The New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF), a stalwart of local philanthropy, has announced an impressive grant allocation totaling $712,700, set to benefit 92 non-profit organizations spread across New Canaan and neighboring towns. This remarkable gesture underscores NCCF’s enduring commitment to enhancing the quality of life for community members across a multitude of sectors.
With an impressive history dating back to 1977, NCCF’s primary aim has been to address pressing community needs and uplift local nonprofits. Their recent grant allocations signal a steadfast determination to continue championing the causes they believe in. In the words of Lauren Patterson, NCCF’s President & CEO, “Many people contribute to the Foundation, at all levels, to make an impact in their community and respond to the most pressing needs we see from our nonprofit partners year-to-year.”
This year, the NCCF grant-making process was particularly intense. The Foundation received an unprecedented 117 applications, with requests amounting to a whopping $1.5 million. This overwhelming response highlights the sheer scale of need in the community and the competitive nature of securing such grants.
Guided by nearly 100 community volunteers, NCCF’s grant decisions are intricately tailored to reflect the unique needs and interests of New Canaan and its surrounding areas. Five primary categories dominated this year’s grant considerations: Human Services; Arts, Culture & Community Resources; Youth & Education; Health (with an emphasis on behavioral health); and Seniors & Special Needs.
Among the new beneficiaries this year are esteemed entities like Catholic Charities of Fairfield County, Connecticut Land Conservation Council, and The WorkPlace, to name a few. It’s noteworthy that the Town Players of New Canaan’s capital campaign has received a new multiyear grant investment. Concurrently, the New Canaan Library has witnessed a second-year investment in its multiyear grant.
However, the NCCF’s dedication to the community doesn’t end with these annual grants. As Patterson pointed out, “Our community’s pooled resources mean that we stand ready to respond when there are large and exceptional capital projects in our town, through which we can have an outsized impact when working together.” She further noted that the Foundation expects to invest close to $2 million in community projects this year alone.
A notable achievement for the Foundation is the recent inauguration of the Community Behavioral Health Fund. This initiative represents a significant stride in a multi-year endeavor aimed at magnifying the impact on promoting behavioral health and general well-being within the community.
In partnership with New Canaan Public Schools, NCCF’s Touch A Life Fund has facilitated students eligible for free and reduced price lunches to procure additional sustenance using their meal cards. A true testament to the community’s commitment to ensuring no child goes hungry.
As per the detailed breakdown of the 2023 grants, a major chunk, $210,500, has been allocated to Human Services, aimed at guaranteeing basic necessities for community members. Health, Seniors & Special Needs, Arts, Culture & Community Resources, and Youth & Education have also received substantial grants, each reflecting the diverse needs of the New Canaan community.
At its core, NCCF serves as New Canaan’s local partner in promoting charitable endeavors. This institution, deeply embedded in the town’s fabric, aims to address individual and community challenges, enhancing life quality for all residents. This grant allocation merely represents a fraction of their comprehensive philanthropic efforts.
To learn more about the New Canaan Community Foundation and their ongoing projects, visit their official website at www.newcanaancf.org. Click image below for complete list of awards.
