New Canaan Community Foundation serves as the local partner for charitable giving in New Canaan, offering advice, leadership, and facilitation. Since its inception in 1977, the Foundation has focused on investing in impactful local organizations and assisting donors in achieving their philanthropic objectives. It aims to unite the New Canaan community to tackle individual and local challenges, thereby enriching the lives of all its members. The Foundation operates through partnerships with community members, supporting volunteer leaders, mobilizing grants and resources for local needs, and convening community figures to address widespread issues.
The Touch A Life program, guided by New Canaan Community Foundation’s broad goals, specifically supports New Canaan residents in financial distress. It acts as a critical local resource, offering emergency financial assistance through requests made by professional staff from local social service agencies, schools, and churches. This program is particularly directed at aiding individuals and families struggling to make ends meet, underlining the Foundation’s commitment to mobilizing thoughtful grant investments to respond to local needs. Funding for this program is sourced from the generous contributions of New Canaan residents, highlighting a community-driven approach to support neighbors facing financial hardships.