From our small community grants program to first time grants of $10-$15,000, to comprehensive multi-year grants for projects, capacity building, and general operating support, VCF has made a growing impact in the Valley throughout its ten years of existence.

These investments have included adult literacy, leveraging federal funds for economic development opportunities, addressing children’s behavioral and mental health and early education, preventing blindness, and ensuring children have safe, fun, and educational after-school opportunities.

The purpose of VCF’s grant program is to fulfill the first part of our mission statement: to make the Valley a better place to live and work, both now and in the future. We do this by supporting the nonprofits that directly and indirectly affect the quality of life for the people in the Valley.

There are two broad categories of grants: those that are directed by a donor to a particular nonprofit or specific cause, such as grants from Donor Advised, donor designated, and scholarship funds; the others are discretionary grants.

With our preference and unrestricted funds, the donor has entrusted the Board of VCF to use its discretion to direct the use of their fund to meet the critical needs of the community.

The Affiliation Agreement with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF) outlines an annual transfer of unrestricted funds from TCF to VCF based on their Gates Fund's annual distributable revenue. This substantial donation from TCF becomes part of our discretionary grant pool.

Our mission is to make the Valley a better place to live and work, both now and in the future, by connecting private philanthropy to the long-term public good of the Valley.

Note: This data reflects grants made through the New Responsive, Needs and Opportunities, Multi-year, and Community Grants programs. It does not include $135,000 in capacity building and community initiative support. These grant programs would not be possible without the significant financial and staffing contributions provided by our partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

Responsive Grants
VCF’s annual Responsive Grants program is open to requests for organizational support and projects that serve Ansonia, Derby, Seymour, Shelton, and/or Oxford. These grants are awarded to address a nonprofit’s operating, programmatic, or capacity-building needs.

The following is a list of the 2020 VCF responsive grant recipients:

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley - To provide general operating support for cultural, recreational, physical, and educational programs to Valley youth. $160,000

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA - To provide general operating support for the Valley YMCA programming that builds a healthy spirit, mind, and body for Valley residents. $140,000

Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center - To support the renovation and expansion of the reptile and amphibian habitat exhibit at the Ansonia Nature and Recreation Center. $25,000

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America - To provide general operating support for scouting programs for Valley youth. $130,000

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven - To provide general operating support for adult literacy tutoring in Greater New Haven and the Valley. $60,000

Massaro Community Farm, Inc. - To provide general operating support to maintain a historic farm using organic practices, to provide fresh produce to the needy, and to build community through farm-based education and events. $4,400*

Online Journalism Project, Inc. - To provide general operating support for The Valley Independent Sentinel. $160,000

Oxford Historical Society, Inc. - To support renovations and repairs of Mr. Munn’s Schoolhouse. $12,400*

Shelton Historical Society, Inc. - To support repairs of the Shelton History Center complex. $13,100*

TEAM, Inc. - To provide general operating support for multigenerational service delivery system focused on support services, early childhood, and elderly services. $180,000

Please Note – All grants except those that are starred represent multi-year support.

Needs and Opportunities grants range from $250 to $10,000 and are designed to promptly address the needs of Valley nonprofits through a simplified application process.

The following is a list of the 2020 VCF needs and opportunities grant recipients:

Agency on Aging of South Central Connecticut, Inc. - To support the purchase of groceries for Valley seniors who are living at 150% or less of the Federal Poverty Level and are isolated due to the pandemic. $2,500

Ansonia Dr. King Bust Committee -
To support technology costs and public outreach for Unity in the Community, a series of online, interactive events focusing on issues of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice, and compassion for all. TEAM is acting as the fiscal sponsor. $5,000

Best Buddies Connecticut - To support virtual programming for individuals with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities. $2,400

Center Stage Theatre, Inc. - To support the purchase of equipment to sustain theatrical programming during the pandemic. $9,925

Connecticut Hospice, Inc. - To support the purchase of personal protective equipment to keep Home Care staff and patients from the Valley safe during the current pandemic and until its elimination. $5,620

Connecticut Radio Information System, Inc. - To support audio recordings of publications and originally produced interview programs for children, youth, and adults in the Valley who are blind or print challenged. $5,000

CT Audubon Society at Milford Point - To support the virtual Science in Nature outdoor environmental education program. $9,758

Echo Hose Hook and Ladder Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc. - To support the purchase of technology, student chairs, tables, and a full-size training mannequin for three additional classrooms at the Community Training Center in order to provide socially distant training opportunities. $9,866

Kadiwaku Family Foundation - To support investment in technology in order to reach its beneficiaries, and to offer an educative weekly series focusing on crisis and trauma support services to promote mental health and wellbeing. $2,100

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven - To support the purchase of a Lexia PowerUp Literacy software license to enable distance literacy tutoring during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. $550

Mishkan Israel Day Camp - To support a summer day camp season for underprivileged children from the Valley. $1,400

New Haven Symphony Orchestra - To support the Shelton Pops Series and Online Digital Content series. $10,000

Operation Fuel, Inc. - To support emergency energy assistance to families who have been financially impacted by the coronavirus and are living in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. $20,000 (Note: Due to the COVID-19 Pandemic, Operation Fuel received two separate $10,000 grants for this project.)

Read to Grow - To support the creation and publication of a multi-cultural picture book that children can read with their parents to learn about COVID-19 precautions. $8,700

Regional Data Cooperative (DataHaven) - To support a rapid-response wave of the next Community Wellbeing Survey. $3,500

Seymour Ambulance Association - To support the replacement of a mass casualty/ special operations trailer. $10,000

TEAM, Inc. - To support the annual Toys4Kids toy drive. $10,000

Valley Shakespeare Festival - To support its September production of Cyrano in Shelton as well as to continue to develop and expand its online series offerings to Valley residents. $5,000

Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center - To support the costs of a social marketing/change plan/campaign for the Community Health Improvement Plan Heart Disease Working Group. $7,500

The Community Grants application process recognizes smaller, volunteer, or neighborhood groups with grant awards of up to $2,500.

The following is a list of the 2020 VCF community grant recipients:

Adam Wysota Foundation - To support a pilot program of the grief education and peer support program for college-aged adults. $2,500

All-America Valley Basketball Club - To support the purchase of uniforms and basketballs. $1,800

Annual Thanksgiving Basket Committee - To support the purchase of perishable and non-perishable food items and supplies for distribution of Thanksgiving baskets to families in need. $2,500

Ansonia High School - To support the publication of a cookbook created by students. $1,682

Derby Pop Warner - To support the purchase of skorts for cheerleader uniforms. $2,000

Music Mends Minds - To support the improvement of lives of patients with dementia, Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and PTSD through the healing power of music, which is an area of scientific inquiry that has begun to garner the attention of the medical community. $500

Shelton Farmers Market - To support the Shelton CT Farmers Market 2020. $2,415

Southford Falls Quilters LLC - To support programs that focus on new trends, tools, and techniques in the art of quilting. $2,500

Town of Seymour - To support an ongoing program specifically for senior citizens. $2,500

Valley Parish Nurse Program - To support the St. Margaret Mary Parish Nurse Program screenings and programs only. $1,110

Nonprofit organizations can apply for support from VCF for up to $2,500 for special events, especially those events that inform the community about a particular cause.

The following is a list of the 2020 VCF sponsorship grant recipients:

Adam Wysota Foundation

  • To sponsor the 2nd Annual Dancing with the Stars benefit. $1,000
  • To sponsor the 5th Annual Mistletoe & Margaritas - a holiday shopping night to support Adam’s House. $500

American Legion, Sutter-Terlizzi Post 16
To sponsor a Bicycle Safety Rodeo for Children. $500

Ansonia Rotary Club
To sponsor the Annual Community Services Awards presentation dinner. $400

Ansonia School Readiness
To sponsor the Annual Kindergarten Registration program. $750

BHcare
To sponsor the 32nd Annual Bowl-2-Benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. $1,000

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
To sponsor the 18th Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race. $2,500

Center Stage Theatre, Inc.

  • To sponsor a Teen Musical workshop. $1,000
  • To sponsor a Center Stage Christmas Show. $500

Connecticut Council for Philanthropy

  • To sponsor the 2020 Annual Conference. $1,000
  • To sponsor the CT Giving Report. $500

CT Audubon Society at Milford Point
To sponsor the Return of the Osprey Fundraiser. $500

Derby High School PTO
To sponsor a post-prom event. $750

Derby Historical Society

  • To sponsor the Annual Silver Tea. $850
  • To sponsor the Cultural Speaker Series. $650

Echo Hose Hook and Ladder Volunteer Ambulance Corps, Inc.
To sponsor a Socially Distant Career Fair at the Echo Hose Ambulance Training Center. $1,000

Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center
To sponsor the Earth Day celebration (Note: Canceled due to COVID-transferred for use as general operating support). $750

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
To sponsor the Valley’s Response to the Pandemic. $1,000

Griffin Hospital
To sponsor a virtual gala. $1,000

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County
To sponsor the High School Business Challenge at Sacred Heart University. $1,000

Knights of Columbus Bernardo Council 1350
To sponsor a 5K Road Race. $500

Massaro Community Farm
To sponsor Valley Shakespeare Festival shows. $750

New Haven Symphony Orchestra

  • To sponsor the 2020 Vision Gala. $500
  • To sponsor the 2021 Gala. $1,000

Parent Child Resource Center
To sponsor a Chance to Shine. $1,000

Seymour Historical Society
To sponsor the 2020 Educational Speakers Series. $2,500

Seymour Pink
To sponsor the 9th Annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K run/walk $2,500

Shelton Public Schools
To sponsor Strengthening the Bonds of Our Community. $2,500

Shelton Exchange Club Foundation, Inc.
To sponsor the 7th Annual Indoor Mini Golf Tournament. $500

St. Joseph High School
To sponsor the Maroon & Gold Gala. $500

TEAM, Inc.

