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"We do the research so you can be assured that your donation to The Community Fund of Darien is supporting the most impactful local nonprofits serving Darien, Norwalk, and Stamford."
Lisa Haas, Grants Director

Community grant review is our annual process to evaluate nonprofit applicants to ensure that The Community Fund of Darien is investing in the most effective local nonprofit organizations.

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Approximately 80 local volunteers contribute their time, expertise, and perspective to our due diligence efforts. Volunteers are place on teams (panels) and are assigned 3-4 organizations to review. Volunteers will read applications, conduct site visits, and working with their panel, complete an evaluation rubric for each organization. The panels will then present their findings and recommendations to The Community Fund of Darien's Community Grants Committee.

Grant Allocation Driven by Data

Following a five-month evaluation process, allocation decisions are guided by:

 

Need and Demographic Data

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  • Is the need this organization is addressing particularly critical now due to macroeconomic and societal trends?

  • Is the priority catchment area Darien, Norwalk, and/or Stamford?

  • Is the demand for services increasing? Will more clients be served this year?

  • Is the service provided unique? Does it fill a gap unmet by other organizations?

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Organization and Programming Strength

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  • Does the organization exhibit a proven track record?

  • What are the organizations future goals? Does the leadership team have a clear vision for attaining these targets?

  • Does the program demonstrate excellence through strong client feedback, renewal, and growth?

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Outcomes and Impact Data

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  • Was RBA (Results-Driven Accountability) data provided? Does it demonstrate the effectiveness of the program?

  • Is the organization making an impact?

  • Has the leadership team implemented innovative programming to improve outcome?

  • Would funding from The Community Fund make a difference towards achieving goals?

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Application, Site Visit, and Leadership Assessment

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  • Was the application clear, thorough, and compelling? 

  • Were all questions and concerns answered during the site visit? Was the leadership team experienced and knowledgeable?

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Financial Strength and Need for Funding

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  • Were submitted financial statements complete and up to date? Was the audit option unqualified?

  • Were fluctuations in revenues and expenses explained? 

  • Does the organizations have ample financial resources to cover expenses and liquidity?

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Does the organization meet our Key Areas of Impact?

Basic Needs

Services that meet critical basic needs such as food, housing, and emergency financial assistance. Promote long-term stability of individuals and families through effective programs and services.

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  1. Reduce food insecurity by improving access to nutritious, affordable food on a consistent basis.

  2. Move individuals and families from homelessness to stable housing by promoting access to housing options, emergency shelter, and collaborative case management.

  3. Provide emergency assistance programs to help residents attain financial and housing stability by helping fund requests for utilities and rent.

  4. Guide clients towards greater self-sufficiency through effective case management and innovative long-term solutions.

Youth Success

Services that aim to reduce the opportunity gap for children, birth through high school, and prepare youth for post-secondary education.
 

  1. Prepare young children for kindergarten by investing in and expanding affordable, high-quality early childhood care and education services.

  2. Enhance academic performance for underserved youth through literacy, STEM or tutoring programs.

  3. Prepare high school students for graduation and college readiness.

  4. Increase engagement through social emotional learning, mentorship, and consistent out-of-school enrichment activities.

  5. Promote leadership, independence, resiliency and positive asset development for youth.

  6. Connect youth and their families to support services.

Workforce Development

Services that promote economic security and help individuals and families to move out of poverty. Through effective skills training and improved access to employers, workers are better prepared to obtain jobs that will lead to long-term self-sufficiency.

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  1. Teach skills to ensure and retain employment or increase wages.

  2. Identify potential employers within growing industry sectors and promote networking and mentoring opportunities for the underserved community.

  3. Improve employment opportunities and economic independence through language skills, education, and employment resources.

  4. Promote employment opportunities and career pathways for post-secondary school, young adults.

  5. Expand opportunities to attain a college degree and support programs that help college persistence and graduation.

  6. Support financial independence for vulnerable populations.

  7. Support childcare and eldercare services to enable adults to work outside the home, supporting their families and the local economy.

Community Health

Services that improve outcomes and access to community-based physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment. Promote long-term independence and economic security through improved health initiatives.

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  1. Improve access to community-based physical healthcare programs and preventative medicine.

  2. Improve access to mental health services, including youth mental health counseling and clinical services, to address increasing need.

  3. Improve access to substance abuse treatment programs and increase awareness of community resources for substance abuse prevention.

Questions? Please email Lisa Haas, Grants Director at lisa.haas@communityfunddarien.org

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