Darien’s nonprofit sector just got a bit less confusing: The former “Darien Technology & Community Foundation” has changed its name to the simpler, “Darien Foundation.”
That helps avoid confusing the organization with two others that have “Darien” and “Community” in their names — the Darien Community Association and the Community Fund of Darien.
contributed photo
Here’s an announcement from the foundation about the name change and what the foundation does:
Every town should be so fortunate to have an organization like The Darien Foundation.
Its mission is to provide grants for technology and capital projects to Darien’s Public Schools, emergency services and community organizations. Founded in 1998 as the Darien Technology Foundation then changing in 2007 to the Darien Technology & Community Foundation, it has been known informally for several years as The Darien Foundation. And now it’s official!
The Darien Foundation is its new legal name and it has a new logo and tagline: Building a Better Darien. Together.
“There has been a lot of confusion among residents about the very different missions of the Darien Foundation, the Community Fund of Darien and the Darien Community Association,” said Ward Glassmeyer, chairman of the Board of The Darien Foundation. “Our names are similar but our missions are very distinct.”
The Darien Foundation awards grants for technology and capital projects only in Darien while the Community Fund of Darien provides grants to social service organizations in Darien, Stamford and Norwalk and the Darien Community Association provides learning and outreach experiences for the enrichment of the community.
“All three are thriving and important non-profits but with very different missions. Our Board of Directors felt it was important to distinguish ourselves and to communicate to Darien residents how effective and vital the Darien Foundation is to the community,” explained Glassmeyer.
A few representative examples of recent grants awarded by The Darien Foundation include:
* Bird sanctuary at the Darien Community Association ($33,000)
* Darien Athletic Foundation ($500,000)
* Police boat technology ($65,000)
* Darien Library Capital Campaign ($500,000)
* Darien Public Schools (over $1million)
* 2015 Chrysler sedan for At Home in Darien’s rides program ($30,000)
“Darien is a very philanthropic community, “said Pam Dysenchuk, executive director of the Darien Foundation. “Its residents support organizations worldwide but it is particularly gratifying to be able to give to a local Foundation which funds projects that enhance and enrich our town and our lives.” For more information visit their website www.darienfoundation.org.