  • To sponsor the 13th Annual Men Who Cook event. $1,000
  • To sponsor the annual Toys4Kids drive. $2,500

Town of Seymour
To sponsor a Health and Fitness WALKshop. $600

Valley Early Childhood Task Force
To sponsor the 13th Annual Read Across The Valley Event. $1,000

Grants from Donor Advised Funds are approved by the VCF Board of Directors upon request and with the participation of the Donor. Donor Advised Funds are one of the many ways fund holders can advise on an area they are passionate about while partnering with VCF to make an impact.

Donor Advised 64 Funds

The following is a list of the 2020 VCF donor advised fund grant recipients:

A More Balanced World
Alliance for Prevention & Wellness
ALS Association, Connecticut Chapter

Alzheimer’s Association Connecticut Chapter

American Farmland Trust Farmer Relief Fund

American Red Cross, Connecticut Chapter

Ansonia Public Schools

Ansonia Rescue Medical Services

Area Congregations Together, Inc.

BHcare

Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby

Boy Scouts of America Troop 34

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Capri Christian Church
Catholic Academy of Waterbury

Center Stage Theatre Inc.

Clark Memorial Library

New Haven Ecology Project (Common Ground)

Connecticut Burns Care Foundation

Connecticut Forest & Park Association

Connecticut Hospice, Inc.

Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences

Cub Scout Pack 3

Daughters of the American Revolution

Derby Historical Society

The Foundation School

Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center

Girl Scouts of Connecticut Inc.

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce

Griffin Hospital

Griffin Hospital Development Fund

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center

Master’s Table Community Meals Inc.

Mishkan Israel Day Camp

National Right to Work Legal Defense
and Education Foundation, Inc.
Our Daily Bread Food Pantry
Our Lady of Assumption Church
Read to Grow

Recreation Camp Inc.

Ronald McDonald House of CT, Inc.

Yale-New Haven Hospital

Saint Raphael Campus
Salvation Army, Greater Valley Corps

Seven Angels Theatre

Seymour High School

Seymour Oxford Rotary Club

Seymour Pink, Inc.

Shelburne Farms
Shelton Economic Development Corp.
Shelton High School

Shelton Historical Society, Inc.

Shelton Public Schools

St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley

Sweaters and Sustenance, Inc.

TEAM, Inc.

University of Connecticut Foundation, Inc.
University of Nebraska Foundation
University of New Haven

University of New Hampshire

Valley YMCA

Working Lands Alliance

Yale-New Haven Hospital

Unrestricted and Preference Funds allow the VCF Board of Directors to address a pressing need of an organization or community.

Unrestricted and Preference Funds

The following is a list of the 2020 VCF unrestricted and preference funds grant recipients:

Area Congregations Together, Inc.
BHcare

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford

Christ Episcopal Church

Connecticut Hospice, Inc.

Derby Historical Society

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

Rape Crisis Center of Milford, Inc.

Regional Data Cooperative (Data Haven)

The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is pleased to announce that $860,400 has been awarded as a result of its 2019 Responsive Grants process. This includes support for 7 new organizations as well as previous multi-year funding for 16 additional nonprofits. These grant dollars will help provide a reliable source of funding during a time of financial uncertainty.

"The VCF Board is proud to serve as a continued source of stability for these local nonprofit organizations that are providing key services to those in need throughout the Valley," said Lynne Bassett Perry, VCF Board Chair.

Grants were awarded through VCF's Responsive Grantmaking cycle, which is done with its partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF). The program is funded by a generous annual grant from TCF's Gates and other field of interest funds, as well as VCF's unrestricted and field of interest funds. Additionally, several of VCF's donor advised fundholders contributed from their funds to help make these grants possible. Supporting donor advised funds included the Agape Fund, the Alesevich Family Fund, the Mary Fund, the Joseph A. Pagliaro Sr. Family Fund, the Palazzi Family Fund, the Sally and Dominick Thomas Fund, the John Tyma Fund, and the Warichar Family Fund.

The following is a list of the 2019 VCF Responsive Grant recipients:

Area Congregations Together, Inc.: to provide general operating support for the provision of food, shelter, and support services to Valley people in need. $120,000

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley: to support the enhancement of the safety and well-being of facilities, staff, volunteers, children and teens. $64,000

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford: to support the Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic for Valley children, adolescents, and families. $75,000

Center Stage Theatre Inc.: to provide general operating support for theatrical productions and performing arts education. $60,000

Christ Episcopal Church: to provide general operating support for the Kathleen Samela Food Pantry. $75,000

Griffin Hospital: to support Phase 2 of a surgical expansion project to increase surgical capabilities and expand capacity to better serve surgical patients. $50,000

Shelton Economic Development Corporation: to support the administration of the Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy (CEDS) for the Naugatuck Valley Corridor/Economic Development District. $45,000

*These specific grant recipients received funding from both VCF and TCF during the 2019 Responsive Grants cycle.

Adam Wysota Foundation
– To sponsor the Dancing with the Stars benefit. $1,000
– To sponsor the 4th Annual Mistletoe & Margaritas - a holiday shopping night to support Adam’s House. $500

American Legion, Emil Senger Post 10
To sponsor one boy and one girl from Seymour to attend the Boys/Girls State Program. $700

American Legion, John Collins Post 24
To sponsor one boy and one girl from Derby to attend the Boys/Girls State Program. $700

American Legion, Sutter-Terlizzi Post 16
To sponsor one boy and one girl from Shelton to attend the Boys State and Girls State Program. $700

Ansonia Rotary Club
To sponsor the Annual Community Services Awards presentation dinner. $400

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Fairfield County Chapter
To sponsor the National Philanthropy Day Celebration. $900

BHcare
To sponsor the 31st annual Bowl-2- Benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. $1,000

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
– To sponsor The John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic. $500
– To sponsor the 18th Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race. $2,500

Celebrate Shelton
To sponsor the Mamas & Mimosas, Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Series, Food Trucks on the River, and the Community Tree Lighting events. $2,500

Center Stage Theatre, Inc.
To sponsor a Center Stage Christmas Show. $1,000

Central Connecticut Coast Young Men’s Christian Association, Inc.
To sponsor the Valley YMCA Annual Sunset 5K & 2 Mile Fitness Walk. $2,500

Christian Counseling & Family Life Center
To sponsor the 5K Health Body, Healthy Mind race. $500

Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps, Inc.
To sponsor a drum and bugle corps competition at Seymour High School. $500

Derby High School PTO
To sponsor a post prom event. $750

Derby Historical Society
– To sponsor the Annual Silver Tea. $750
– To sponsor the Autumn Tavern Night. $850
– To sponsor the 29th Annual Fundraising Appeal. $800

Friends of the Ansonia Library
To sponsor the performance of Osaki-san: William Gillette’s Gentleman Valet, in partnership with the East Haddam Stage Company. $425

Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI)
– To sponsor the Earth Day celebration. $600
– To sponsor Autumn Fest. $500

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
To sponsor the annual Holiday Breakfast Club and Awards Celebration. $1,000

Griffin Hospital
To sponsor the Annual Griffin Gala. $1,000

Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center
To sponsor the 2nd annual Kentucky Derby Party and Fundraiser. $500

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America
To sponsor the 25th Annual Valley Good Scout Award Ceremony. $1,000

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County
- To sponsor the High School Business Challenge at Sacred Heart University. $1,000
– To sponsor the 19th Annual Golf Invitational. $250
– To sponsor the Business Hall of Fame. $1,000

Knights of Columbus Bernardo Council 1350
To sponsor a Family Mini-Golf Outing and a Banquet at St. Margaret Mary Church Hall to benefit Masters Table, St. Vincent de Paul, and Spooner House. $250

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven
To sponsor the 18th Annual Scrabble Challenge. $500

Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center
To sponsor the Ride/Walk for Children at Quarry Walk. $1,000

Massaro Community Farm
To sponsor Valley Shakespeare Festival shows and additional fall-themed activities at the Farm. $1,000

Master’s Table Community Meals
To sponsor the 4th annual fundraiser, “At the Hop”. $500

Naugatuck YMCA
To sponsor the 1st Annual Bewitching Night. $250

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut, Inc.
To sponsor the 37th Annual Winter Conference. $1,000

Oxford High School Booster Club, Inc.
To sponsor a Senior Night Lock-In event the evening before graduation. $750

Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, Inc.
To sponsor the 7th Annual International Folk Dance Festival. $500

Recreation Camp, Inc.
To sponsor the 103rd Annual FOBAL Feast at the Camp. $500

Seymour Christmas Parade Association
To sponsor the 47th Annual Seymour Christmas Parade. $1,000

Seymour High School Post Prom
To sponsor a post prom event. $750

Seymour Historical Society
To sponsor the 2019 educational speaker series. $2,500

Seymour Pink
To sponsor the 8th Annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K run/walk. $2,500

Seymour Public Schools
To sponsor the Dialed Action Sports BMX team to present an anti-bullying, anti-substance abuse prevention program. $2,000

Shelton Exchange Club Foundation, Inc.
To sponsor the 7th Annual indoor mini golf tournament. $500

Shelton High School PTSO – To sponsor a post prom event. $750

Shelton High School Robotics Team – To sponsor the Shelton Robotix FLL Competition. $1,000

Shelton Historical Society – To sponsor its 2019 educational programs and events. $1,000

Shoreline Arts Alliance – To sponsor the 125th Anniversary Gala. $500

St. Joseph High School
– To sponsor a post prom event. $750
– To sponsor the Maroon & Gold Gala. $500

St. Mary St. Michael School
To sponsor the 11th Annual Housy River Duck Race. $500

St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley
To sponsor three holiday performances to benefit St. Vincent de Paul, TEAM’s Meals on Wheels Program, and Adam’s House. $1,000

TEAM, Inc.
– To sponsor Unity in the Community Dinner & Cabaret. $750
– To sponsor the 12th Annual Men Who Cook event. $1,000
– To sponsor the 3rd Intergenerational Fashion Show and Luncheon. $750
– To sponsor the Toys4Kids Kick-Off Breakfast. $1,000

The Kennedy Center
To sponsor the Annual Brewfest Fundraising Event. $1,000

Treasured Time
To sponsor the 3rd Annual Driving for Memories Golf Outing. $500

Troop 3 - Derby BSA Alumni & Friends Foundation, Inc.
To sponsor the 95th Annual Scout Gang Show. $500

United Methodist Homes
To sponsor the Wesley Village 50th Anniversary Extravaganza. $500

Valley Council for Health and Human Services
To sponsor the Annual Meeting. $500

Valley Early Childhood Task Force
To sponsor the 11th Annual Read Across The Valley Event. $1,500

Valley United Way
To sponsor the following events: Annual Fundraising Kickoff, Communitini, and Harvest House. $2,500

VCF announces more than $17,000 in community grants to eight local community grants.

