Community Members Increase Their Impact Through Donor Advised Funds

When Rob Fried and his partners at Band Together CT were looking for a partnership to amplify their mission and impact in the local community, a donor advised fund (DAF) and personalized support from staff at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation was the answer.

“Doing philanthropy effectively can be confusing as there are so many causes, nonprofits and considerations,” says Fried. “The Community Foundation team makes themselves available to us, all the way from the President to subject matter experts.”

Through the Community Foundation, Fried and his partners, Andy Kadison and Jerry Vigorito, learn about new causes, connect with nonprofit leaders and even go on site visits. That guidance is valued by Fried, who works with musicians and producers to host benefit performances for nonprofits that serve family, children and youth in need throughout Fairfield County.

“The Community Foundation is dedicated to understanding the opportunity gap in our community and coming up with solutions,” says Fried. “They help us make our giving really count.” That sentiment is echoed by Bruce Geller and his family, who set up The Geller-Conarck Fund at FCCF to honor departed loved ones. The donor advised fund makes it easy for the family to stay involved in supporting healthcare, education and children in Fairfield County, while tapping into research on critical issues and grantmaking opportunities to maximize impact. “The staff has been integral in educating us and introducing us to so many worthy and deserving organizations,” says Geller. “This has all been accomplished in a tax-advantaged, user-friendly framework – literally a win/win/win from every standpoint.”

To learn more about FCCF’s DAFs, contact Chief Revenue & Business Development Officer Mike Rosen at MRosen@FCCFoundation.org or call (203) 750-3200.