Community Programs Funding

Community Programs Funding is sponsored by Branford Community Foundation. The Branford Community Foundation provides funding for community programs in areas like basic needs, health, education, arts, environment, youth, and civic engagement.

Enhancing the quality of life in Branford Support the Branford Community Foundation with a Donation Today Explore our grant opportunities today and make a lasting impact on Branford’s present and future. Your contribution to the Branford Community Foundation is more than a donation; it’s an investment in our town’s future. Join us in strengthening Branford’s resilience by giving today.

A Pillar of Community Philanthropy Since 1980, the Branford Community Foundation has served as a charitable foundation, connecting people who care with causes that matter, now and for generations to come. Your generosity creates impact. Our featured funds address current community needs.

Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter Medical and Wellness Endowment Fund Twenty-one years ago, local volunteers joined together to create the Dan Cosgrove Animal Shelter. At the time, it was a unique idea – a municipal animal shelter devoted to both public safety and to pet adoptions, with regional reach and support. Today, we have grown beyond what anyone...

The Charlie Fiskio Fund was established by the Fiskio family (Charlie’s parents Bob and Sue; sisters Emily, Ellie, and Elizabeth; and his wife Savannah) in 2025 to honor the memory of their son, brother, and husband Charles R. Fiskio. The fund shall support two or more students annually...

Shaw Family Fund for the Arts The Shaw family consists of many visual, performing and literary artists of diverse disciplines in both a professional and amateur capacity. They all share the conviction that the arts add beauty and joy to life and elevate the human spirit by providing inspiration, entertainment, education, and meaningful outlets for... What is a community foundation?

A community foundation is a public charitable organization with a long-term mission of enhancing the quality of life in its community or region. It maintains and administers funds for multiple donors by creating a permanent endowment where the principal is invested and never spent. Foundations use the income for grants, scholarships, sponsorship awards, and other community investments.

An endowment is a perpetual gift in which the principle is rarely spent. The earned income helps meet the community’s charitable needs. A foundation’s assets are typically held in numerous philanthropic funds established by local individuals, families, businesses, or other charitable organizations.

Who manages the endowment? We work with the investment professionals at the Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (CFGNH) to preserve and grow our endowment. BCF’s individual funds are pooled and invested in a diversified portfolio managed by CFGNH.

How is a community foundation different from other charitable organizations? A community foundation is an independent, tax-exempt nonprofit organization. Most nonprofit organizations have a specific mission (hunger, social services, mental health, affordable housing, special needs, etc.).

In contrast, a community foundation’s mission is broad and focused on the needs of a given area. Community foundations support numerous nonprofits in perpetuity through their endowed funds. What type of organizations do you fund?

The Branford Community Foundation provides grants and sponsorship awards to a wide range of charitable causes. Key impact areas include Arts & Culture; Basic Needs; Community Improvement & Vitality; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Education & Youth; Environment & Sustainability; Health & Human Services; Housing Stability; and Seniors & Special Needs. How do I give to the Branford Community Foundation?

Giving is easy through our online donor portal. We have many options, including making an unrestricted gift that gives BCF the flexibility to use where it is most needed. Donors can also select one of our existing charitable funds created by community members in support of an area of interest or specific nonprofit organization.

Additionally, donors can establish their own charitable fund or name the Branford Community Foundation in their estate plan (wills, trusts, IRA rollovers, beneficiary designations, and more). How can my organization apply for funding from the Branford Community Foundation?

If you are a nonprofit that serves Branford residents with a program or service that aligns with our priorities, you can apply for an annual grant or a sponsorship award. Visit our grant page to learn about the process and deadlines. Note: BCF cannot make grants to individuals, only to qualified nonprofit organizations.

Why should I give to the Branford Community Foundation? BCF is unique because we are permanent. Our intent is to create a source of funding that will support our Branford community in perpetuity.

Our mission is to improve the well-being of the Branford community, now and for generations to come. We act as a facilitator, advisor, and mediator for area nonprofits as they work together to solve community issues and promote a better life for Branford residents. How do I apply for a scholarship?

The Branford Community Foundation doesn’t give scholarships outright. Many of our charitable funds are designated to provide scholarships for graduating seniors, typically from Branford High School. The BHS Counseling Department is the intermediary, recommending students for various scholarship funds.

Direct scholarship questions to BHS Counseling Department by calling 203-315-7837. They can provide a list of available scholarships. Can anyone create a charitable fund?

Anyone can create a fund supporting causes or organizations for which are meaningful to them or to honor a friend or loved one. The minimum donation to establish a fund is $10,000, which can be given over five years through our Acorn program.

Your Go-To Community News Inaugural Charlie Fiskio Fund Scholarships Awarded to Branford Middle School Students Branford Community Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members 2026 BCF Charity Golf Tournament Over $100,000 Awarded in Branford Community Foundation 2026 Annual Grants Branford Community Foundation Announces 2025 Impact Report $8,530 Distributed in Second Round of Branford Community Foundation and Ascend Bank 2026 Sponsorship Awards Feel free to reach out to us with this form.

We’d love to hear from you!