The Darien Foundation Gives $124K Grant To PD For Boat Tech Upgrades

Thanks to the generosity of The Darien Foundation, the Darien Police Department could soon receive much-needed upgrades to its police boat technology… Read More

The Darien Foundation Celebrates 25 Years Of Supporting The Community

The Darien Foundation is kicking off its 25th anniversary this month and will honor this milestone through a renewed commitment to providing grants… Read More

Abilis, Darien YMCA Announce Opening Of New Café

The Abilis, a local nonprofit that helps people with disabilities and their families, now runs the café at the Darien YMCA… Read More

The Darien Foundation Kicks-Off 2022-2023 Fundraising Campaign

The Darien Foundation is kicking off its 2022-23 fundraising campaign with the release of its Annual Appeal, which arrived in mailboxes throughout Darien this week…. Read More

Darien Forward campaign launched by The Darien Foundation as part of 2022-23 Annual Appeal

This year’s appeal is centered around the theme Darien Forward and invites residents to join The Foundation in supporting opportunities that will enhance the quality of life … Read More

The Darien Foundation Honors Longtime Board Chair

The Darien Foundation is honoring longtime board chair Ward Glassmeyer and his 20 years of service as part of its Darien Forward campaign… Read More

The Darien Foundation Honors Ward Glassmeyer for 20 Years of Service

The Darien Foundation would like to recognize and express sincere appreciation for Board President Ward Glassmeyer’s 20 years of service and dedication to the nonprofit organization… Read More

Darien Arts Center Installs of State-of-the-Art Lighting System

Project Funded by Grant from The Darien Foundation. The Darien Arts Center, a nonprofit that provides visual and performing arts programs and events for the community… Read More

Darien Arts Center Completes Install of State-of-the-Art Lighting System

The Darien Arts Center, a nonprofit that provides visual and performing arts programs and events for the community, is thrilled to announce the completion of the installation of a new, state-of-the-art… Read More

New Café at Darien Library to employ adults with disabilities: ‘Accessible, inclusive and welcoming to all’

The Darien Library officially opened its Café to the public this week, the result of a partnership with Abilis that provides employment opportunities for several local adults with disabilities… Read More

The Café at Darien Library Opens February 9, Provides Employment for Adults with Disabilities

There’s something special brewing in Darien at Darien Library! Abilis and Darien Library are excited to announce the official grand opening of The Café at Darien Library on February 9, 2022! … Read More

Darien Foundation Awards $82.8K Grant To At Home In Darien

At Home In Darien, a local nonprofit organization that offers help to seniors and disabled residents, recently used an $82.8K grant from The Darien Foundation to purchase a handicap-accessible “supervan.”… Read More

The Darien Foundation awards two-year, two-part $213K grant to Darien Public schools for a new K-12 Robotics Program

This winter, Darien Public School students will be able to develop their skills as creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and collaborators through a brand new K-12 Robotics program. The program, made possible by a $213,000 two-part grant … Read More

At Home in Darien’s new ‘supervan’ offers discrete transportation services for seniors: ‘It just gives them dignity’

At Home in Darien is getting a “supervan.” The nonprofit is adding a second handicap-accessible vehicle to its arsenal through an $82,800 grant from the Darien Foundation, boosting its transportation services for elderly and disabled residents in town… Read More

Darien Foundation’s $213k grant will fund 12 robotics clubs for Darien students

In a boon for the district’s commitment to building innovative STEM education, children in all of Darien schools now can join one of 12 new robotics clubs funded through a $213,000 grant from the Darien Foundation… Read More

The Darien Foundation awards $213K grant to Darien Public schools for new K-12 Robotics Program

This winter, Darien Public School students will be able to develop their skills as creative problem solvers, critical thinkers, and collaborators through a brand new K-12 Robotics program. The program, made possible by a $213,000 two-part grant ($119K in year one and $94K in year two)… Read More

The Darien Foundation awards two-year, two-part $213K grant to Darien Public schools for a new K-12 Robotics Program

The program, made possible by a $213,000 two-part grant ($119K in year one and $94K in year two) from The Darien Foundation, will support the District’s efforts to build innovative STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) programming… Read More

At Home In Darien Gets a Better Van, The Darien Foundation Writes the Check

The 2021 Toyota Sienna van is meant to provide users with a safer, more secure ride, according to the foundation. By getting older Darien residents from place to place, the service helps them avoid isolation…. Read More

The Darien Foundation awards At Home In Darien an $82.8K grant to purchase a handicap-accessible vehicle for seniors and disabled residents

At Home In Darien (AHID) is a local nonprofit organization that offers invaluable help to seniors and disabled residents, enabling them to maintain independence with dignity and a connection…. Read More

At Home in Darien’s new ‘supervan’ offers discrete transportation services for seniors: ‘It just gives them dignity’

The project, made possible by a $35,500 grant from the Darien Foundation, will feature nine markers that tell the story of the town. Darien’s Bicentennial Committee and the town are running the project… Read More

New Heritage Trail will ‘bring to life the story of Darien’ as the town marks 200th birthday

