The mission of the New Canaan Community
Foundation is to promote community philanthropy
and help donors achieve their charitable goals.

NCCF Mission

The New Canaan Community Foundation was founded in 1977 with the focus of supporting the human needs and charitable interests in New Canaan. The Foundation implements our mission by serving our community in a variety of roles, acting as:

• steward of our donor's funds
• grant maker
• resource developer keeping pace with the increasing needs of the community

Like all of the other 700 community foundations, the New Canaan Community Foundation is a tax-exempt, public charity serving individuals who share a common goal: to improve the quality of life for others through philanthropic grants. Community Foundations administer and invest permanent endowed funds that have been established by individuals, families, businesses and organizations in a specific geographic area. Grants are made from these funds to non profit organizations, based on donor recommendations or to address current needs as identified by our Board of Directors.

In conjunction with providing a local vehicle for donors to establish philanthropic funds, the Foundation is committed to growing its unrestricted permanent endowment fund through annual contributions. The endowment was created by gifts and bequests from individuals, families and corporations who all have had a similar goal in common - to make a real and substantial difference in New Canaan and the quality of life for others now and in the future. Annual grants for capital and start up needs, are made from this unrestricted endowment fund to a variety of non profit organizations serving our community.