Annual Thanksgiving Basket Program
To support the purchase of perishable and non-perishable food items and supplies for distribution of Thanksgiving baskets to families in need. $1,250

Derby Historical Society
To support Valley schools to defray the partial cost of their transportation to "A Day in 1762", a hands-on living history program at the General David Humphreys House. $2,500

Music Mends Minds (Valley Chapter)
To support the improvement of the lives of patients with dementia, Alzheimer's, Parkinson's, traumatic brain injury, stroke, and PTSD through the healing power of music. $1,500

Oxford Senior Center Singers
To support the purchasing of a keyboard/synthesizer and accessories so that the Senior Center Singers will have accompaniment during their rehearsals and performances. $2,110

Seymour Soccer Association
To support an indoor winter activity that promotes physical activity, education, and soccer foot skills such as dribbling and ball handling. $2,500

Shelton Historical Society
To support an exhibit of rarely seen artifacts, photographs and documents throughout the Shelton History Center for the 50th anniversary of the Historical Society's founding as well as the 100th anniversary of the naming of the City of Shelton. $2,415

Shelton Youth Service Bureau
To support sending high school students to the Youth to Youth Eastern States Conference in Rhode Island. The conference focuses on a comprehensive approach to drug education and information, personal growth through decision making, environmental change, and drug free fun. $2,500

Southford Falls Quilters, LLC
To support demonstrations of techniques by members, and promotion and display of personal and charitable quilt making. $2,500

Charles L. Flynn Humanitarian Award – Valley United Way

Susan Coyle – Grant to the Valley United Way

Gold Seal Awards – Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce

Alan Tyma (Platinum) – Grants to BHcare, Griffin Hospital, Shelton Economic Development Corporation, and the John Tyma Fund at the Valley Community Foundation

Jason Carlucci (Gold) – Grants to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley and St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley

Eric Hendlin (Gold) – Grant to the Shelton High School Marching Gael Parents Association

Nicole Herlot Mikula (Gold) – Grants to the Adam Wysota Foundation and Center Stage Theatre

Valley Soul Gospel Choir (Silver) – Grant to TEAM, Inc.

Good Scout Award – Housatonic Boy Scout Council

Thomas D’Addario – Grant to the Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America

Dr. John Ireland Howe Award – Derby Historical Society

Marian O’Keefe – Grant to the Derby Historical Society

Raymond P. Lavietes Service to Youth Award

Karen Bentlage – Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Silvia Rodriguez – Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Women Making a Difference – Valley Women’s Health Initiative

Barbara Casagrande – Grant to the Valley Breast Health Care Fund at the Valley Community Foundation

Dr. Joyce Chung – Grant to the Griffin Hospital Development Fund to support the Department of Radiation Oncology

Elizabeth Kennard – Grant to TEAM, Inc.

Elizabeth Johnson – Grant to Area Congregations Together, Inc.

Kathy Radin – Grant to the Valley Breast Health Care Fund at the Valley Community Foundation

Maggie Sessa – Grant to the Griffin Hospital Development Fund to support the food bank for people receiving cancer treatment

In Recognition for their Service

Fred Ortoli – in honor of his retirement after years of capturing all the memorable events in the Valley. Grants to the Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley, Lower Naugatuck Parent Child Resource Center, and TEAM, Inc.

American Red Cross, CT Chapter
Animal Haven, Inc.
Ansonia Public Schools
Ansonia Rescue Medical Services
Area Congregations Together, Inc.
Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby
Bridgeport Hospital Foundation, Inc.
Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford
Center Stage Theatre, Inc.
Christ Episcopal Church
Clark Memorial Library
Connecticut Hospice, Inc.
Connecticut Forest & Park Association
Cornell College of Agriculture & Life Sciences
Doctors Without Borders
Derby Historical Society
Derby Running Club
DonorsChoose.org
Eagle Hose #6
East Haven Food Pantry at Epiphany Church of Christ
Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI)
Girl Scouts of Connecticut, Inc.
Griffin Hospital
Griffin Hospital Development Fund
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America
IRIS - Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County
Literacy Volunteers of Southern Connecticut
Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center
Massaro Community Farm, Inc.
Master’s Table Community Meals, Inc.
Mishkan Israel Day Camp TEAM, Inc.
National Right to Work Legal Defense
and Education Foundation
Pathfinders Associates, Inc.
Recreation Camp, Inc.
Ronald McDonald House of CT, Inc.
Salvation Army, Greater Valley Corps
Seymour High School
Seymour Oxford Food Bank
Shelburne Farms
Shelton Economic Development Corporation
Shelton High School
Shelton Historical Society
Shelton Land Conservation Trust
Southbury Land Trust
St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley
Susanna Wesley School
TEAM, Inc.
The Foundation School
Working Lands Alliance
University of New Haven
Valley YMCA
Yale-New Haven Hospital Saint Raphael Campus

Ansonia Public Schools
Ansonia Rotary Club
Assumption Church
Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Center Stage Theatre, Inc.
Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
City of Derby
Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station
Derby Neck Library
Derby Public Library
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Griffin Hospital
Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America
Lower Naugatuck Valley
Parent Child Resource Center
Oak Cliff Cemetery Association
Oxford High School
Planetree, a Subsidiary of
Griffin Health Services, Inc.
Plumb Memorial Library
Recreation Camp, Inc.
Seymour Oxford Rotary Club
Seymour Pink, Inc.
Shelton High School
Shelton Historical Society
St. Mary’s Church
Storm Engine Company Ambulance Corps, Inc.
TEAM, Inc.
Town of Seymour
Trinity Cemetery Association
Trinity Episcopal Church
Valley YMCA
Valley United Way
Woodbridge Town Library

Academy of Our Lady of Mercy, Lauralton Hall
Amity Regional High School
Ansonia High School
Assumption School
Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Bunnell High School
Central Connecticut State University
Delaware Valley University
Derby High School
Derby Public Schools
DeSales University
Emmett O’Brien Regional Technical School
Fairfield University
Hamden High School
Johnson and Wales University
Oxford High School
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Sacred Heart University
Seymour High School
Shelton High School
The Culinary Institute of America
University of Bridgeport
University of Connecticut
University of Delaware
University of New Haven
University of Vermont
West Haven High School

BHcare
Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Central Connecticut Coast YMCA
Derby Historical Society
Griffin Hospital
Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America
Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven
Online Journalism Project, Inc.
Salvation Army, Greater Valley Corps
TEAM, Inc.
Valley Council for Health and Human Services
Valley Emergency Medical Services

The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is pleased to announce that $740,250 has been awarded as a result of its 2018 Responsive Grants process. This includes support for 11 new organizations as well as previous multi-year funding for 14 additional nonprofits. These grant dollars will help provide a reliable source of funding during a time of financial uncertainty.

"The VCF Board is pleased to serve as a catalyst and partner with local nonprofits to support worthwhile missions that serve our Valley communities," said Alan Tyma, VCF Board Chair.

Grants were awarded through VCF's Responsive Grantmaking cycle, which is done with its partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF). The program is funded by a generous annual grant from TCF's Gates and other field of interest funds, as well as VCF's unrestricted and field of interest funds. Additionally, several of VCF's donor advised fundholders contributed from their funds to help make these grants possible. Supporting donor advised funds included: the Agape Fund, the Salvatore and Linda Tiano Coppola Family Fund, the Konwerski Family Fund, the Mary Fund, the Palazzi Family Fund, the Smythe Family Fund, the Sally and Dominick Thomas Fund, the John Tyma Fund, and the Warichar Family Fund.

In addition, VCF was one of the recipients of the 2017 DiMatteo Group's Annual Charitable Foundation Golf Tournament to support the 2018 Responsive Grant process. Working with VCF staff, the DiMatteo Group selected Valley Emergency Medical Services as the recipient of these funds.

The following is a list of the 2018 VCF Responsive Grant recipients:

BHcare*: to support a Medication Assisted Therapy program at clinics in Ansonia and Branford to address the opioid epidemic. $70,000 (VCF); $80,000 (TCF)

Capital for Change*: to support a program to provide technical assistance and loans to Greater New Haven nonprofit organizations for working capital, cash flow, building purchase, and/or renovations and energy efficiency improvements. $6,250 (VCF); $18,750 (TCF)

Derby Historical Society: to provide general operating support to preserve, maintain and celebrate the history of Derby. $30,000

Griffin Hospital: to support a 12-week education and exercise program to improve the health of individuals diagnosed with diabetes and pre-diabetes. $25,000

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County: to support the Life-Prep Initiative which will provide financial education to K-12 students in Derby and Ansonia. $80,000

Lincoln Senior Housing: to support the purchase and installation of an emergency generator for its 34-apartment senior living facility to safeguard the safety and health of residents during power outages. $10,000

Naugatuck Valley Health District: to support A Matter of Balance, a fall prevention program for older adults in the Valley. $24,000

Rape Crisis Center of Milford, Inc.*: to provide general operating support for educational programming to end sexual assault and for comprehensive and culturally competent sexual assault victim services. $30,000 (VCF); $45,000 (TCF)

Valley Emergency Medical Services: to support the purchase of 2 Life Pak 15 Cardiac Monitors. $30,000

Wesley Heights, Inc.: to support Mentally Engaging through Technology, a new project that will provide multi-sensory stimulation through computer technology for elderly residents with early cognitive impairment, dementia and Alzheimer's disease. $20,000

Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center: to support the Addressing Chronic Conditions in Elementary and Secondary Schools program which will improve the identification, management, and tracking of students with chronic health conditions in the Ansonia, Derby and Shelton public school districts. $30,000

*These specific grant recipients received funding from both the Valley Community Foundation and its partner in philanthropy, TCF, during the 2018 Responsive Grants cycle. Joint funding was awarded in consideration of the nonprofit organization providing services throughout TCF's 20-town region, with a significant presence in the Valley.

