The Foundation for Norfolk Living
The Foundation for Norfolk Living is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Norfolk, Connecticut that develops affordable rental and for-sale housing for low-to-moderate income households, using a proprietary net-zero energy home design to keep total ownership costs low.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2005
- HeadquartersNorfolk, United States
- Headcount—
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What The Foundation for Norfolk Living does
The Foundation for Norfolk Living (FNL) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit corporation founded in 2005 in Norfolk, Connecticut, dedicated to creating affordable rental and for-sale housing for low-to-moderate income households. All operations are confined to the single town of Norfolk in Litchfield County's Northwest Corner. The organization emerged from a 2003 Housing Study Committee survey that confirmed a pressing local need; Norfolk's median home value reached $410,200 in 2024 and only 4.9% of housing is classified as affordable, below the 10% threshold targeted by the foundation and required for certain state protections.
FNL operates two principal programs. The first is the Town Center Rental Project, completed in June 2018, which delivered 12 fully occupied rental apartments through adaptive reuse of five deteriorating structures in the Norfolk Historic District; 10 units are priced at 25–80% of area median income (AMI) and two at 120% AMI market rate, with a waiting list maintained. The second is Haystack Woods, a 10-unit single-family affordable homeownership development under construction on a 39-acre former gravel pit, scheduled for 2026 occupancy. Homes are priced from $159,000 to $261,000 for first-time buyers earning 60–80% AMI, using a proprietary net-zero energy design by President Kate Johnson—insulated concrete walls, SIP roofs, air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic carports, battery storage, and energy recovery ventilators—that tied for first place in the 2015 CT Net Zero Energy Challenge and achieved a HERS Index of -12.
The business model combines recurring rental income, one-time for-sale home revenue, and nonprofit funding sources including Connecticut Department of Housing grants (over $7 million cumulative), Eversource-purchased historic tax credits ($448,119 in 2019), a $2 million construction loan, individual donations via PayPal, and support from partners such as LISC, Capital for Change, Housing Enterprises, and the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation. Distribution is direct-to-consumer through paper applications, community presentations at the Norfolk Hub, a Zoom info session for Haystack Woods, and outsourced property management by DeMarco Property Management and Connecticut Real Estate Management. The organization is governed by a volunteer board of Norfolk residents, with current President Kate Johnson, Vice President Avie Meehan, Treasurer Liane Burke, and Secretary Julie Scharnberg.
The Foundation for Norfolk Living firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- The Foundation for Norfolk Living
- Legal name
- The Foundation for Norfolk Living, Inc.
- Website
- https://norfolkliving.org
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2005
- Operating status
- Operating
- Short description
- The Foundation for Norfolk Living is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit in Norfolk, Connecticut that develops affordable rental and for-sale housing for low-to-moderate income households, using a proprietary net-zero energy home design to keep total ownership costs low.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
The Foundation for Norfolk Living industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Affordable Housing
- NAICS
- Residential Building Construction (23611), Lessors of Residential Buildings and Dwellings (53111), New Housing For-Sale Builders (236117)
- SIC
- Operators Of Apartment Buildings (6513), Land Subdividers & Developers (No Cemeteries) (6552)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction (IMAFABAI)
- akta.pro secondary industries
- Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts) (BPAGALAC), Residential Green / High-Performance Home Construction (Net-Zero, Passive House) (IMAFABAH)
Keywords
Where The Foundation for Norfolk Living is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Norfolk
- HQ country
- United States
- HQ region
- North America
Offices4 records
Markets served
The Foundation for Norfolk Living business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Infrastructure, Supply Chain, Operations, Personnel, Marketing or Sales, Others
Revenue model
- Rental Income: 12 rental apartments across five renovated historic buildings in the Norfolk Historic District generate rental income. Properties include the Shepard Road Property (6 units) and Burr Property (6 units). All 12 units are fully occupied with a waiting list. 10 units are priced at 25-80% of area median income (AMI), 2 units are market rate at 120% AMI.
- Home Sales (For-Sale Condominiums): Individual homes at Haystack Woods are sold as condominiums to first-time homebuyers earning 60-80% of AMI. Prices range from $159,000 to $261,000, well below actual construction cost, with revenue used to pay off construction loans. Land is owned by a homeowners association.
- State Grants and Tax Credit Proceeds: The primary funding mechanism is Connecticut Department of Housing (DOH) grants ($3 million+ in historical funding; ~$4 million committed for Haystack Woods). Additional financing includes Eversource-purchased historic tax credits ($448,119 for Town Center Rental Project), Connecticut Housing Finance Authority tax credits, and State Historic Preservation Office tax credits. These are not equity investments but government subsidies and credits.
