The Community Fund of Darien

What The Community Fund of Darien does

The Community Fund of Darien is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation founded in 1951 and headquartered in Darien, Connecticut. Its primary function is grantmaking to local health and human service nonprofits serving Stamford, Norwalk, and Darien, with cumulative grants approaching $30 million since inception and $790,000 distributed to 36 grantees in 2025 across food, housing, physical and mental healthcare, employment skills, youth development, and emergency services. The organization is governed by a 20+ member Board of Directors and operates with a small professional staff of 1-10 employees supplemented by roughly 80 trained community volunteers who conduct annual grant due diligence.

The programmatic portfolio extends well beyond grantmaking. The Community Fund convenes the Thriving Youth Darien coalition—50+ leaders across 35 organizations addressing youth mental health and substance use prevention—and serves as fiscal agent for the federal Drug-Free Communities grant. It operates the Touch-a-Life Fund for emergency resident assistance (since 2006, with $121,000 disbursed) and the Human Services Planning Council. Youth-facing programs include Youth Give Back (grades 7-8), Freshman Community Group (grade 9), Youth Asset Team (grades 10-12), Youth Community Fund, and the newly launched Youth Volunteer Group (grades 9-12, $300 fee, waitlist). The biennial Darien Youth Survey, conducted with Darien Public Schools, provides longitudinal data on youth mental health and substance use.

Revenue is sourced from individual donations (online, recurring, stock transfers via Schwab, IRA qualified charitable distributions, donor-advised funds, corporate matches), signature fundraising events (Darien Road Race, Designed to Dine, Mahjong for Good), youth program registration fees ($200-$300), planned giving, and event sponsorships from a 100+ business Honor Roll. Signature events include the 46-year-old Darien Road Race, the tablescape-design event Designed to Dine (over $225,000 raised), and the Mahjong for Good tournament (over $25,000). No technology product, software platform, or proprietary AI system underlies operations; all grantmaking and convening functions are performed by staff and volunteers.

Name

The Community Fund of Darien

Legal name

The Community Fund of Darien

Website

https://communityfunddarien.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

1951

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

The Community Fund of Darien is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community foundation founded in 1951 that grants funds to local nonprofits, runs youth development programs, and convenes a regional coalition to address health and human service needs in Stamford, Norwalk, and Darien, Connecticut.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Community Foundation and Charitable Grantmaking

NAICS

Grantmaking and Giving Services (81321), Voluntary Health Organizations (813212), Child and Youth Services (62411)

SIC

Services-Social Services (8300)

akta.pro industry

PRIMARYBPAGAKAB

Community Foundations

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Philanthropy, Foundations & Grantmaking

SECONDARYHLAJALAI

Behavioral Health & Substance Use Program Funding (Public Health)

Healthcare & Life Sciences/Public Health, Government & Regulators/Public Health Funding, Grants & Program Administration

SECONDARYBPAGADAK

Youth Mental Health, Counseling & Wellbeing (Education-Linked) Nonprofits

Business & Public Services/Nonprofit, NGO & Social Services/Education & Youth Development Nonprofits

Keywords

• Community foundation
• Charitable grantmaking
• Human services grants
• Youth philanthropy
• Nonprofit fundraising events

Headquarters

HQ city

Darien

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2B and B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Technology or R&D, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Contributions: Individual and business donations received through online giving, monthly recurring gifts, stock transfers, qualified charitable distributions from IRAs, donor-advised fund gifts, and matching gifts. The organization is a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt nonprofit.
2. Event Fundraising: Revenue generated from fundraising events including the Darien Road Race, Designed to Dine, Mahjong for Good, and other community events. Event proceeds support the grant pool for local nonprofits.
3. Youth Program Registration Fees: Registration fees for youth programs including Youth Give Back ($200), Freshman Community Group ($300), Youth Asset Team ($300), and Youth Volunteer Group ($300). Any remaining funds after program costs are contributed to the grant pool.
4. Planned Giving and Sponsorships: Planned giving arrangements and event sponsorships from businesses and individuals interested in supporting the organization's mission.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion2 records

Distribution channels3 records

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

The Community Fund of Darien is a community foundation that pools donations from individuals and local businesses, then regrants those funds each year to vetted nonprofit health and human services organizations serving Stamford, Norwalk, and Darien. Beyond annual grantmaking, it convenes the Thriving Youth Darien coalition focused on youth mental health and substance-use prevention, runs five youth philanthropy and service programs for grades 7-12, operates the Touch-a-Life emergency assistance fund, hosts signature fundraising events (Darien Road Race, Designed to Dine, Mahjong for Good), and conducts the biennial Darien Youth Survey.