*These specific grant recipients received funding from both VCF and TCF during the 2018 Responsive Grants cycle.

Adam Wysota Foundation
– To sponsor the Dancing with the Stars benefit. $1,000
– To sponsor the 4th Annual Mistletoe & Margaritas - a holiday shopping night to support Adam’s House. $500

American Legion, Emil Senger Post 10
To sponsor one boy and one girl from Seymour to attend the Boys/Girls State Program. $700

American Legion, John Collins Post 24
To sponsor one boy and one girl from Derby to attend the Boys/Girls State Program. $700

American Legion, Sutter-Terlizzi Post 16
To sponsor one boy and one girl from Shelton to attend the Boys State and Girls State Program. $700

Ansonia Rotary Club
To sponsor the Annual Community Services Awards presentation dinner. $400

Association of Fundraising Professionals, Fairfield County Chapter
To sponsor the National Philanthropy Day Celebration. $900

BHcare
To sponsor the 31st annual Bowl-2- Benefit The Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. $1,000

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
– To sponsor The John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic. $500
– To sponsor the 18th Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race. $2,500

Celebrate Shelton
To sponsor the Mamas & Mimosas, Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Series, Food Trucks on the River, and the Community Tree Lighting events. $2,500

Center Stage Theatre, Inc.
To sponsor a Center Stage Christmas Show. $1,000

Central Connecticut Coast Young Men’s Christian Association, Inc.
To sponsor the Valley YMCA Annual Sunset 5K & 2 Mile Fitness Walk. $2,500

Christian Counseling & Family Life Center – To sponsor the 5K Health Body, Healthy Mind race. $500

Connecticut Hurricanes Drum and Bugle Corps, Inc. – To sponsor a drum and bugle corps competition at Seymour High School. $500

Derby High School PTO – To sponsor a post prom event. $750

Derby Historical Society

– To sponsor the Annual Silver Tea. $750

– To sponsor the Autumn Tavern Night. $850

– To sponsor the 29th Annual Fundraising Appeal. $800

Friends of the Ansonia Library – To sponsor the performance of Osaki-san: William Gillette’s Gentleman Valet, in partnership with the East Haddam Stage Company. $425

Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI)

– To sponsor the Earth Day celebration. $600

– To sponsor Autumn Fest. $500

Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce – To sponsor the annual Holiday Breakfast Club and Awards Celebration. $1,000

Griffin Hospital – To sponsor the Annual Griffin Gala. $1,000

Hidden Acres Therapeutic Riding Center – To sponsor the 2nd annual Kentucky Derby Party and Fundraiser. $500

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America – To sponsor the 25th Annual Valley Good Scout Award Ceremony. $1,000

Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County

– To sponsor the High School Business Challenge at Sacred Heart University. $1,000

– To sponsor the 19th Annual Golf Invitational. $250

– To sponsor the Business Hall of Fame. $1,000

Knights of Columbus Bernardo Council 1350 – To sponsor a Family Mini-Golf Outing and a Banquet at St. Margaret Mary Church Hall to benefit Masters Table, St. Vincent de Paul, and Spooner House. $250

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven – To sponsor the 18th Annual Scrabble Challenge. $500

Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center – To sponsor the Ride/Walk for Children at Quarry Walk. $1,000

Massaro Community Farm – To sponsor Valley Shakespeare Festival shows and additional fall-themed activities at the Farm. $1,000


Master’s Table Community Meals – To sponsor the 4th annual fundraiser, “At the Hop”. $500

Naugatuck YMCA – To sponsor the 1st Annual Bewitching Night. $250

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut, Inc. – To sponsor the 37th Annual Winter Conference. $1,000

Oxford High School Booster Club, Inc. – To sponsor a Senior Night Lock-In event the evening before graduation. $750

Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, Inc. – To sponsor the 7th Annual International Folk Dance Festival. $500

Recreation Camp, Inc. – To sponsor the 103rd Annual FOBAL Feast at the Camp. $500

Seymour Christmas Parade Association – To sponsor the 47th Annual Seymour Christmas Parade. $1,000

Seymour High School Post Prom – To sponsor a post prom event. $750

Seymour Historical Society – To sponsor the 2019 educational speaker series. $2,500

Seymour Pink – To sponsor the 8th Annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K run/walk. $2,500

Seymour Public Schools – To sponsor the Dialed Action Sports BMX team to present an anti-bullying, anti-substance abuse prevention program. $2,000

Shelton Exchange Club Foundation, Inc. – To sponsor the 7th Annual indoor mini golf tournament. $500

Shelton High School PTSO – To sponsor a post prom event. $750

Shelton High School Robotics Team – To sponsor the Shelton Robotix FLL Competition. $1,000

Shelton Historical Society – To sponsor its 2019 educational programs and events. $1,000

Shoreline Arts Alliance – To sponsor the 125th Anniversary Gala. $500

St. Joseph High School

– To sponsor a post prom event. $750

– To sponsor the Maroon & Gold Gala. $500

St. Mary St. Michael School – To sponsor the 11th Annual Housy River Duck Race. $500

St. Vincent de Paul of the Valley – To sponsor three holiday performances to benefit St. Vincent de Paul, TEAM’s Meals on Wheels Program, and Adam’s House. $1,000

TEAM, Inc.

– To sponsor Unity in the Community Dinner & Cabaret. $750

– To sponsor the 12th Annual Men Who Cook event. $1,000

– To sponsor the 3rd Intergenerational Fashion Show and Luncheon. $750

– To sponsor the Toys4Kids Kick-Off Breakfast. $1,000

The Kennedy Center – To sponsor the Annual Brewfest Fundraising Event. $1,000

Treasured Time – To sponsor the 3rd Annual Driving for Memories Golf Outing. $500

Troop 3 - Derby BSA Alumni & Friends Foundation, Inc. – To sponsor the 95th Annual Scout Gang Show. $500

United Methodist Homes – To sponsor the Wesley Village 50th Anniversary Extravaganza. $500

Valley Council for Health and Human Services – To sponsor the Annual Meeting. $500

Valley Early Childhood Task Force – To sponsor the 11th Annual Read Across The Valley Event. $1,500

Valley United Way – To sponsor the following events: Annual Fundraising Kickoff, Communitini, and Harvest House. $2,500

VCF announces more than $23,000 in community grants have been awarded to 11 Valley organizations in 2018, supporting a range of Valley initiatives.

Adam Wysota Foundation - $2,500 to support the next phase of the Adam's House Memorial Garden and Walkway.

Annual Thanksgiving Basket Committee - $2,500 to support the purchase of perishable and non-perishable food items and supplies for distribution of Thanksgiving baskets to 50 families.

City of Derby, Youth Services Bureau - $2,000 to support a program to help students recognize consequences of poor decisions and provide opportunities to make amends.

College Access for all Kids, Inc. - $2,500 to support urban youth access to colleges, universities and other higher education possibilities.

Derby Green Farmers Market - $1,400 to support the innovative Power of Produce Club program, which provides participating children with education and experience in purchasing and using healthy fruits and vegetables at the Derby Farmers' markets.

Derby Historical Society - $2,500 to support transportation assistance for Valley schools to visit the General David Humphreys House.

Shelton Farmers Market - $2,500 to support the Valley Sprouts Club, provide more local music at the market, reach out to Valley schools and provide health-related services for visitors.

Southford Falls Quilt Guild - $2,500 to support “Quilting Outside the Box” programs which focus on new quilting trends, tools and techniques.

St. Joseph Parish Nurse Program - $600 to support education and wellness programs on CPR and AED use, heart disease and stroke prevention, and the importance of advanced care planning.

Town of Seymour - $1,590 to support the Senior Fit & Strong exercise program.

Youth 2 Youth - $2,500 to support the cost of sending students to the national conference in Rhode Island.

VCF’s annual Responsive Grants process is open to all requests for organizational support and projects that serve Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and/ or Shelton.

These grants are generally awarded to address a nonprofit’s operating, programmatic, or capacity building needs. Grants are awarded through a joint process with our partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley - To provide general operating support for cultural, recreational, physical, and educational programs for Valley youth. $120,000*

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA - To provide general operating support for Valley YMCA programming that builds healthy spirit, mind, and body for Valley residents. $90,000*

Griffin Hospital - To support the update of radiation oncology equipment at the Center for Cancer Care. $25,000

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America - To provide general operating support for scouting programs for Valley youth. $100,000*

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven - To provide general operating support for adult literacy tutoring in Greater New Haven and the Valley. $60,000*

Massaro Community Farm, Inc. - To provide general operating support to maintain a historic farm that uses organic practices to provide fresh produce to those in need, and to build community through farm-based education and events. $60,000*

Online Journalism Project Inc. - To provide general operating support for The Valley Independent Sentinel. $120,000*

Salvation Army, Greater Valley Corps - To support the Emergency Assistance Program, which includes a Client Choice Food Pantry, Bread and Pastry Program, Thanksgiving food distribution, Back-to-School backpack distribution, clothing and furniture vouchers, and rental and utility assistance. $60,000*

Shelton Economic Development Corporation - To provide general operating support to advance the economic development and public welfare of the City of Shelton. $10,000

Shelton Historical Society, Inc. - To provide general operating support for the Shelton Historical Society to preserve items of Shelton’s history, as well as to support educational programming and the maintenance of a museum and its collections. $34,000*

TEAM, Inc. - To provide general operating support for a multigenerational service delivery system, focused on support services, early childhood, and elderly services. $160,000*

Valley Council for Health and Human Services - To support the establishment of a Valley Food Bank Network that will raise awareness of food insecurity in the Valley, implement best practices amongst Food Pantries, enhance services/outcomes for individuals accessing these Food Pantries, and galvanize increased community support toward the work of established Valley Food Pantries. $42,000*

The Needs and Opportunities grants, formerly known as the Revolving Response grants, are designed to promptly address the needs of our nonprofits through a simplified application process.

