Janet King and Lisa Haas from The Community Fund of Darien present this year’s award to Carver’s Chief Program Officer, Brian Alert
The Community Fund of Darien (TCF) is to Carver what Carver is to our youth – a consistent force for good that empowers us to reach for and achieve our full potential.
Thanks to the generous support of its donors and proceeds from the successful “Community Dinners for a Cause” series last spring, The Community Fund of Darien renewed its support of Carver’s summer and after school programs with a grant of $41,000. Its Youth Community Fund also awarded Carver a generous grant for our new 2020-2021 fiscal year.
Each nonprofit that receives a grant is thoroughly vetted by TCF staff and trained local volunteers, ensuring that donor contributions are allocated where they will have the greatest benefit. Grant panels of 6-7 volunteers, composed of over 60 residents from Darien and neighboring communities, review and visit 2-3 local nonprofits each year to ensure that TCF is investing in the most effective nonprofit organizations. This past spring, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the grant review panelists conducted their research and site visits to the nonprofits virtually. Despite the changed format, the grant review volunteers were able to learn about each organization and determine the most critical needs of our community.
The Community Fund of Darien — and its youth — go way beyond the mechanics of effective grant making and evaluation. They proactively meet the challenges that Carver and many other beneficiaries face by leveraging resources, forging helpful networks, and by leading adaptively as a learning philanthropic community.
Thank you, Darien!