If you live in Darien, chances are the Darien Foundation has made your life better in some way. A grantmaking organization, The Darien Foundation has funded over $5.5 million via some 120 grants to benefit Darien.
Grants are provided for technology and capital initiatives that create opportunity for Darien’s youth, support the town’s safety and security and enhance the overall quality of life. This Darien-based nonprofit so knitted into our day to day is getting ready to celebrate its 25th anniversary and we’re thrilled to spotlight them in the following Q&A.
Originally established as the Darien Technology Foundation, the name was shortened after grant funding was expanded to include community capital projects. Board Chair Ward Glassmeyer, who is marking 20 years serving the organization, has overseen its development to include the expansion of its mission, a significant increase in annual grant amounts and the growth of the Board of Directors from 10 to 24 devoted, hands-on members—the engine behind much of the Foundation’s success.
“We’re fortunate to have this dedicated group of individuals on our board and I’m so proud of the things we’ve accomplished,” said Ward. “The people involved in this organization are really ‘all in’ and I feel more committed to it now than ever before. Honestly, if you want to give back to the town, there’s no better way than to support The Darien Foundation,” he continued.
Funded initiatives touch Darien residents at all ages and stages, from the turtle habitat that enchants toddlers at the Darien Nature Center to the fully-accessible super van used by At Home in Darien to provide rides for our seniors and residents with disabilities.
Additionally, 100% of donations support the grants as the Board of Directors and officers underwrite operating costs, which include one part-time Executive Director, Sarah Woodberry.
When did your organization form and why?
Sarah: The Darien Foundation was founded in 1998 by Richard Chilton, who brought together a group of parents to fund computer equipment for the Darien Public Schools. The first laptops for elementary students were funded by us in 2000. Early grants also provided technology for the Darien Library, local nonprofits and town emergency services.
What makes your organization unique?
Ward: Our board participation and commitment. We make a deliberate effort to have a board comprised of a varied group of experts to help provide the best resources for our grants, that includes technology, marketing, business and legal experts. Moreover, everyone actively participates in discussions of grant applications and, when a project has been agreed upon by the group, we assign two to five board members to collaborate with that organization and help oversee it to fruition.
Sarah: The Darien Foundation is unique in concept and mission. Most communities do not have a local organization like ours that they can go to with big ideas to get big projects funded. We are home grown in Darien, and all of the grant funding goes back into our town.
When did you join the organization and what attracted you?
Ward: I joined The Darien Foundation in 2002, not long after I moved back to town as a young parent, and almost immediately after I learned about this innovative, new nonprofit. My parents have set a great example for me—my dad has always been an active philanthropist and my mom has been tremendously involved in the town. I was looking for a great way to start giving back and what better way than to give back to this community through the Foundation.
Sarah: I joined in 2018 after discovering the numerous initiatives that The Darien Foundation has funded across town. Even five years later, I continue to be inspired by the many people and organizations I get to work with through our partnerships. It is so exciting when new grant proposals come to us.
Is there a particular grant that really stands out to you?
Ward: We get enthused about all of our projects, but one early grant that stands out to me was the funding of mobile data terminals that allow our firefighters to quickly identify the locations of fire hydrants when arriving on scene and to dispatch and receive critical updates in real-time.
Believe it or not, as recently as 2006, our firefighters were driving around with three-ring binders to locate fire hydrants. We’ve also improved connectivity between Post 53 and the local hospitals that allows them to better communicate about emergency arrivals. I’m particularly proud of these grants that benefit everyone in town.
Another grant that stands out is the Playground by the Sound at Weed Beach because it was the first grant that we funded after pivoting from only funding technology projects to including capital community projects as well.
Sarah: Our recent grant to Abilis was a unique partnership with the Darien Library, the Darien YMCA and the Depot Youth Center to bring Abilis and their successful programs to Darien. We underwrote the technology and equipment. Last year, the Darien Library Café opened staffed by Abilis adults, and the new YMCA Café run by Abilis just opened in January. Another meaningful collaboration was with Corbin Cares during the pandemic, in which we funded meals for Darien’s food-insecure families as well as for Seniors while the Mather Center was closed. So many other Darien organizations and businesses joined us in this collaboration. It was very uplifting.
What are you looking ahead to?
Sarah: As we enter our 25th year, we’ll strive to continue to move Darien Forward—our theme this year.
Ward: We look forward to more innovation and more ways to give back to Darien. The board welcomes ideas, and we love all the creative thinking in this community.
For more information about The Darien Foundation, visit darienfoundation.org.