Product overview

The Community Fund of Darien is a nonprofit grantmaking organization that serves as a community foundation for Stamford, Norwalk, and Darien. The organization's offerings consist of: (1) a core Community Grants Program providing nearly $30 million in grants to 36 local nonprofits annually; (2) Thriving Youth Darien coalition focused on youth mental health and substance use prevention, which includes youth programs Youth Give Back (grades 7-8), Freshman Community Group (grade 9), Youth Asset Team (grades 10-12), Youth Community Fund, and Youth Volunteer Group; (3) community initiatives including Touch-a-Life Fund for emergency assistance and the Human Services Planning Council; and (4) signature fundraising events including the Darien Road Race, Designed to Dine, and Mahjong for Good. The organization also conducts the Darien Youth Survey and runs prevention campaigns on substance use and social host law awareness.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• Community Grants Program Annual cycle of grants to vetted local 501(c)(3) nonprofits delivering food, housing, physical and mental healthcare, employment skills, youth success programs, and emergency services to residents of Stamford, Norwalk, and Darien. Applications are reviewed by approximately 80 trained community volunteers who conduct due diligence and site visits.
• Touch-a-Life Fund Emergency financial assistance fund for Darien residents covering rent, utilities, food, prescribed medications, and medical equipment. Operated in cooperation with the Darien Department of Human Services and has provided more than $121,000 since 2006.
• Human Services Planning Council Convening body led by The Community Fund of Darien that brings together nonprofit, governmental, and educational leaders to address social service needs in Darien. Members include Abilis, Child Guidance Center, At Home In Darien, Person to Person, Family Centers, Town of Darien, Darien YMCA, Liberation Programs, and others.
• Thriving Youth Darien Coalition promoting positive youth development, mental health promotion, and substance use prevention. Brings together 50+ leaders from 35+ organizations including schools, mental health professionals, police, town government, clergy, and youth-serving nonprofits. Conducts the biennial Darien Youth Survey and runs prevention campaigns.
• Youth Give Back (YGB) Community service program for 7th-8th grade Darien students teaching about local human service needs through volunteering at nonprofits including Person to Person, Darien Nature Center, and Fairgate Farm. $200 annual registration.
• Freshman Community Group (FCG) Youth enrichment program for 9th grade Darien students featuring mental-health-related activities, discussions of high school transition, stress management, friendship, substance use, and volunteer opportunities. $300 annual registration.
• Youth Asset Team (YAT) Enrichment program for 10th-12th grade students focused on mental health promotion and substance use prevention, including QPR suicide prevention training and youth-led community initiatives. $300 annual registration.
• Youth Community Fund (YCF) A group of 50-60 high school students learning philanthropy by volunteering, raising funds, reviewing grant applications, and collectively allocating approximately $15,000-$15,500 to local nonprofits each year.
• Youth Volunteer Group (YVG) Volunteer program for Darien 9-12th graders offering monthly opportunities to volunteer at local nonprofit organizations. $300 registration fee; waitlist applied once group is filled.
• Darien Road Race & Family Fun Day Annual signature fundraising event featuring 1.5-mile and 5-mile timed races plus family activities. Draws 500+ runners, walkers, volunteers, and supporters and supports the grant pool; 2026 edition scheduled September 20, 2025.
• Designed to Dine Fundraising event pairing an afternoon tea with an evening celebration featuring tablescape designs; engages Darien-area supporters and has raised more than $225,000 to date for local nonprofits.
• Mahjong for Good Mahjong tournament fundraiser engaging more than 150 enthusiasts and Community Fund supporters. The 2026 edition raised more than $25,000 for the grant pool.
• Darien Youth Survey Anonymous biennial survey of Darien 6th-12th graders on mental health and substance use patterns, conducted in partnership with Darien Public Schools. Findings inform community education, Thriving Youth Darien programming, and prevention initiatives.

