Connections - No. 2, 2025

News from The Community Foundation

September 02, 2025

Download a PDF of the full newsletter HERE or scroll for links to individual stories.

Meeting the Moment: The Foundation Sets Agenda of Action

At the Annual Meeting in June, President & CEO Karen DuBois-Walton advanced a vision to meet the moment as new federal policy and priorities have made local communities and nonprofits less secure. “No matter the language, the community needs are clear: The moment calls for action,” said DuBois-Walton. READ MORE

Foundation Awards $2.8M in Responsive Grants

In July, The Community Foundation awarded $2,879,000 through its annual responsive grants program to 81 nonprofits serving Greater New Haven. This year, The Foundation prioritized organizations that were negatively affected by federal actions, which have included policy changes and major funding cuts. READ MORE

Donors Celebrated at Appreciation Reception

In May, The Foundation celebrated its donors with a reception and a tour of New Haven’s past at Lost in New Haven. Board Chair Fernando Muñiz welcomed attendees and President & CEO Karen DuBois-Walton opened her remarks with “the most important message of the night — a huge thank you. ... Thank you for believing in a vision of Greater New Haven where equity, opportunity and justice are within reach for every member of our community.” READ MORE

Infant Mortality Awareness Month: Take Action

For nearly 30 years, New Haven Healthy Start has made significant improvements on maternal and infant health outcomes in our region, ensuring moms, dads and babies thrive. As this federal program is on the chopping block, take action today: Contact your representatives and tell them, “Babies can’t wait. Protect Healthy Start! Our region can’t afford to lose these instrumental, impactful community resources.” READ MORE

Remember, Reclaim, Rise Across Connecticut

In honor of Black Philanthropy Month, The Community Foundation co-hosted a webinar together with the Connecticut Community Foundation, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, the Hartford Foundation for Public Giving and The Prosperity Foundation. As part of the event, The Vineyard Project in New
Haven’s newly-formed advisory committee hosted a watch party in Hamden. READ MORE

Save the Date: November 13, Vision in Action

Vanessa Priya Daniel will be the keynote speaker for Vision in Action: The Community Fund for Women & Girls 30th Anniversary Celebration, to be held at 11 a.m. on November 13 at the Omni Hotel in New Haven. Daniel is the acclaimed author of the book, “Unrig the Game: What Women of Color Can Teach Everyone About Winning,” a bold blueprint for dismantling systems that hold women and girls back and building new ones that center care, connection and community. READ MORE

The Gift of Stability, in Perpetuity

n 1928, the first fund at The Community Foundation was established by the bequest of Nettie J. Dayton. Over the years, The Foundation has grown from gifts by thoughtful people who made a provision in their will or trust, or made The Foundation a beneficiary of retirement plan assets, life insurance policies or bank accounts. Among these visionary donors is David P. O’Sullivan, longtime director of the Community Soup Kitchen in New Haven. READ MORE

Planning to Give in 2025? We’re Ready to Assist.

The time is now! When giving through The Community Foundation, you increase the
power of your support to the causes you care about most, now and forever. Our development
staff is available to personally assist you with your year-end charitable giving through December 31. Contact us today! READ MORE