- Donations: Individual donations via PayPal support the nonprofit's mission of providing affordable housing. The foundation is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization.
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | Affordable for-sale homes (60-80% AMI) priced $159,000–$261,000 |
| Subscription | Monthly | Affordable rental units (25-80% AMI), market-rate units (120% AMI) |
| Other | Pay-as-you-go | Norfolk median home value $410,200 (2024) |
Go-to-market motion2 records
Distribution channels4 records
Marketing channels7 records
The Foundation for Norfolk Living product offering
Product offeringCore offering
The Foundation for Norfolk Living develops, owns, and manages affordable rental and for-sale housing in Norfolk, Connecticut. Its current portfolio includes 12 rental apartments created through the adaptive reuse of five historic buildings in the Norfolk Historic District, and 10 single-family net-zero energy homes under construction at the Haystack Woods development for first-time homebuyers earning 60-80% of area median income. The organization funds projects through state grants, historic tax credits, donations, and low-interest loans, and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Product overview
The Foundation for Norfolk Living operates two primary housing programs: the Historic District Rentals, a portfolio of 12 adaptive-reuse rental apartments in five renovated historic buildings that are fully occupied with a waiting list; and Haystack Woods Net-Zero Homes, an under-construction 10-unit affordable single-family home development designed for net-zero energy consumption with solar panels, targeting first-time home buyers at prices of $159,000 to $261,000.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Historic District Rentals Portfolio of 12 rental apartments created through adaptive reuse of five deteriorating historic structures in the Norfolk Historic District, including the Shepard Road Property (6 apartments in two buildings at 40 and 46 Greenwoods Road West) and the Burr Property (6 apartments in three duplex houses at 29, 31, 33 Greenwoods Road East, donated by Ralph Burr). 10 units are priced at 25-80% of area median income and 2 units at 120% AMI (market rate). Properties are fully occupied with a maintained waiting list and managed by DeMarco Property Management Company and Connecticut Real Estate Management (CREM).
- Haystack Woods Net-Zero Homes A community of 10 affordable single-family net-zero energy homes under construction on a 39-acre reclaimed gravel pit site off Old Colony Road in Norfolk, Connecticut. Designed for first-time homebuyers earning 60-80% of area median income. Features three house designs (Cape House, Two-story House, Ranch House) ranging from 1,200 to 1,355 square feet. Homes use insulated concrete walls, SIP roofs, air-source heat pumps, photovoltaic solar panels on shared carports, battery storage, energy recovery ventilators, EV charging stations, and high-speed internet. Prices range from $159,000 to $261,000 with total monthly cost (mortgage + utilities + property taxes) targeted at $1,225-$1,650.
Quantifiable outcome
- 12 rental units created from five deteriorating historic buildings, all fully occupied with a waiting list since June 2018
- +5 more outcomes
Companies that use The Foundation for Norfolk Living
Customer profileNamed customers2 records
Segments3 records
Ideal customer profiles3 records
The Foundation for Norfolk Living technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature8 records
The Foundation for Norfolk Living partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Seven partnerships are on record, tiered flagship, core and minor.
- Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity (LCCHO)flagshipFNL is participating in the Litchfield County Affordable Homeownership Program, an innovative bundled application accepted by DOH for the first time. FNL will build one new house on a 1.5-acre lot below Haystack Woods, donated by Norfolk Land Company. LCCHO Director Joycelyn Ayres leads the program.
- Revival Homes LLC (David Jones)flagshipBuilder from New Hartford, CT specializing in energy-efficient construction. Builder of Kate Johnson's award-winning net-zero prototype in Litchfield (2015). Selected as builder for Haystack Woods 10-home development. Responsible for off-site fabrication of insulated concrete panels and SIP roofs.
- Housing Enterprises, Inc. (David Berto)coreConnecticut-based firm specializing in grant writing and administration. Guided FNL through the web of affordable housing funding and compliance requirements. Described as one of the best decisions made by the foundation.
- Zlotnick ConstructionminorConstruction contractor awarded the contract for Town Center Rental Project renovations (2017). Based in Mansfield, CT. Expected up to 40 employees working on the properties during construction.
- DeMarco Property Management CompanyminorProfessional property management firm managing the 12 Town Center Rental units. Handles tenant relations, rent collection, and property maintenance.
- Connecticut Real Estate Management (CREM)minorProperty management firm for rentals and property management inquiries. Contact: Kimberly Erdely (860-621-2234, [email protected]). Handles available housing inquiries and applications.
- The Housing CollectiveminorOrganization that receives Haystack Woods pre-application forms. Contact: [email protected].