Quantifiable outcome

• $790,000 granted to 36 local nonprofits in 2025
• +3 more outcomes

Named customers1 record

Segments3 records

Ideal customer profiles4 records

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

18 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Thriving Youth Darien Coalition MemberscoreOthersCoalition includes 50+ leaders from 35 organizations: Catalyst CT - The Hub, Center for Hope - Family Centers, Child Guidance Center of Southern CT, Darien High School, Darien Magazine, Darien Public Schools Administration, Darien Scouts, Darien YMCA, Domestic Violence Crisis Center, Family Centers, Greenwich Education Group, Kids in Crisis, Liberation Programs, Middlesex Middle School, Newport Academy, Noroton Presbyterian Church, OK To Delay Darien, Rep. Jim Himes, Sasco River Center, SEPAC, Silver Hill Hospital, State of CT, The Depot Youth Center, The Rowan Center, Town of Darien departments, Trinity Church, YWCA of Darien/Norwalk
• Darien Public SchoolscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership for Darien Youth Survey conducted every two years with Darien 6-12th grade students, informing community education and programming
• Darien Police DepartmentcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerPartnership on Social Host Law awareness campaigns, Liquor Lock Sticker campaigns, and youth safety initiatives including Sticker Shock campaign
• Community Grant Review VolunteerscoreOthersApproximately 80 local volunteers contribute time, expertise, and perspective to annual due diligence efforts, reviewing applications, conducting site visits, and evaluating nonprofit organizations
• Human Services Planning Council MemberscoreOthersCouncil brings together nonprofit, governmental and educational leaders including: Abilis, Child Guidance Center, At Home In Darien, Communities 4 Action, Family Centers, Council of Darien Schools, DCA, Darien Abuse Council, Post 53 Darien, Darien Library, Darien Police, Darien Public Schools, Town of Darien, Darien YMCA, Darien Youth Commission, The Darien Depot, DVCC, Family and Children's Agency, Family Centers, Laurel House, Liberation Programs, The Rowan Center, Southwest Regional Mental Health, Noroton Pres, Person to Person, STAR, YWCA Darien Norwalk
• Darien Department of Human ServicescoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerCooperation for Touch-a-Life Fund providing emergency assistance to Darien residents for rent, utilities, and essential necessities
• BMW of Darien + MINI of DarienminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• CLOUD 10 SmartwashminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• The Goddard School Darien - Noroton HeightsminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• Hollow Tree Self Storage and Wine VaultminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• Performance Optimal HealthminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• Greens Ledge Light Preservation SocietyminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• Hutchinson Tree Care Specialists, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• O&G Industries, Inc.minorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• Dr. Christine Hamilton-Hall, DMD, MDminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• John H. Wygal & Company Financial AdvisorminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• Park Animal HospitalminorGTM or Marketing Partner2026 Darien Road Race sponsor
• 2025 Business Honor Roll SupportersminorGTM or Marketing PartnerLocal businesses supporting Community Fund mission including: Accent Picture Framing, Geary Gallery Active Dog, Affiliated Managers Group, AMC Marketing, Andrew Stefanou Salon & Medi Spa, Antonio's Italian Bistro, Arm Candy, Athletic Brewing Company, Bank of America, Bankwell, Bar Method, Barrett Bookstore, and 100+ additional local businesses

Scale indicators13 records

Recent moves2 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Regional players

• Connecticut Community Foundation: Statewide Connecticut community foundation with similar grantmaking and nonprofit support mission, operating across a broader geography but with comparable program areas including basic needs and youth success.
• Vermont Community Foundation: New England statewide community foundation with similar grantmaking, donor-advised funds, and youth/family initiative focus across a different low-density geography.
• The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven: Regional community foundation serving the Greater New Haven area of Connecticut with parallel grantmaking, scholarship, and donor-advised fund services at a slightly larger scale.
• Maine Community Foundation: Statewide community foundation operating a parallel grantmaking, scholarship, and community-building model but in a lower-density geography with a more rural donor and grantee base.

Others

• Drug-Free America Foundation: National substance use prevention advocacy organization thematically aligned with the Community Fund's Thriving Youth coalition work, though operating nationally rather than as a community grantmaker.

Broad incumbents

• The New York Community Trust: Large metropolitan community foundation with the same donor-advised fund, competitive grantmaking, and civic convening model, serving NYC rather than a suburban Connecticut geography.
• Silicon Valley Community Foundation: Among the largest community foundations in the U.S., operating a comparable grantmaking and donor services model but at vastly greater scale and anchored to a different wealthy donor base.
• The Boston Foundation: One of the oldest and largest community foundations in the U.S., offering the same grantmaking, donor services, and civic leadership model but operating at metro scale with substantially larger assets and grant pool.

Direct peers

• Fairfield County's Community Foundation: Community foundation serving the broader Fairfield County, Connecticut region with comparable grantmaking, donor services, and convening role across overlapping geography including Stamford and Norwalk.
• New Canaan Community Foundation: Hyper-local community foundation serving adjacent affluent Connecticut town New Canaan with similar grantmaking, youth development, and donor-advised fund models targeting high-net-worth suburban donors.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/CommunityFundDarien
• Instagraminstagram.com/communityfunddarien/?hl=en
• Xx.com/tcfdarien
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/the-community-fund-of-darien

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles16 records

Subsidiaries8 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about The Community Fund of Darien