Nettie J Dayton Circle

It was easy.

She put The Community Foundation in her will. Her fund will support local nonprofits that match people who are homeless with life-changing resources.

Shelly and more than 130 others follow the example of Nettie Dayton. In 1928, she established the first fund at The Community Foundation by bequest. The Foundation’s Nettie J. Dayton Circle honors those who have performed this simple act of generosity. Will you join them?

Benefits:

• It doesn’t require a gift now
• You can take care of your family and friends, and give back to your community
• You can remain anonymous

Your Simple Acts Could Include:

• A provision in your will or personal trust
• Beneficiary designations of retirement plans, life insurance policies or bank accounts

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. 

see who's a circle member  

Inspiring Stories

of Nettie Dayton Circle members who plan to support or have already supported our community

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