Ansonia Public Schools - To support a diversionary program that can serve as an alternative to suspension at Ansonia Middle School, which serves approximately 380 students in Grades 7 and 8. $3,295

College Access for All Kids, Inc. - To support a two-week intensive summer program that will culminate with each student having a writing and math portfolio. $5,262

Connecticut Community Gardening Association - To support scholarships for community gardeners in the Valley to attend the American Community Gardening Association’s Annual Educational Conference. $1,400

Family Re-Entry - To support a domestic violence intervention program, EXPLORE, which serves 60 men in Derby each year by educating them to make behavioral changes to eliminate abuse that endangers their families and communities. $3,000

Healthy Eyes Alliance - To support the purchase of a Welch Allyn Spot Vision Screener to detect vision problems in young children. $1,648

Huntington United Methodist Church - To support the creation of a Tranquility/Prayer Garden behind the church. $1,800

Mishkan Israel Day Camp - To support a summer day camp season for underprivileged children from the Valley. $1,400

New Haven Symphony Orchestra - To support performances at Shelton High School which include Pops Concerts, Family Concerts, and the NHSO KidTix initiative, providing free tickets for students attending Pops concerts. $5,000

Oxford Center School - To support a field trip to Boston’s Freedom Trail for 5th graders from Oxford Center School. $1,500

Seymour Ambulance Association, Inc. - To support the new mobile radios that will equip the SAA officers and chiefs with the ability to communicate with all surrounding area services. $5,046

SHA Development Corp. - To support six units of transitional housing and supportive services for youth between the age of 18-24. $10,000

Shelton High School - To support a greenhouse for Shelton High School’s Community Garden which would enhance learning and provide students with hands-on learning opportunities. $1,500

Shelton Historical Society - To support restoration of the front porch that was on the Brownson House in 1913, and the evaluation, classification, cataloging, and computerization of information on each of the hundreds of articles of clothing in its collection. $9,500

St. Vincent de Paul Society of Shelton, Inc. - To support an internal and external surveillance system. $7,069

TEAM, Inc. - To support the relocation of the Elderly Services Department to the Richard O. Belden Cultural Community Center. $10,000

Town of Seymour - Recreation Department - To support a Senior Fit, Senior Strong exercise program for elderly residents. $2,400

Valley Shakespeare Festival - To support the Community Touring program to the entire Lower Naugatuck Valley. $2,500

Wesley Heights, Inc. - To support assisted living services to low income, elderly residents in the Middle Court apartments. $10,000

This application process recognizes smaller, volunteer or neighborhood groups with grant awards of up to $2,500.

Adam Wysota Foundation - To support a Memorial Garden and Walkway, with beautiful plantings at Adam’s House. $2,500

Annual Thanksgiving Basket Committee - To support the purchase of perishable and non- perishable food items and supplies for distribution of Thanksgiving baskets to fifty families in need. $2,000

City of Derby, Bureau of Youth Services - To support a program to prevent sexual assault and violence among youth. $2,306

Derby High School PTO - To support the purchase of a printer for the school library. $1,250

Derby Historical Society - To provide transportation assistance to Valley schools to visit the General David Humphreys House. $2,500

Friends of the Ansonia Library - To support digitizing the Valley Sentinel newspaper from microfiche to a searchable web format which can be viewed, studied, preserved and appreciated securely on the internet. $2,500

Southford Falls Quilters LLC - To support enhancing fiber arts and design knowledge in quilting through classes, workshops, speakers and instructors for members and the public. $2,500

Youth 2 Youth Peer Advocates - To support the cost of sending as many high school students as possible to the Youth 2 Youth National conference in RI. $2,500

Nonprofit organizations can apply for support from VCF for up to $2,500 for special events, especially those events that inform the community of a particular issue.

American Legion, John Collins Post 24 - To sponsor one boy and one girl from Derby to attend the Boys/Girls State Program. $700

Ansonia High School

  • To sponsor a post prom event. $750
  • To sponsor a Fall State Program. $500

Ansonia Public Schools - To sponsor the Valley Shakespeare Festival performance of “The Comedy of Errors” for Ansonia Middle School students. $1,000

Ansonia Rotary Club - To sponsor the annual Civic Awards dinner. $300

Ansonia School Readiness - To support the 16th Annual Ansonia Kick-Off to Kindergarten registration. $1,000

Area Congregations Together, Inc. -

  • To sponsor the 20th Annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless. $1,000
  • To sponsor Food Trucks in the Valley. $1,000

BHcare -

  • To sponsor the annual Community Champions and annual educational workshop. $1,000
  • To sponsor the 29th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. $1,000
  • To sponsor My Sister’s Place Thrift Store 2nd Annual Fashion Show. $500

Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby - To sponsor the 93rd Annual Scout Gang Show. $500

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley -

  • To sponsor The John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic. $500
  • To sponsor the 16th Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race. $2,500

Celebrate Shelton

  • To sponsor the Downtown Sounds Summer Concert Series. $1,500
  • To sponsor the Community Tree Lighting. $1,000

Center Stage Theatre Inc. - To sponsor the Teen Musical Theatre Workshop. $1,000

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA - To sponsor the Valley YMCA 9th Annual Sunset 5K & 2 Mile Fitness Walk. $2,500

Derby Green Market Farmers’ Market - To sponsor the Farmers’ Market. $500

Derby High School PTO - To sponsor a post prom event. $750

Derby Historical Society -

  • To sponsor Celebrate CT Libations, a fundraiser for the Restoration Project of the David Humphreys House and Museum. $850
  • To sponsor the Annual Silver Tea. $500
  • To sponsor the 27th Annual Appeal Reception. $850

Emil Senger Post 10 American Legion - To sponsor one boy and one girl from Seymour to attend the Boys/Girls State Program. $700

First Baptist Church - To sponsor Honoring Ansonia Blue, an Ansonia Police Dept. Appreciation Day and Fundraiser. $500

Friends of the Ansonia Nature Center (FANCI) -

  • To sponsor an Earth Day Celebration. $250
  • To sponsor Autumn Fest. $500

Greater Bridgeport Symphony Society, Inc - To sponsor the “GBS Celebrates Spring” concert. $250

Griffin Hospital - To sponsor the Annual Griffin Gala. $1,000

Irving School

  • To sponsor a school-wide field day. $1,000
  • To sponsor the 1st Annual Derby District Elementary School Math Super Bee. $700

Jane Doe No More -

  • To sponsor the 10th Anniversary Gala. $500
  • To sponsor the Who’s Your Caddy? Women’s Golf Tournament. $250

Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut, Inc. -

  • To sponsor the 7th Annual High School Business Challenge. $1,000
  • -To sponsor a Job Shadow Event at Griffin Hospital. $1,000

Liberian Community Association of Connecticut -

To sponsor a marathon, sporting activities, and a dinner dance. $250

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven - To sponsor the Annual Scrabble Challenge. $500

Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center - To sponsor the 6th Annual Pedal for PCRC. $1,000

Master’s Table Community Meals Inc. - To sponsor the 2nd Annual Fundraiser, “At the Hop”. $500

Naugatuck Valley Emends Lead (NauVEL) - To sponsor the distribution of Control & Healthy Homes Program brochures. $1,000

North Star - To sponsor a Summer Picnic and Holiday Party. $2,000

Northeast Organic Farming Association of Connecticut, Inc. - To sponsor the 35th Annual Winter Conference. $1,000

Oxford Cultural Arts Commission - To sponsor Oxford’s Festival of Arts, Culture (FACE). $500 Oxford Historical Society, Inc. - To sponsor a Celebration commemorating the 75th Anniversary of the first live jump with a nylon parachute. $600

Oxford Land Trust, Inc. - To sponsor the Run the Rock/Hike. $1,000

Polish American Foundation of Connecticut, Inc. - To sponsor the 5th Annual International Folk Dance Festival. $250

Pumpkin Festival Association - To sponsor the 52nd Annual Pumpkin Festival. $250

Seymour Christmas Parade Association - To sponsor the 45th Annual Seymour Christmas Parade. $1,000

Seymour Founders’ Day Association Inc. - To sponsor the 8th Annual Seymour Founders’ Day. $2,500

Seymour High School - To sponsor programs that create awareness about the responsibility of driving. $1,000

Seymour High School Post Prom - To sponsor a post-prom event. $750

Seymour Historical Society - To sponsor the Historical Society’s 2017 educational speaker series. $2,500

Seymour Pink, Inc. - To sponsor the 6th Annual Pounding the Pavement for Pink 5K run/walk. $2,500

Shelton Exchange Club Foundation, Inc. - To sponsor the Annual Golf Tournament. $250

Shelton High School PTSO - To sponsor a post-prom event. $750

St. Joseph High School - To sponsor a post-prom event. $750

St. Mary St. Michael School - To sponsor the 9th Annual Housy River Duck Race. $500

TEAM, Inc. -

  • To sponsor the 10th Anniversary of Men who Cook. $1,000
  • To sponsor RunWay For Meals Intergenerational Fashion Show and Luncheon. $1,000
  • To sponsor the 13th Annual Toys 4 Kids holiday toy drive program. $1,000

The Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund - To sponsor Soupstock Music & Arts Festival. $1,000

Treasured Time -

  • To sponsor the 4th Extra Innings Softball Marathon. $500
  • To sponsor the Treasured Time Holiday Shopping Extravaganza Fundraising Event. $250

United Methodist Homes - To sponsor the Enchanted Trick or Treat Trail and fall activities. $500

Valley Council for Health and Human Services - To sponsor the Annual Meeting. $500

Valley Early Childhood Regional Council - To sponsor Read Across The Valley. $1,500

Valley Shakespeare Festival - To sponsor the 4 free outdoor performances of Twelfth Night or What you Will. $2,500

Valley United Way - To sponsor the Annual Meeting, the Community Campaign Kickoff Event, and the biannual Harvest House Event. $2,500

The VCF Board of Directors recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations that have been acknowledged for their service to the Valley Community.

