our region’s challenges.
Our Vision & Mission
We envision a vital and inclusive community where every individual has the opportunity to thrive.
We promote philanthropy as a means to create change in Fairfield County, focusing on innovative and collaborative solutions to critical issues impacting the community.
What is a community foundation?
Community foundations are one of the fastest-growing sectors of philanthropy in the United States. They are tax-exempt, place-based public charities created to help individuals, families and companies make a difference in their community.
The first community foundation was established in Cleveland in 1914. Today, there are 808 community foundations throughout the United States and 1,837 worldwide, collectively stewarding $63.1 billion in assets. In 2013, community foundations awarded $4.98 billion in grants to nonprofits.
How community foundations work
Each community foundation is made up of a collection of charitable funds established by individuals, families, public charities, and businesses. Fund assets are pooled, invested and safeguarded to generate an ongoing, steady resource for community giving.
Those who conduct their charitable giving through a community foundation can make contributions for the general benefit of the community; or designate their funds for specific purposes, causes or nonprofit organizations. Donors can contribute to local, national and international causes through their community foundation. There are no geographic boundaries to the term “community.”
To learn more about the worldwide community foundation movement, visit the Community Foundation Atlas.
Advantages of giving with a community foundation
- You can name your fund and designate its purpose in perpetuity
- You receive immediate tax benefits, even if you wait to recommend grants from the fund you established
- You receive guidance, information and advice to help you give in a way that is strategic and impactful.
- Your fund can benefit charities locally, nationally, and internationally.
- Your fund benefits from professional financial stewardship.
- You may engage family members in philanthropy, and name a successor as a fund advisor.
- You may give anonymously.
Contact us to help support Connecticut charities today!
Whether you’re looking to establish a donor-advised fund or create your own charitable contribution fund, the staff at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation will help you navigate the process with ease. Contact us today to begin exploring the possibilities.
