NCCF's 2026 Grant Awards Coffee: Over $1.25 Million Awarded to 97 Local Nonprofits
On Monday, June 8, 2026, the New Canaan Community Foundation gathered with nonprofit partners, donors, volunteers, and community leaders at the New Canaan Library for its annual Grant Awards Coffee, a morning set aside to come together, reflect on a year of shared work, and recognize the organizations making a real difference across our community. This year, that recognition came in the form of over $1.25 million in grants awarded to 97 local nonprofits.
NCCF received 118 applications requesting $1.78 million in funding this cycle, a number that quietly speaks to how much need exists across New Canaan, Norwalk, and Stamford. With the guidance of over 110 community volunteers, every dollar was directed with care and intention. As Co-Chair of NCCF's Community Investments Committee Francesca Lacerenza noted during the ceremony, "Grantmaking is our bread and butter, we take that responsibility very seriously, both as stewards of our donors' dollars, and as concerned citizens who care deeply that our community is healthy and vibrant."
This year's investments reflect a deliberate deepening in three areas where need is rising fastest:
Behavioral Health — Funding grew by 27%, with $162,500 directed to 10 organizations working across prevention, treatment, and recovery. Grantees include Liberation Programs, New Canaan CARES, Laurel House, and two new partners: the Stamford Youth Mental Health Alliance and Center for Wellbeing / Centro Bienestar.
Early Childhood — Funding grew by 58%, reaching $91,000 across seven organizations at the intersection of child development, family stability, and long-term community well-being, including Children's Learning Centers of Fairfield County, All Our Kin, and Mercy Learning Center.
Human Services — NCCF's largest investment area at $403,950 across 27 organizations. Food insecurity funding increased by 39%, a direct response to rising food costs and cuts to federal nutrition programs. Standout investments include $41,450 to the Domestic Violence Crisis Center, $32,500 to Kids in Crisis for its 24/7 emergency services for children, and $32,000 to Building One Community for workforce development and academic enrichment for immigrants and their families.
Across all five categories, the scope of this year's grantmaking is wide:
Arts, Culture & Community Resources — $266,735 to 26 organizations, including an innovative grant to Silvermine Arts Center to launch an AI-powered Arts Access Assistant helping families navigate over 1,000 classes and workshops, and support for Pro Bono Partnership, which provides essential free legal services to nonprofits across Fairfield County.
Health — $235,000 to 16 organizations, including continued support for Americares Free Clinics, which provides high-quality care at no cost to uninsured individuals across Fairfield County.
Seniors & Special Needs — $183,500 to 12 organizations, including a new grant to Inclusive Together, which builds more welcoming and accessible spaces for individuals with invisible disabilities.
Youth & Education — $177,000 to 19 organizations, including support for Domus Kids' Work & Learn Afterschool Program, connecting at-risk young people with career pathways and hands-on skills training.
Beyond the annual cycle, this year also brought meaningful multi-year commitments. NCCF issued a new $100,000 three-year grant to the New Canaan Land Trust in support of their Preserving the Future Capital Campaign, which will establish a permanent headquarters, a Land Care Center, and a land acquisition fund. Ongoing multi-year investments continue to the New Canaan Library ($150,000), New Canaan Museum & Historical Society ($100,000), and New Canaan YMCA ($100,000). As Francesca put it, "It is particularly gratifying to resource an organization that is taking a transformational step."
This year's total also includes $196,700 in co-investments from 8 of NCCF's donor-advised funds and five individual volunteers who were so moved by the grant review process that they chose to invest alongside the Foundation, up from $149,900 in co-investments last year. NCCF Board Chair Chris Schipper acknowledged everyone who made it possible: "Thank you to our nonprofit partners, for investing in our people and our community. Thank you to our donors and fund-holders who power our work. And thank you to our Board members, volunteers, and local leaders for working hand in hand with NCCF."
"The need in our community has never been more visible, or more urgent," said Lauren Patterson, NCCF President & CEO. "This year's grants are our community's answer to that reality: more dollars, directed more intentionally, to the organizations working on the front lines every day."
The morning was a reminder of what is possible when a community invests in itself consistently, generously, and with purpose.
See the Moments
The Grant Awards Coffee was a morning full of recognition, connection, and gratitude. Take a look at photos from the event below.
A Full List of This Year's Recipients
Curious about every organization that received a grant this year? The complete 2026 Grant Award Summary is available to view and download.
The New Canaan Community Foundation has served as a trusted civic institution for nearly 50 years, connecting donors, nonprofits, and community leaders to address our community's most pressing needs. To learn more or get involved, visit newcanaancf.org.