Donors

Directory of Community Foundations Serving Connecticut

See this directory for the 21 community foundations serving Connecticut across the state They range from small foundations with no staff that generally serve one town, to foundations that serve many towns in a region and are among the largest of their kind in the country.

Foundation Planning Guide
The Foundation Planning Guide covers 14 scenarios that high-net-worth clients commonly face that directly affect their investment planning, tax and estate planning, and charitable planning, and it shows how a private foundation can be used to address them.
Wednesday, May 6, 2020
CT Philanthropy Digest - Spring 2020

The Spring 2020 DIGEST includes FEATURED NEWS STORIES - CCP Supports Funders and Nonprofits in Response to COVID-19; CCP Welcomes New Officers and Board Members and Thanks Long-standing Directors for Their Leadership; Philanthropic Organizations Partner with State to Distribute PPE; #GivingTuesdayNow and The Great Give®; and COVID-19 FUNDER RESPONSE; FUNDER COVID-19 NEWS LINKS; POLICY UPDATE; COVID-19 RELATED VIRTUAL EVENTS AND RESOURCES; THE POWER OF GOOD PEOPLE; and JOBS!

Friday, April 3, 2020
FCCF's Fairfield County COVID-19 Resiliency Fund Weekly Update & Challenge Grant

NORWALK, CT -- The generosity of individuals, corporations, and foundations across Fairfield County and beyond has been extraordinary. In the two weeks since the Fairfield County COVID-19 Resiliency Fund was established by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, more than $1.375 MILLION has been donated.

Wednesday, April 1, 2020
Connecticut Restaurant Association launches hospitality relief fund

FARMINGTON, CT -- The Connecticut Restaurant Association launched a relief fund Wednesday to help hospitality workers throughout the state, and will distribute individual $500 grants to employees whose jobs have been impacted by the COVID-19 crisis. The fund will be supported by private, community, and individual donations.

Tuesday, April 9, 2019
Get ready to “Give Local” on April 23 and 24!

WATERBURY, CT -- Record-breaking generosity has been the hallmark of Give Local Greater Waterbury and Litchfield Hills since it began in 2013. On April 23 and 24, Connecticut Community Foundation will again host the 36-hour online giving event, which will benefit more local charities serving the region than ever: 265 of them this year!

Monday, December 17, 2018
CT Philanthropy Digest - December 2018

The DECEMBER 2018 DIGEST includes feature headlines: Tras la Tormenta: Puerto Rico One Year After Maria; 29 Greater Hartford Cities and Towns to Benefit from Town-specific Endowed Funds; Good News: Long Island Sound Report Card Reveals Substantial Improvement; Cross-Sector Strategic Collaboratives Full-Day Workshop Announced; Corporate Foundation to Continue to Serve the Community as a Private Charitable Foundation; Plus -- LEADERSHIP TRAINING; PHILANTHROPY NEWS LINKS; GRANTS & RFPS; PEOPLE and JOBS IN PHILANTHROPY!

Thursday, November 15, 2018
IRS Announces Higher 2019 Estate And Gift Tax Limits

NEW YORK, NY -- The Internal Revenue Service announced today the official estate and gift tax limits for 2019: The estate and gift tax exemption is $11.4 million per individual, up from $11.18 million in 2018. That means an individual can leave $11.4 million to heirs and pay no federal estate or gift tax, while a married couple will be able to shield $22.8 million. The annual gift exclusion amount remains the same at $15,000. For the ultra rich, these numbers represent planning opportunities. For everybody else, they serve as a reminder: Even if you don’t have a taxable estate, you still need an estate plan.

Monday, September 24, 2018
The Black Giving Circle Fund Announces Successful Fundraising Campaign

HARTFORD, CT -- The generous members and supporters of the Black Giving Circle at the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving have successfully completed a $25,000 fundraising campaign making the Fund eligible to receive a $25,000, dollar-for-dollar matching contribution to support the needs of Greater Hartford’s Black community.