These honorees received a grant in 2017 from the VCF Board to donate to a Valley nonprofit of their choice.

Charles L. Flynn Humanitarian Award – Valley United Way
Jack Walsh - Grants to the Valley United Way and Valley Independent Sentinel

Gold Seal Awards - Valley Chamber of Commerce

  • Tom Haynes (Gold) - Grant to the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center

  • Ray Oppel (Gold) - Grant to TEAM, Inc.
  • Diane Stroman (Platinum) - Grants to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley & TEAM, Inc.
  • Valley Independent Sentinel (Silver) - Grant to the Derby Public Schools
  • Joseph Welsh (Gold) - Grant to the Shelton Land Conservation Trust

Good Scout Award - Housatonic Boy Scout Council
Dworkin, Hillman, Lamorte & Sterczala - Grant to the Housatonic Council, BSA

Dr. John Ireland Howe Award - Derby Historical Society
Diane Stroman - Grant to the Julian Taylor Scholarship Fund

Raymond P. Lavietes Service to Youth Award

  • Joseph Pagliaro, Jr. - Grant to Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
  • Susan “Sooz” DeLeon - Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Women Making a Difference - Valley Women’s Health Initiative

  • Jodi Dawley - Grant to Griffin Hospital Development to support the Valley Goes Pink
  • Donna Hayes - Grant to Griffin Hospital Development to support the Valley Goes Pink

  • Tammy Link - Grant to St. Mary-St. Michael School

  • Sheila Riley - Grant to Big Brothers/Big Sisters of Southwestern CT

  • Dawn Supranovich - Grant to Seymour Pink Endowment Fund at VCF

  • Karen Spargo - Grant to the Valley Breast Health Care Fund at VCF

In Recognition for their Service

  • Daun Barrett - In recognition of her retirement from Griffin Hospital. Grant made to TEAM, Inc.
  • Karen Spargo - In recognition of her retirement from the Naugatuck Valley Health District. Grant to Naugatuck Valley Health District
  • TEAM, Inc. - For creative and innovative promotion of The Great Give® 2017
  • Sabrina Maldonado - In honor of winning the 2017 CT State Youth of the Year from the Boys and Girls Club and moving onto the Regional finals. Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Grants from Donor Advised Funds are approved by the VCF Board of Directors upon the request and with the participation of the Donor.

Donor Advised Funds are one of the many ways fund holders can advise on an area they are passionate about while partnering with VCF to make an impact.

2017 Donor Advised Grant Recipients:
Ansonia Rescue Medical Services
Area Congregations Together, Inc.
BHcare
Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby
Boys & Girls Club of the
Lower Naugatuck Valley
Center Stage Theatre Inc.
Charlotte’s Web of Prayer
Christ Episcopal Church
City of Derby
Clark Memorial Library
Connecticut Forest & Park
Association
Connecticut Hospice, Inc.
Derby Historical Society
Dimatteo Family Charitable
Foundation Inc.
The Foundation School
Friends Center for Children, Inc.
Girl Scouts of Connecticut Inc.
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Griffin Hospital
Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America
IRIS - Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
Kids for Kids, Dancing for Life
Long Hill Burial Ground Ltd.
Mishkan Israel Day Camp
National Right to Work Legal Defense and Education Foundation, Inc.
Recreation Camp Inc.
Seymour High School
Shelburne Farms
Shelton High School
Shelton Historical Society, Inc.
Shelton Land Conservation Trust
Shelton Public Schools
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Shelton, Inc.
Susanna Wesley School
TEAM, Inc.
University of New Hampshire
University of New Haven
Valley United Way
Valley YMCA
VARCA
Working Lands Alliance

The VCF Board of Directors recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations that have been acknowledged for their service to the Valley Community.


These honorees received a grant in 2016 from the VCF Board to donate to a Valley nonprofit of their choice.

Raymond P. Lavietes Service to Youth Award - Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

  • Joseph Pagliaro Jr. - Grant to Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
  • Susan “Sooz” DeLeon - Grant to Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

VCF’s annual Responsive Grants process is open to all requests for organizational support and projects that serve Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and/ or Shelton.

These grants are generally awarded to address a nonprofit’s operating, programmatic, or capacity building needs. Grants are awarded through a joint process with our partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

Area Congregations Together, Inc. – To provide general operating support for the provision of food, shelter, and support services to Valley
people in need. $40,000

BHcare – To support merger and systems integration costs with the Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center. $40,000

Boys and Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley – To support capacity building in the areas of marketing, development, human resources and staff leadership. $30,000

Catholic Charities Archdiocese of Hartford – To support the Outpatient Psychiatric Clinic, which promotes the emotional, psychological, and physical well-being of some of the Valley’s neediest children, adolescents, and families. $20,000

Center Stage Theatre, Inc. – To provide general operating support for growth and education through performing arts programming and participation in live theatre. $30,000

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA – To provide general operating support for the Valley YMCA. $25,000

Derby Day Care Center – To support the purchase of playground equipment. $20,000

Griffin Hospital – To support the Advance Care Planning Program, which ensures that patients’ choices at the end of their life are known and implemented. $20,000

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America – To provide general operating support for scouting programs for Valley youth. $30,000

Naugatuck Valley Health District – To support Freedom2Breathe, which raises awareness about asthma and provides education about asthma to parents, caregivers, and workers in childcare settings in the Valley. $30,000

Salvation Army – To support the Client Choice Food Pantry. $20,000

Valley Emergency Medical Services – To support the replacement of a Life-Pak 15 Cardiac Monitor, a life saving tool utilized in its response to close to 6,500 requests for emergency paramedic service. $20,000

The WorkPlace, Inc. – To support the Ansonia and Derby American Job Centers. $10,000

Grants from Donor Advised Funds are approved by the VCF Board of Directors upon the request and with the participation of the Donor.

Donor Advised Funds are one of the many ways fund holders can advise on an area they are passionate about while partnering with VCF to make an impact.

2016 Donor Advised Grant Recipients:
Ansonia Public Schools
Ansonia Rescue Medical Services
Area Congregations Together, Inc.
BHcare
Birthright of Greater New Haven
Birthright of the Valley
Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby
Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Charlotte’s Web of Prayer
Christ Episcopal Church
Clark Memorial Library
Connecticut Forest & Park Association
Connecticut Hospice, Inc.
Derby Historical Society
Derby Public Library
Dimatteo Family Charitable Foundation, Inc.
Eagle Hose #6
The Foundation School
Friends Center for Children, Inc.
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Griffin Hospital
Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America
Julian A Taylor Scholarship Fund Committee
Kids for Kids, Dancing for Life
Long Hill Burial Ground Ltd.
Millbrook School Development Office
Mishkan Israel Day Camp
National Right to Work Legal Defense
and Education Foundation, Inc.
Recreation Camp Inc.
Ronald McDonald House of CT, Inc.
Salvation Army, Greater Valley Corps
Seymour High School
Shelton Economic Development Corporation
Shelton High School
Shelton Historical Society, Inc.
Shelton Public Schools
Southbury Food Bank
St. Martin de Porres Academy
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Shelton, Inc.
Susanna Wesley School
TEAM, Inc.
University of New Haven
University of New Hampshire Foundation
Valley United Way
VARCA
Working Lands Alliance

This application process recognizes smaller, volunteer or neighborhood groups with grant awards of up to $2,500.

Annual Thanksgiving Basket Committee – To support the purchase of perishable and non-perishable food items for distribution of Thanksgiving baskets to fifty families in need. $2,000

City of Derby, Bureau of Youth Services – To support “Before You Text,” a new sexting prevention curriculum that will be taught in all schools and to parents. $2,500

College Access for All Kids, Inc. – To support access to colleges, universities and other higher education possibilities for urban youth in Ansonia and Derby. $2,500

House of Prayer – To support the distribution of food and clothing in the Valley. $1,550

Restoring Hope Ministries, Hope House – To support the cost of Project Family Hope, which promotes family focused activities and experiences through various venues designed to build strong family bonds and relationships. $2,100

Seymour Soccer Association – To support the cost of providing Futsal training to youth in the Town of Seymour and surrounding towns. Futsal trainings will help children develop their skills in the sport of soccer as individuals and as teammates. $2,000

Shelton Farmers Market Association – To support the Shelton Farmers Market Association’s awareness building effort through the printing of posters, postcards, banners, and lawn signs. $2,000

Southford Falls Quilters LLC – To support classes, team workshops, speakers and instructors who will educate members and enhance quilting skills so members can produce completed quilts that they can “Show and Tell” at a quilt show. $2,500

St. Joseph Catholic Church – Ansonia Parish Nurse Program – To support CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) training, a Heart Wellness Education program, and the purchase of an AED replacement battery. $555

St. Thomas Parish Nurse Program, Oxford – To support the purchase of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), CPR and AED training, and Health and Wellness Education programs and screenings. $2,100

Valley Deaf Club – To support expanding programs for sports and workshops for Valley Deaf Club members. $2,500

Youth 2 Youth Peer Advocates – To support the cost of sending as many high school students as possible to the Youth 2 Youth National conference in RI. $2,500

In 2016, VCF made grants between $1,400 to $10,000 which contributed to and supported nonprofits and organizations serving the Valley community.