Scale indicators11 records
Recent moves8 records
Expansion highlights5 records
The Foundation for Norfolk Living competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- The Housing Collective: Connecticut-based housing nonprofit receiving Haystack Woods pre-applications and operating housing programs across the state. Direct peer — same affordable housing mission, same CT geography, overlapping first-time homebuyer support function.
- Housing Enterprises, Inc. Connecticut-based affordable housing consultancy providing grant writing and administration for FNL. Direct peer — same CT affordable housing focus, comparable nonprofit client base, similar compliance and funding navigation services.
- Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity (LCCHO): Regional housing nonprofit partnering with FNL on the Litchfield County Affordable Homeownership Program bundled DOH application. Direct peer — same affordable homeownership mission in the same Litchfield County geography, with broader regional coordination role.
- Capital for Change (C4C): Connecticut-based CDFI providing construction and program loans for affordable housing developers, including a partnership with FNL on the LCCHO bundled project. Direct peer — same affordable housing ecosystem role, same CT geography, comparable nonprofit client base.
- Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut: Regional Habitat for Humanity affiliate serving Litchfield County area, including Norfolk, building affordable homes for low-to-moderate income buyers. Most direct peer — same nonprofit affordable housing model, same Connecticut geography, same first-time homebuyer focus.
Broad incumbents
- Habitat for Humanity International: Largest U.S. nonprofit affordable homebuilder, sponsoring the local NW CT affiliate that competes for similar state and donor funding. Broad incumbent — same nonprofit affordable housing model at much greater national scale; sets standards and competes for Connecticut DOH grants.
- Enterprise Community Partners: National nonprofit affordable housing developer, investor, and policy organization active across the U.S. including CT. Broad incumbent — much larger scale and capital base, similar affordable housing development model, overlapping LISC/CDFI ecosystem.
- Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA): State housing finance agency that issues tax credits and mortgage financing for affordable housing developments across Connecticut, including tax credit partnerships with FNL. Broad incumbent — operates at the state policy and capital-markets level rather than as a developer; enables but does not directly compete with FNL.
Others
- Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC): National CDFI providing bridge financing and capacity support to FNL since the Town Center Rental Project. OTHERS — acts as a capital and capacity partner rather than a competing developer; comparable only as a funder/incubator in the same ecosystem.
- Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation: Regional community foundation serving northwest Connecticut that provided website support for FNL. OTHERS — funder/infrastructure supporter in the same Litchfield County service area; comparable only as a regional philanthropic partner.
Market position
Strengths5 records
Weaknesses5 records
Competitive moat5 records
Key risks6 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
The Foundation for Norfolk Living social profiles
Digital presenceThe Foundation for Norfolk Living financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
The Foundation for Norfolk Living leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles12 records
The Foundation for Norfolk Living funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
The Foundation for Norfolk Living M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about The Foundation for Norfolk Living
What does The Foundation for Norfolk Living do?
The Foundation for Norfolk Living develops, owns, and manages affordable rental and for-sale housing in Norfolk, Connecticut. Its current portfolio includes 12 rental apartments created through the adaptive reuse of five historic buildings in the Norfolk Historic District, and 10 single-family net-zero energy homes under construction at the Haystack Woods development for first-time homebuyers earning 60-80% of area median income. The organization funds projects through state grants, historic tax credits, donations, and low-interest loans, and operates as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit.
Is The Foundation for Norfolk Living a public or private company?
The Foundation for Norfolk Living is a private company. It is classified as nonprofit foundation owned and is currently operating.
When was The Foundation for Norfolk Living founded?
The Foundation for Norfolk Living was founded in 2005.
Where is The Foundation for Norfolk Living based?
The Foundation for Norfolk Living is headquartered in Norfolk, United States, in the North America region.
How does The Foundation for Norfolk Living make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Rental Income is the primary driver. The others are home Sales (For-Sale Condominiums), state Grants and Tax Credit Proceeds and donations.
Who are The Foundation for Norfolk Living's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are The Housing Collective, Housing Enterprises, Inc., Litchfield County Center for Housing Opportunity (LCCHO), Capital for Change (C4C) and Habitat for Humanity of Northwest Connecticut. Broad incumbents are Habitat for Humanity International, Enterprise Community Partners and Connecticut Housing Finance Authority (CHFA). Others are Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC) and Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.
Does The Foundation for Norfolk Living have an API?
No public API is recorded for The Foundation for Norfolk Living.
What industry is The Foundation for Norfolk Living in?
The Foundation for Norfolk Living's product category is Affordable Housing. Its primary akta.pro industry code is IMAFABAI, Residential Affordable Housing Development & Construction, with a secondary code of BPAGALAC, Affordable Housing & Community Development (Housing, Community Land Trusts). Its NAICS code is 23611 and its SIC code is 6513.