Thursday, September 13, 2018
The Growth in Total Household Giving Is Camouflaging a Decline in Giving by Small and Medium Donors: What Can We Do about It?

BOSTON, MA -- Research on giving in the United States has now produced definitive empirical evidence to show a decline in the participation and amounts donated by “small” and “medium” (actually, median) donors and an increasing reliance on “large” donors. That lead sentence should make every reader stop and envision the future of philanthropy in our democracy. Nonprfit Quarterly's Patrick Rooney writes in support of a universal charitable deduction.

Wednesday, August 1, 2018
The Prosperity Foundation to Kick Off Inaugural #GIVEBLACKCT Day of Giving

CONNECTICUT -- In observance of Black Philanthropy Month (BPM) in August, The Prosperity Foundation (TPF) will officially launch its first-of-its-kind annual #GIVEBLACKCT giving campaign on Wednesday, August 29, 2018. Commencing at 12:00 a.m. to 11:59 p.m. on the 29th, TPF will host its official on-line, and social media “Give Back by Investing in Our Community Day.”

Monday, April 16, 2018
Charitable Giving Under Threat with New Tax Law

HARTFORD, CT -- David Obedzinski, president of the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain, voices his concerns about changes in the federal tax law that may negatively impact charitable giving in 2018. He encourages increased volunteering and giving to nonprofits, "Let's work together to shift the focus to what's best for our community without leaning on a potential tax deduction as a motivator. Let's do it for the right reasons, together, as one generous nation, indivisible and with care for all."

Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Membership Drive Begins for Community Foundation’s Catalyst Fund

NEW BRITAIN, CT -- Fresh on the heels of having awarded a $10,000 Catalyst Fund grant to Plainville Community Schools to support the school system’s Alternative Learning Center, the Community Foundation of Greater New Britain’s Catalyst Fund has opened 2018 membership with new incentives and membership categories.

Tuesday, February 20, 2018
Fairfield County's Giving Day is Just A Few Days Away - On March 1st, Over 430 Nonprofits Will Appeal To Your Generosity

NORWALK, CT -- In just a few days, Fairfield County’s Giving Day, the region’s biggest and most exciting philanthropic event that unites the community while making a difference in the lives of our neighbors will take place. At midnight on March 1st, more than 430 nonprofits will be reaching out throughout the region seeking to boost their funds, create awareness about the amazing work they do and compete for over $100,000 in cash prizes ranging from $1,000 to $20,000.

Friday, February 2, 2018
Westport Warm Up Fund Continues To Accept Donations

WESTPORT, CT -- The Warm Up Fund is a collaborative effort between the United Way of Coastal Fairfield County, the Department of Human Services, the Westport Woman's Club (WWC) and the Clergy Association. "We come together to ensure that no one is left out in the cold," Daignault said. "The monies ...

Wednesday, January 10, 2018
The Giving Fund Deadline Extended

DANBURY, CT -- As in previous years, the United Way of Western Connecticut administers the fund at no charge, so 100 percent of the donations go to the cases. Any donations received above the amount needed for a case will benefit underfunded cases. If all are funded, then the money will be used for other United ...

Wednesday, January 10, 2018
An Update on the Hurricane Maria Puerto Rico Relief Fund

NEW BRITAIN, CT -- Since establishing the fund within 48 hours of the devastating hurricane hitting the island of Puerto Rico we’ve collected $41,428 in gifts and grants from individuals and organizations including support from our own foundation and the American Savings Foundation. An additional $7,500 was granted and designated by our Foundation for local efforts raising our total amounted committed to $48,928.

Sunday, December 10, 2017
Editorial: The Rewards of the Giving Fund

FAIRFIELD COUNTY, CT -- United Way of Coastal Fairfield and United Way of Western Connecticut have partnered with Hearst Connecticut Media Group to provide funds with those in need. The Hearst papers publish brief stories with anonymous names and invite readers to donate to a case that resonates to them. Every cent raised goes directly to the client, as the resources to run the program are donated.