The Needs and Opportunities grants, formerly known as the Revolving Response grants, are designed to promptly address the needs of our nonprofits through a simplified application process.

American Red Cross – SCC Chapter – To support the purchase and installation of smoke alarms to be place in the homes of Valley residents at no charge upon request. $10,000

Christ Episcopal Church – To support administrative and operating costs to maintain and operate the Kathleen C.B. Samela Food Bank. $10,000

Christian Counseling & Family Life Center

To support the purchase of security equipment including cameras, a buzzer/intercom system, a burglar and fire system, panic buttons and sound proofing to increase the safety of employees and patients. $4,000

City of Derby To support the repair and restoration of the Civil War Monument on the Derby Green. $10,000

Connecticut Council for Philanthropy – To support the Working Cities Challenge, an economic development effort that builds cross-sector collaboration and leadership to solve challenges affecting urban communities in Connecticut. $2,500

Derby Neck Library Association – To support the building and installation of a new circulation desk for the lobby. $10,000

Greater New Haven Coordinated Access Network – To support cold weather emergency shelter services for homeless individuals and families in the Valley from November 2016 through the end of March 2017. $10,000

Housatonic Council Boy Scouts of America– To support the replacement of the water heater and furnace at the Edmund D. Strang Scout Reservation. $1,700

Mishkan Israel Day Camp – To support a summer day camp for underprivileged children from the Valley. $1,400

New Haven Symphony Orchestra – To support performances in Shelton, which include Pops Concerts, Family Concerts, and the NHSO KidTix initiative, providing free tickets to students attending Pops Concerts. $5,000

Online Journalism Project Inc. – To support the hiring of a consultant to create a business development plan for the Valley Independent Sentinel. $10,000

Oxford Land Trust, Inc. – To support the Oxford High School Youth Conservation Corps student internship program. $5,000

Seymour Ambulance Association – To support the purchase of new digital portable radios that are compatible with the Town’s digital radio system. $7,960

Seymour Public Schools – To support an educational field trip to historic sites in Philadelphia, Valley Forge, and Gettysburg. $2,792

Shelton Youth Services Bureau – To support a youth development workshop series for program staff and teen youth workers from Valley agencies. $8,500

Valley Emergency Medical Services – To support the replacement of advanced life support equipment bags as well as IV warmers. $5,000

Valley Shakespeare Festival – To support the expansion of the Festival’s Education Initiative to more grade levels and municipalities throughout the Valley. $2,000

The VCF Board of Directors recognizes the contributions of outstanding individuals and organizations that have been acknowledged for their service to the Valley Community.


These honorees received a grant in 2015 from the VCF Board to donate to a Valley nonprofit of their choice.

Mary Lou Cook Award - PCRC
Pam Lorenzo - Grant to VNA of South Central CT

Charles L. Flynn Humanitarian Award - Valley United Way
Ron Villani - Grant to BHcare to support the
Umbrella Program

Gold Seal Awards - Valley Chamber of Commerce

  • Harry Burlakoff (Gold) - Grant to Treasured Time
  • Jimmy Ryan (Platinum) - Grant to Assumption Church
  • Frederick Serra (Gold) - Grant to the Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
  • Valley Substance Abuse Action Council (Silver) - Grant to Valley Substance Abuse Action Council’s Youth Program Red Watch
  • Robert Van Egghen (Gold) - Grant to TEAM, Inc.

Good Scout Award - Housatonic Boy Scout Council
Iroquois Pipeline - Grant to Valley United Way

Dr. John Ireland Howe Award -Derby Historical Society
Martha Dulla-Andrea - Grant to Derby Historical Society

Raymond P. Laveties Service to Youth Award
William Miller - Grant to Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

Joseph A.Pagliaro, Sr. Award - PCRC
Carol Pendagast - Grant to Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center

Women Making a Difference - Valley Women’s Health Initiative

  • Martha Dulla-Andrea - Grant to Valley United Way, Central Connecticut Coast Young Men’s Christian Association, Inc.
  • Antoinetta Hallet - Grant to Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
  • Anne Miller Lynch - Grant to Assumption School
  • Caroline O’Bar - Grant to BHcare to support the Umbrella Program
  • Sue Petrizzo - Grant to Griffin Hospital Development Fund to support Valley Goes Pink
  • Elizabeth Pisano - Grant to Seymour Ambulance Association
  • Ruth Tuccio - Grant to Pups Without Partners Greyhound Adoption

In Recognition for their Service

  • Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley -in recognition of all the hard work, time, and effort to send Brooke Grand to compete in the National Youth of the Year event.
  • Brooke Grand - winner of the 2015 Connecticut State Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year
  • Sherrod McNeill - In honor of his receiving the 2015 CT National Distinguished Principal Award
  • Online Journalism Project - to support the Valley Independent Sentinel, in recognition for the time and effort it gave to The Great Give® 2015, particularly the 36-hour webcast.
  • TEAM, Inc. - In honor of TEAM’s 50th Anniversary

VCF’s annual Responsive Grants process is open to all requests for organizational support and projects that serve Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and/ or Shelton.

These grants are generally awarded to address a nonprofit’s operating, programmatic, or capacity building needs. Grants are awarded through a joint process with our partner in philanthropy, The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven.

Ansonia and Derby Early Childhood Councils Collaborative - To support the implementation of the Ansonia and Derby Early Childhood Councils’ community plans. $40,000

BHcare - To support the design of a Family Justice Center which is a co-location of a multi-disciplinary team of professionals who provide coordinated services to victims of family violence. $10,000

Center Stage Theatre Inc. - To support theatrical lighting upgrades and improvements in the theatre space. $18,000

Derby Historical Society - To support the restoration of the exterior of the General David Humphreys House. $15,000

Healthy Eyes Alliance - To support the Healthy Eyes for Connecticut Kids Project which provides free vision screening, referral and follow up services for preschool
children in the Valley. $16,062

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America - To provide general operating support for scouting program for Valley youth. $30,000

Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut, Inc. - To provide general operating support for programming to give Valley young people the knowledge and skills they need to own their economic success, plan for their future, and make smart academic and economic choices. $30,000

New Haven Legal Assistance Association Inc. - To support a school-based legal aid clinic co-located at TEAM/Head Start in the Valley. $8,000

Online Journalism Project Inc. - To support the Valley Independent Sentinel. $40,000

Rape Crisis Center of Milford, Inc. - To provide general operating support for educational programming to end sexual assault and for comprehensive and culturally competent sexual assault victim services. $8,000

Visiting Nurse Services of CT - To support a pilot program in partnership with Griffin Hospital to provide a pre-discharge visit for specifically diagnosed patients from the Valley to enhance transitional care (acute to
home-based healthcare) and to achieve improved measurable health outcomes. $10,000

Grants from Donor Advised Funds are approved by the VCF Board of Directors upon the request and with the participation of the Donor.

Donor Advised Funds are one of the many ways fund holders can advise on an area they are passionate about while partnering with VCF to make an impact.

2015 Donor Advised Grant Recipients:
Ansonia Rescue Medical Services
Area Congregations Together, Inc.
BHcare
Birthright of Greater New Haven
Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby
Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley
Charlotte’s Web of Prayer
Christ Episcopal Church
Citizens United for Research in Epilepsy (CURE)
Clark Memorial Library
Connecticut Forest & Park Association
Connecticut Hospice, Inc.
Derby Historical Society
Derby Public Library
Derby Public Schools
Ephemera Society of America, LLC
Friends of the Ansonia Library
Greater Valley Chamber of Commerce
Griffin Hospital
Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America
IRIS - Integrated Refugee & Immigrant Services
Kids for Kids, Dancing for Life
Long Hill Burial Ground Ltd.
Long Wharf Theatre
Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center
Mishkan Israel Day Camp
National Right to Work Legal Defense and
Education Foundation, Inc.
Read to Grow
Recreation Camp Inc.
Seymour High School-Student Awards
Shelton High School-Student and Teacher Awards
Shelton Historical Society, Inc.
St. Lawrence School
St. Vincent de Paul Society of Shelton, Inc.
Susanna Wesley School
TEAM, Inc.
The American Legion
The Foundation School
University of New Hampshire
University of New Haven
Valley Breast Health Care Fund
Valley Parish Nurse Program
Valley Shakespeare Festival
Valley United Way
VARCA
Visiting Nurse Association of South Central Connecticut
Women’s Business Development Council
Working Lands Alliance

This application process recognizes smaller, volunteer or neighborhood groups with grant awards of up to $2,500.

Annual Thanksgiving Basket Committee - To support the purchase of perishable and non-perishable food items for distribution of Thanksgiving baskets to 50 families in need. $2,500

Ansonia High School Quilting and Sewing Charity Club - To support AHS students in the creation of quilts for charity. $1,000

Ansonia High School Class of 2018 Advisory - To support the AHS Class of 2018 to work with an organization, to develop and implement a community service proposal, and to showcase their efforts at an end of the year celebration. $2,500

Ansonia School Readiness - To support the cost of a kick-off event for Kindergarten registration in Ansonia. $1,600

City of Derby, Bureau of Youth Services - To support the Juvenile Board Supportive Education Program. $2,500

College Access for All Kids, Inc. - To support a college campus tour for 45 to 50 middle/high school students from Ansonia. $2,500

Colonial Youth Football and Cheer - To support the purchase of new uniforms and gear for the Colonial Eagles Inspiration (Special Needs) Cheer Team. $2,500

Derby Historical Society - To support a one week summer day camp with a focus on local, state, and national history for ages 6-15. $1,500

Friends of the Derby Neck Library - To support the artistic and creative experiences of children in the Valley in the summer. $1,500

North Star - To support the cost of North Star’s Annual Picnic in late June/July, North Star’s Annual Holiday Party and North Star’s monthly meetings. These events are for families throughout the Valley who have children/
adults with disabilities. $2,500

Oil Drum Art, Inc. - To support valley students who will paint prepped recycled 55 gallon oil drums with historical themes from their towns. $2,500

Seymour Historical Society - To support the purchase of seven museum quality room darkening shades for the museum. $1,695

Southford Falls Quilt Guild - To support the cost of “Saturday Sews” which teaches techniques for members to produce themed quilts that when completed will be donated to local nonprofits. $2,500

Valley Deaf Club - To support the deaf/hard of hearing community by providing assistance for a recreational softball program and opportunities for social gatherings. $2,500

Youth 2 Youth Peer Advocates - To support the cost of sending as many high school students as possible to the Youth 2 Youth National conference in RI. The Conference focuses on four areas with a comprehensive approach: drug education and information, personal growth, decision making environmental change and
drug free fun. $2,500

In 2015, VCF made grants between $250 to $10,000 which contributed to and supported nonprofits and organizations serving the Valley community.