The nonprofit is adding a second handicap-accessible vehicle to its arsenal through an $82,800 grant from the Darien Foundation, boosting its transportation services for elderly and disabled residents in town…. Read More

Darien EMS rolls out new technology with $20,500 grant

The $20,500 grant will be used to install and configure a new network infrastructure along with integrated computer hardware and software. Officials say the new technology will help Post 53 educate… Read More

The Darien Foundation awards $20.5K grant to Darien EMS-Post 53

Our town’s residents have the peace of mind of knowing that Darien EMS-Post 53 is here for our community 24 hours a day, 365 days a year. This unique organization, recently honored with the 2021… Read More

Letter: Thanks community for support of Darien Arts Center programs

I’m writing on behalf of the Darien Arts Center to extend sincere thanks to everyone in the community who supported the DAC during the challenges presented by the pandemic. This past year, we worked… Read More

Greenwich-based Abilis expanding its programs, services in Darien to aid people with special needs

New programs aimed at assisting people with special needs are coming to Darien, thanks to Abilis. The Greenwich-based nonprofit serves more than 800 individuals with special needs and their families from birth… Read More

Abilis Partners with Darien YMCA, Depot Youth Center, Darien Library, Baywater Properties, Darien Foundation

The special needs community in Darien will benefit from new programming and services, courtesy of Abilis, the nonprofit that serves more than 800 individuals with special needs and their families from birth… Read More

Abilis Expands Programs and Services in Darien

The special needs community in Darien, Connecticut, will be benefiting from new programming and services, courtesy of Abilis, the nonprofit that serves more than 800 individuals with special needs and… Read More

Abilis Expands Special Needs Services in Darien With Four Programs This Year, More Expected

Abilis, a nonprofit that serves people with special needs and their families, will be expanding programs and services in Darien, starting with four programs in the areas of job training, life skills, employment and housing… Read More

Darien Arts Center Replaces Theater Lighting System With $100K Grant from Darien Foundation

Darien Arts Center’s Weatherstone Studio soon will get a new, state-of-the-art lighting system, thanks to a $100,000 grant from The Darien Foundation, the foundation announced. The new system could attract more performance… Read More

The Darien Foundation Awards Grant to Convert Star Group Residence

Shinning a brighter light on local talent: The Darien Foundation awards the Darien Arts Center a grant totaling up to $100,000, in addition to $21,000 funded by DAC donors to install a state-of-the art lighting system for the DCA… Read More

The Darien Foundation Awards Grant to Convert Star Group Residence

With the $80,700 grant for technological advancements from The Darien Foundation, the STAR group residence on Edgerton Street in Darien will now be able to help its six residents with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD)… Read More

Darien Foundation awards $80,700 grant for STAR smart home

The Darien Foundation has awarded a $80,700 grant to STAR, Inc., Lighting the Way, for a smart home with assistive technology that will improve the quality of life for STAR’s Darien Cottage residents with intellectual, and developmental disabilities when the Darien cottage becomes a showcase of inspiration for other local families… Read More

Darien Foundation Awards $80K To Convert The Cottage, a STAR Group Residence, Into a ‘Smart Home’

While the six residents at the Darien Cottage are already living semi-independently and several of them hold jobs and volunteer locally, smart home assistive technology will soon allow them to be more self-reliant in their home… Read More

The Darien Foundation awards $80,700 grant to convert STAR group residence to a Smart Home

Nestled on Edgerton Street, the STAR Cottage is home to six residents with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), including wheelchair user, Ashley Milne. Now, when Ashley wishes to enter or exit the Cottage, she relies upon other people to open and close the doors for her… Read More

People’s Bank of Darien donates $10,000 to Corbin Cares

DARIEN — When People’s United Bank’s management team learned about the Corbin Cares initiative, the bank immediately signed on to contribute. Executive Vice President of Commercial Real Estate, Marjan Murray shared that the bank has a strong commitment to supporting the communities they serve… Read More

People’s United Bank of Darien donates $10,000 to Corbin Cares Phase Two, in partnership with The Darien Foundation

During continued challenging times, the Corbin Cares initiative has helped inspire the spirit of gratitude and giving in our town. Devised by local resident and CEO of Baywater Properties, David Genovese, the Corbin Cares initiative launched Phase Two… Read More

People’s United Bank Donates $10K To Darien’s Corbin Cares

Devised by local resident and CEO of Baywater Properties, David Genovese, the Corbin Cares initiative launched Phase Two in late 2020 to provide locally sourced meals for our town’s essential workers, including EMS Post 53, teachers, volunteer firefighters, town employees, police officers and postal workers… Read More

Lions Club donates to Corbin Cares

The Lions Club of Darien has donated $5,000 to Corbin Cares’ phase two efforts to feed front line workers and support local eateries, in partnership with The Darien Foundation. The Lions Club of Darien was founded in 1948 by several Darien businessmen, and is part of the largest service club in the world… Read More

The Darien Foundation awards a crucial two-part technology grant to the Darien Police Department

New FARO 3D laser scanner enables police to map accident scenes, as well as seven schools and public buildings; Laser Shot firearms training from realistic laser-based engagements and live-fire exercises helps train officers in firing precision and decision-making… Read More

