Making Philanthropy More Accessible
Oct 29, 2025
The Community Foundation’s new donor-advised fund minimum of $5,000—previously set at $50,000—has opened the door for more people to make a positive impact through philanthropy.
“People want to be part of directing change in their communities, and a $5,000 fund minimum makes that more achievable,” says Leah Mayor, a Newtown resident who recently established her donor-advised fund, The Oxford Road Fund, at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.
Mayor believes donor-advised funds help households think more strategically about giving and invest intentionally in the future of their communities. She plans to align future grants made from The Oxford Road Fund with the Community Foundation’s data-driven strategies, with special interest in improving access to quality education and closing the wealth gap in Fairfield County.
“Individually, I don’t have a ton of investment,” she notes. “But collectively, as part of this community and aligned with the Community Foundation’s vision and research, my giving has the power to make a strategic impact beyond my own dollars.”
“I’m impressed with the Community Foundation’s vetting of nonprofits. With all the changes going on, I’m concerned about where nonprofit funding will come from, and I want to continue to direct my money where the need and the impact are the greatest.”
Beverly Frank
Volunteer & Donor,
Stamford, CT
Talk with us about making your giving go further. All conversations are offered at no cost, and with no obligation.
Contact Joe Collin, VP of Philanthropy, at: (203) 750-3200 or JCollin@FCCFoundation.org
