Christ Episcopal Church Ansonia Fund

Last year, the leadership of Christ Episcopal Church in Ansonia decided to secure the future of several cherished bequests by transferring them to the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) in perpetuity. This move, guided by Nancy Valentine, Senior Warden of Christ Episcopal Church and Chair of VCF’s Board of Directors, was driven by a shared commitment to preserving the intentions of past donors amidst a period of transition for the church.

The bequests -- one from a devoted, long-time parishioner and another from her sister, who lived in Virginia but was inspired by her sibling’s glowing accounts of church life -- represent decades of faith and trust in Christ Episcopal Church. Over time, the church managed these funds through CDs, a process that required meticulous tracking and reinvestment.

Valentine said the church members recognized the need for a more streamlined and impactful approach.

“Dealing with church funds by the vestry is tedious work done by community volunteers,” Valentine said. “Knowing we needed to be good stewards in the management of church finances, I recommended combining the many CDs into one fund with VCF, and that was met favorably in 2024.”

The newly established Christ Episcopal Church Ansonia Fund is an Investment Only Organization Fund, a specialized fund designed for charitable organizations. This type of fund allows assets to be collectively invested, ensuring financial growth while maintaining alignment with the organization’s mission. For the church, this step is especially significant as it navigates uncertainties, including declining membership, the future of its 176-year-old building, and the sustainability of its vital outreach programs like the Samela Food Pantry.

Valentine’s deep connection to both Christ Episcopal Church and VCF underscores the alignment of their missions. Her personal history with VCF -- from participating in its founding discussions more than 20 years ago to establishing her own fund in 2009 -- provided valuable insight into the benefits of a community foundation.

“Having been the recipients of bequests means Christ Church has the responsibility of prudent management of these funds,” Valentine said. “VCF provides us with detailed reporting on the performance of our investment, building trust with the congregation.”

Looking ahead, the Christ Episcopal Church Ansonia Fund stands as a testament to thoughtful stewardship and community commitment. By partnering with VCF, the church ensures that the legacy of its donors will continue to support its mission and the Valley community, regardless of what the future holds. This collaboration exemplifies the power of philanthropy to preserve history while building resilience for generations to come.