The Needs and Opportunities grants, formerly known as the Revolving Response grants, are designed to promptly address the needs of our nonprofits through a simplified application process.

Area Congregations Together, Inc. - To support the replacement of a freezer unit and ice machine for the Spooner House kitchen. $5,368

Beacon Falls Congregational Church - To support the construction costs of a handicap-accessible bathroom, which will be ADA compliant. $5,000

Christ Episcopal Church - To support the Samela Food Pantry. $5,000

Derby Neck Library - To support new furniture, repairs and renovations to the Children’s Room. $6,450

Friends of the Ansonia Library - To support the restoration of the mosaic tile flooring in the main entrance of the library. $1,312

Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut, Inc. - To support the cost of hiring a consultant to conduct a comprehensive internal assessment of current development programs. $2,200

Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child Resource Center - To support the development of a new logo and website. $5,000

Moving With Health Oriented Physical Education, Inc. - To support consultant costs for a website redesign and a digital communications plan. $4,000

Naugatuck YMCA - To support the cost to replace the boiler to heat the pool, youth room, locker rooms, hot tubs and air handling unit. $2,500

Oxford Ambulance Association - To support the purchase of a SimMan Essential patient simulation training manikin. $6,890

Read to Grow - To support literacy services for families living in The Valley region. $9,500

Salvation Army, Greater Valley Corps - To support the food pantry. $10,000

Shelton Historical Society, Inc. - To support the costs to stabilize and support restoration efforts to the water damaged Brownson House. $10,000

Storm Engine Company Ambulance Corps, Inc. - To support the purchase of a thermal imaging camera. $6,114

TEAM, Inc. - To support the hiring of a consultant to help develop and produce a 3-5 year strategic plan. $4,000

United Methodist Homes - To support the Music & Memory program at Wesley Village. $4,320

Valley Parish Nurse Program - To support the annual Children’s Health & Safety Fair, a “Distracted Driving” prom program, bike safety events and free screenings (A1c & Cholesterol) at Ansonia Day. $5,190

Wesley Heights, Inc. - To support assisted living services to low income elderly residents of the Middle Court Apartments. $10,000

Nonprofit organizations can apply for support from VCF for up to $2,500 for special events, especially those events that inform the community of a particular issue.

American Legion, John Collins Post 24 - To sponsor one boy and one girl from Derby High School for the Boys/Girls State Program. $600

American Legion Post #174 - To sponsor one boy and one girl from Oxford for the Boys/Girls State Program. $600

Ansonia High School PTSO - To sponsor the Ansonia Post Prom event. $750

Area Congregations Together, Inc. - To sponsor the 18th Annual Walk for the Hungry and Homeless. $1,000

Association of Fundraising Professionals - Fairfield County Chapter - To sponsor the annual National Philanthropy Day. $800

Assumption Church - To sponsor the 2015-2016 season of Sundays at Five musical series. $1,000

BHcare

  • To sponsor the Greater Valley Substance Abuse Action Council’s 25th anniversary conference. $1,000
  • To sponsor the 27th Annual Bowl-2-Benefit the Umbrella Center for Domestic Violence Services. $2,000
  • To sponsor the holiday gala “A Magical Evening…an Evening of Magic, Music, and More”. $1,000

Boy Scout Troop 3 Derby - To sponsor the 91st
Annual Scout Gang Show. $250

Boys & Girls Club of the Lower Naugatuck Valley

  • To sponsor the John “Red” Larsen Golf Classic. $500
  • To sponsor the 14th Commodore Hull Thanksgiving Day 5K Road Race. $2,500

Celebrate Shelton

  • To sponsor the Shelton Community Tree Lighting at the Shelton Veterans Memorial Park. $1,000
  • To sponsor the “Downtown Sounds” Summer Community Concert Series at Shelton’s Veteran Memorial Park. $1,500

Center Stage Theatre. Inc. - To sponsor the annual Teen Musical Theatre Workshop. $1,000

Connecticut Partnership for Children Inc. - To sponsor the Diaper Dash 5K and Kids Fun Run. $500

Derby High School PTO - To sponsor the Derby High School Post Prom event. $750

Derby Historical Society

  • To sponsor the 25th Annual Appeal. $850
  • To sponsor the Annual Silver Tea. $500

Emil Singer Post 10 American Legion - To sponsor one boy and one girl from Seymour to attend the American Legion Boy’s State and Girl’s State programs. $600

Family and Children’s Aid - To sponsor the 2015 Kids Cup Annual Golf Fundraiser. $500

Griffin Hospital - To sponsor the annual gala. $1,000

Housatonic Council, Boy Scouts of America - To sponsor the annual Scouting for Food Drive. $2,500

Junior Achievement of Western Connecticut, Inc. - To sponsor the 30th Annual “Bowl for Kids” Bowl-A-Thon. $500

The Kidnetic Clubhouse

  • To sponsor a Family Fun Day Mini Museum event. $500
  • To sponsor a Parent’s Play Date. $500

Literacy Volunteers of Greater New Haven

  • To sponsor the 2015 Scrabble Challenge. $1,000

Lower Naugatuck Valley Parent Child
Resource Center

  • To sponsor the Annual Awards Dinner. $500
  • To sponsor the 2nd Annual Food Trucks in the Valley. $700
  • To sponsor Pedal for PCRC. $1,000
  • To sponsor the 16th Annual “Fore! The Children” Golf Tournament. $500

The Mary A. Schmecker Turtle Shell Fund

  • To sponsor “In Love and Chocolate”. $250
  • To sponsor the Soupstock Music and Arts Festival. $500

Moving With Health Oriented Physical Education, Inc. - To sponsor CT Bike For HOPE. $500

Oxford Cultural Arts Commission - To sponsor
Oxford’s FACE (Festival of Arts, Culture and
Entertainment). $500

Oxford Freedom Run Committee - To sponsor the 7th Annual 5K Run 2 mile walk and children’s Rock Hopper Fun Run. $1,500

Oxford High School Booster Club, Inc.

  • To sponsor the Oxford High School post prom event. $750
  • To sponsor a back to school movie night. $750

Seymour Christmas Parade Association - To sponsor the Seymour Christmas Parade. $1,000

Seymour Founders’ Day Association Inc. - To sponsor the 6th Annual Seymour Founders’ Day. $2,500

Seymour High School Post Prom - To sponsor the Seymour High School Post Prom event. $750

Seymour Historical Society - To sponsor eight
programs presented by the Seymour Historical
Society Educational Series. $2,500

Seymour Oxford Rotary Club - To sponsor a fall
fundraiser benefitting area nonprofits. $500

Seymour Pink, Inc. - To sponsor the 4th Annual
Pounding The Pavement for Pink 5K Run. $2,500

Seymour Public Schools - To sponsor Champion of Choices, an anti-bullying program at Seymour High School and Seymour Middle School. $2,500

Seymour Tradition, Inc. - To sponsor Smoke in the Valley 2015 on October 2nd and 3rd in downtown Seymour. $2,500

Shelton Exchange Club Foundation, Inc.

  • To sponsor the Annual Charity Golf Event. $500
  • To sponsor the 4th Annual Charity Indoor Mini Golf Tournament. $500

Shelton High School PTSO - To sponsor the annual Shelton High School post prom event. $750

Shelton High School Robotics Team - To sponsor the CT FIRST Lego League Robotics Qualifying Tournament Competition. $1,000

St. Joseph High School

  • To sponsor the annual St. Joseph High School Post Prom event. $750
  • To sponsor the St. Joseph High School Hall of Fame induction ceremony. $500

St. Lawrence School - To sponsor a presentation about internet safety for students and parents. $500

St. Mary’s Church - To support the cost of purchasing a tent for the Summer Festival. $2,500

TEAM, Inc.

  • To sponsor the 8th Annual Men Who Cook fundraiser. $1,000
  • To sponsor the 50th Anniversary Gala Celebration. $1,000

Treasured Time - To sponsor the Extra Innings Softball Marathon with the Bridgeport Bluefish. $500

United Methodist Homes - To sponsor the Wesley Village 5k Annual Road Race and Fun Walk. $250

Valley Breast Health Care Fund - To sponsor the Women Who Make a Difference event. $1,000

Valley Council for Health and Human Services - To sponsor the Annual Meeting. $500

Valley Parent University - To sponsor the Valley Parent University at Derby High School. $1,000

Valley Shakespeare Festival - To sponsor four free performances of Shakespeare in the Park: “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” at Veteran’s Memorial Park. $2,500

Valley United Way

  • To sponsor the Annual Meeting, Community Gala, Campaign Underwriter Kickoff, and Harvest House. $3,500
  • To sponsor the High School Volunteer Council’s Community Family Fun Day. $2,000
  • To sponsor the first Community Gala. $1,000

Yale-Griffin Prevention Research Center -
To sponsor the 2nd Annual VITAHLS Healthy
Cooking Competition. $500

Central Connecticut Coast YMCA - To sponsor the Valley YMCA 7th Annual Sunset 5K and 2 Mile Fitness Walk. $2,500

How can we help?

Valerie Knight-Di Gangi

Director of Programs

203-751-9162

Send Email