The mission of the Derby Community Foundation is to enhance the quality of life in the Derby area by connecting people and resources with community needs and initiatives. They aim to improve lives through granting and scholarships, foster private giving for public benefit, act as a community leader to inspire and cultivate philanthropy, and respond to evolving community needs by promoting involvement and collaboration.
The Community Enrichment Grants aim to provide financial assistance up to $2,500 to grassroots nonprofits and government entities within the Derby area that undertake groundbreaking and impactful work aligned with the Foundation's mission. The focus is on projects that enrich the community or address its immediate needs, with the Foundation allocating up to $10,000 annually through a competitive application process divided into two cycles each year. This competitive nature means that only applicants whose projects closely match the Foundation's goals can be funded, despite recognizing the value of all applications submitted.