Connections - No. 3, 2025

News from The Community Foundation

December 29, 2025

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

One Year In: A Reflection From President & CEO Karen DuBois-Walton

November marked one year since I stepped into the role of President & CEO of The Community Foundation. Anniversaries invite reflection — and this one arrives at a moment when our community, our nation, and our democracy face profound challenges. READ MORE

Grants for Basic Needs Top $2M in 2025

Changes to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program put as many as 58,000 CT families at risk of losing aid for food. In response to the growing need, The Foundation’s Basic Needs Fund recently awarded $425,000 to 44 local nonprofits serving residents who need basic daily essentials to survive. READ MORE

30 Years of “Vision in Action”

In November, the Community Fund for Women & Girls held its 30th Anniversary “Vision in Action” Celebration and Luncheon at the Omni Hotel in New Haven. 300+ community partners, donors and friends gathered to mark the milestone and to hear an electrifying keynote from Vanessa Priya Daniel, organizer, movement builder and author. READ MORE

Organization Funds at The Foundation Top $162M

For 30+ years, The Community Foundation has offered nonprofit organizations and other charitable entities the opportunity to invest their own assets right alongside The Foundation’s endowment. The service provides nonprofits with cost effective access to world-class investment management, allowing them to focus on their mission while ensuring long-term stability through prudent management of their assets. READ MORE

Remembering Frances “Bitsie” Clark, Champion of Local Artists and Community

Bitsie Clark was a powerhouse. She served as executive director of the Arts Council of Greater New Haven for nearly two decades. She is credited with being one of the founders of the Audubon Arts District, and a driving force in establishing the arts as an important economic industry in the region. READ MORE

Emeritus Circle Engages Board, Past and Present

Board members from the past three decades reconnected with each other at The Foundation’s launch of its new Emeritus Circle. The Emeritus Circle honors the lasting contributions of past board leaders while activating their wisdom and continued commitment to justice and community impact. READ MORE

The Foundation Prioritizes Civic Health

Strengthening the civic health of Greater New Haven is central to The Foundation’s strategy to advance opportunity and equity. “Philanthropy is strongest when it strengthens the civic fabric of a community, connecting people to one another, building understanding and empowering residents to shape the future of the place they call home,” says President & CEO Karen DuBois-Walton. READ MORE

What Do These Have in Common?

Youth basketball at the Boys & Girls Club.
Free Thanksgiving dinners.
A new van for the Milford Senior Center.
Laptops for Gateway Community College students.

Each of these community programs was supported by a local donor through their donor advised fund at The Community Foundation, the area’s charitable resource for almost 100 years. If you too want to give with impact, locally or beyond, we can help! LEARN MORE