Nettie J Dayton Circle

Shelly Saczynski, former member of The Community Foundation's Board of Directors and current Nettie J. Dayton Circle Member.

Nettie J. Dayton’s bequest in the late 1920’s made her the leading figure in the development of The Community Foundation as we know it today. Her lasting legacy to our community makes her part of our collective history as residents of Greater New Haven. We have searched, but never found, a photo of her, but her identity lives on as the namesake for our Nettie J. Dayton Circle. The Nettie J. Dayton Circle honors individuals and who have chosen to leave a legacy through The Community Foundation—in their wills, personal trusts, retirement plans, life income gifts, or other deferred gift arrangements.

Click here to learn how Shelly Saczynski (pictured above) and other Circle members plan to support or have already supported our community.

It is because of our Nettie J. Dayton Circle members that New Haven and surrounding communities will have the philanthropic resources they need in the coming years—to solve problems and seize opportunities to strengthen the New Haven area as a vibrant, socially and culturally enriched, place to live and work. Thank you for considering your membership in the Nettie J. Dayton Circle. 

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Who was Nettie J. Dayton?

Nettie J. Dayton is The Community Foundation’s first donor. Because of her $128,000 bequest “for general purposes,” she is a leading figure in the development of the institution. But as an unmarried woman born in the 19th century who lived most of her life without the right to vote, Dayton is a mystery whose most lasting act was her bequest. She lived comfortably but not grandly at 169 Dwight Street in New Haven. She was only 53 when she died. If it were not for her relationship to The Foundation, she would be truly lost to history. We have searched, but never found, a photo of her.

Join the Nettie J. Dayton Circle