Thursday, December 7, 2017
Bridgeport Giving Fund: $400 for College Textbooks Needed

BRIDGPORT, CT -- The Connecticut Post is proud to be working for a ninth year with United Way of Coastal Fairfield County and LifeBridge Community Services (formerly FSW) in Bridgeport on a Giving Fund this holiday season. Every Thursday through the end of the year, the Connecticut Post will publish short stories about local families and people in need of a helping hand. The names of those included have been changed to protect their privacy.

 

Wednesday, December 6, 2017
The Giving Fund: Help Needed for Rent, Utilities, Other Bills

DANBURY, CT -- During the holiday season, The News-Times, in partnership with the United Way of Western Connecticut, will present six cases like Hector’s every Thursday as part of The Giving Fund campaign. The stories highlighted each week will outline how a local resident or family, whose names have been changed to protect their privacy, could be helped by receiving a specific dollar amount.

Tuesday, December 5, 2017
A Need is Identified, and United Way Donors Answer

FAIR HAVEN, CT -- United Way of Greater New Haven learned late last week that the influx of families from Puerto Rico was straining the food delivery efforts in Fair Haven. United Way donors answered the call for help, and in just a few days, we collected $3,750—enough to provide food for 75 families.

Saturday, November 18, 2017
Generous Local Donors Support Puerto Rico Relief

WATERBURY, CT -- In the wake of several fall hurricanes, Connecticut Community Foundation heard from donors wondering how to give so that they would make an impact in the affected communities. They heard particular concern for Puerto Rico, where many local residents have ties and where damage is especially devastating.

Monday, October 2, 2017
CT Rocks! A Benefit Concert For Music Education

REDDING, CT -- In response to Connecticut's budget crisis, which has severely impacted students' access and exposure to music education and the arts, Connecticut-based nonprofits SpreadMusicNow and Band Together CT have announced a benefit concert in support of music education on November 4th. All funds raised will be matched by local philanthropists in conjunction with Fairfield County's Community Foundation.

Wednesday, September 6, 2017
Help After Hurricane Harvey

HARTFORD, CT -- As of September 6, the United Way Network has raised more than $25.44 million for mid- and long-term recovery efforts related to Hurricane Harvey.

Thursday, August 24, 2017
Find Your Best Way Through United Way

HARTFORD, CT -- Jim P.'Meara, Chair of the United Way of Central and Northeastern Connecticut Board of Directors, blogs about helping local children and hard-working families through volunteering for the United Way inspires him. Jim serves as Senior Vice President, Chief of Staff to the Chairman and CEO at Webster Bank. And he encourages others to do the same, "Just as United Way helped me find my best way to make a difference, it will do the same for you."

Sunday, August 6, 2017
How Tax Reform Could Hit Charitable Giving

@CNNMoney -- Plenty of factors can motivate charitable giving: Moral obligation, religious tithing, a desire to improve the world or leave a legacy. But another factor -- the tax benefits for giving -- could soon change if lawmakers push through tax reform. Few people donate simply because of the tax breaks and are unlikely to stop giving altogether if they don't get any. But analyses from the Congressional Budget Office and others have found that tax incentives typically increase how much you choose to donate -- whether in life or at death.

Sunday, August 6, 2017
Area Nonprofits Adapt to the Millennial Way of Charitable Giving

NORWALK, CT -- Now, more than ever, as nonprofits and community foundations are stretched thin financially, they’re turning to millennials for support.  Organizations like Fairfield County’s Community Foundation — which has seen a significant increase in the number of nonprofits requesting funds, as well as an increase in the amount they’re requesting — are taking note, studying the ways millennials are different than their predecessors and looking for ways to actively engage them in philanthropy.

Wednesday, August 2, 2017
United Way Seeks Sponsors for Back-To-School Programs in Danbury and Greater New Milford

DANBURY, CT -- United Way of Western Connecticut(UWWC) is seeking sponsors from the community for its 2017 Back-To-School programs in Danbury and Greater New Milford to ensure that all children in need are served. Donations are kindly requested by August 9 to ensure we can meet demand before the August 16 and 18 distribution dates for families.

Tuesday, July 11, 2017
Giving Circle Connects and Informs Donors, Supports Women and Girls

WATERBURY, CT -- Women of all ages and backgrounds who want to improve and enrich the lives of women and girls in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills have a new opportunity to learn about and address community issues through the Women’s Giving Circle at the Connecticut Community Foundation.

Thursday, November 19, 2015
CT Philanthropy Digest - November 2015
The November Digest includes feature headlines: Designing Policy for CT's Youngest; Six-Figure Signature Grant to Boost Women Businesses; There's an App for that -- Health Insurance Literacy; Bridgeport Awarded Health Prize; Hartford Cultural Works to be Conserved; Ad Campaign Highlights Generosity of Local Residents; Milestone Gift will Benefit Greater Bristol Community; AND regular topics -- PHILANTHROPY NEWS LINKS; EVENTS & TRAININGS; GRANTS, RFPS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES; PEOPLE and JOBS IN PHILANTHROPY!
Thursday, October 22, 2015
CT Philanthropy Digest - October 2015
The October Digest includes feature headlines: Black Philanthropy Is on the Move; CT Among 18 to Receive 2nd-Year National Preschool Funding; Foundation to Invest $200 Million into Universal College and Career Readiness; New London Youth Win New School District Policy; Pilot "Free to Succeed" Expands Prison Ed Program for Women; Finding Help Just Got More User Friendly; Unveiling of Unusual Artifact to be Filmed Thanks to Grant Support; New Strategic Plan to Improve Life for Eastern CT Region; Renewed Mission, Look, to Help Foundation Connect with Donors, Community; AND regular topics -- PHILANTHROPY NEWS LINKS; EVENTS & TRAININGS; GRANTS, RFPS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES; PEOPLE and JOBS IN PHILANTHROPY!
Thursday, August 20, 2015
CT Philanthropy Digest - August 2015
The August Digest includes feature headlines: Rural Philanthropy: Trends in in Connecticut; Funders in Southeastern CT Launch Employment Initiative for Homeless Families; Partnership Produces 'Road Map' for Metro Hartford Region; Strategic Investments Make Region More Welcoming; Foundation Announces New Mission; CT Youth Groups Gain Funding for Student Voice, Leadership; Newman's Own Foundation Launches Fellowship Program; Partnership Provides More Summer Jobs for Youth; AND regular topics -- PHILANTHROPY NEWS LINKS; EVENTS & TRAININGS; GRANTS, RFPS & OTHER OPPORTUNITIES; PEOPLE and JOBS IN PHILANTHROPY!
Giving Story: Betty Knox
A giving story from The Connecticut Toolkit for Giving. "I want to do something for the city of Hartford"
Giving Story: John Door
A giving story from The Connecticut Toolkit for Giving Little White Lines: A revolutionary idea can sometimes be as simple as a stripe of white paint.
Philanthropy Glossary
New to philanthropy? Learn the basics with our helpful glossary of philanthropic terms, compiled from the very best resources on the Web.
Philanthropy Basics

An introduction to philanthropy and the different types of foundations and grantmakers.

A Plan of One's Own: A Women's Guide to Philanthropy
This guide, a project of New Ventures in Philanthropy, a national initiative of the Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers, examines women's roles in philanthropy and features “how to” sections on creating and using a variety of forms of charitable giving, as well as working with professional advisors.
Boston Marathon Tragedy
Associate Grant Makers (Boston, MA) compiled resources for responding to the Boston Marathon Bombing - April 15, 2013.
Oklahoma City Tornado
A 2-mile wide EF4 tornado raced through parts of Oklahoma City on May 20, 2013, leaving behind a swath of destruction.