LIONS Club of Darien donates $5,000 to Corbin Cares Phase Two

“We Serve.” The mantra of the LIONS Club of Darien speaks volumes, particularly as the chapter recently donated an incredible $5,000 to Corbin Cares Phase Two, in partnership with The Darien Foundation, to help provide meals for essential workers… Read More

Darien Foundation awards police department technology grant

DARIEN — The Darien Foundation has awarded a crucial two-part technology grant to the Darien Police Department, ensuring safety, and security in the town A new FARO 3D laser scanner now enables police to map accident scenes, and seven schools and public buildings… Read More

Corbin Cares raises $100K for Darien’s essential workers

DARIEN — Combined philanthropic effort Corbin Cares has raised over $100,000 for essential workers. This is the second phase of Corbin Cares, which totaled contributions at $104,785, including $25,000 from The Darien Foundation… Read More

Corbin Cares Partnership connects Darien community during COVID crisis

Corbin Cares and the Darien Foundation are going back to work for the community. The first phase of Corbin Cares was launched in March, and in partnership with local eateries, provided meals to front line care workers, Darien seniors, local shelters and local food-insecure families… Read More

Creativity Connects Darien: Meet Sarah Woodberry, Executive Director of The Darien Foundation

When locals share the creativity that they uncover in the nooks and crannies of their community it brings about connectivity and makes us all feel good. Believe it or not, you discover creativity every day as you walk, shop, work, and play in Darien… Read More

Supporting the people who support Darien

Darien, Conn, November 30, 2020 – While a vaccine is on the horizon and conditions related to the pandemic are expected to improve, the reality is that our current “new normal” will likely continue to be challenging over the next few months… Read More

Darien Nonprofits Continue Meal Donation Efforts

Press release from the Darien Foundation: Dec. 1, 2020 While a vaccine is on the horizon and conditions related to the pandemic are expected to improve, the reality is that our current “new normal” will likely continue to be challenging over the next few months... Read More

Halloween photo shoot raises money for Darien’s Corbin Cares

DARIEN — Corbin Cares, a philanthropic collaboration, supported by The Darien Foundation, which began March to support local businesses and feed those in need and on the front lines, is going back to work for the Darien community… Read More

Darien Mather Homestead Barnraiser is Huge Success!

The Mather Homestead, a treasured National Historic Landmark, built in 1778, celebrated the opening of its recently completed barn, The Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center, on Saturday, September 19 with an innovative, outdoor picnic-style fundraising event. While the event was capped at 100 guests, pursuant to state guidelines, it raised nearly $15,000, which will aid in the project’s completion… Read More

Mather Homestead completes work on educational center

Three years ago, it was just a vision. Today, that vision has become a reality. The new Elizabeth W. Chilton Education Center is now completed. “The barn is what we envisioned and more,” said Lauren Swenson, executive director of the Mather Homestead Foundation, whose property the center was built on… Read More

Darien TV79 Upgrade Now Allows More Programming Each Day — Got an Idea for a New Show?

Darien TV79, the town government television station, has expanded its program offerings thanks to a $50,000 grant for new technology from the Darien Foundation. The TV station has also announced that it is looking for programming from the community — so if you’d like to create a show, get in touch... Read More

Where’s the boat? Middlesex Whaleboat to make a splash this summer in Darien

To help buoy the community’s spirit and lend a hand to local establishments navigating during a turbulent time, the Museum of Darien (formerly the Darien Historical Society) is joining forces with town organizations and businesses to celebrate the town’s 200th birthday this summer with a symbol loaded to the gills with Darien’s proud history —the Whaleboat Middlesex… Read More

Corbin Cares Initiative for Food-Insecure Families and Seniors Extended to July 3

When Corbin Cares and the Darien Foundation partnered back in March to provide meals for Darien senior citizens and families impacted by the shelter-in-place order, the program was projected to wind down by Friday, May 22... Read More

Corbin Cares Initiative Inspires a Blue Wave of Support and Giving

Since the pandemic struck, many businesses, organizations and individuals have raised their hands to help the Corbin Cares initiative, which was launched by Baywater Properties and PG Properties in conjunction with The Darien Foundation, The Community Fund of Darien and Food Rescue US… Read More

Darien photographer captures close moments from a distance

In the midst of the pandemic, a Darien photographer is inviting people to share a happy moment together. Katharine Calderwood is capturing close moments from a distance. It’s called the Front Steps Project, a movement launched in Massachusetts that’s since spread across the country. Calderwood has snapped more than 50 family portraits from afar… Read More

Person-to-Person receives Darien Foundation grant

Person-to-Person is pleased to announce The Darien Foundation has awarded it a $65,000 grant for a technology initiative to create and onboard a strategic foundational infrastructure to promote their expanding client services and to manage their extensive network of volunteers, including some 700 from Darien… Read More

Darien Foundation Gives $65K to Person-to-Person for Technology Improvements

The aim of this project is to optimize data and relationship management, ensuring increased efficiencies in the ways Person-to-Person delivers on its mission. This project will build P2P’s capacity to meet the increased demand for assistance and support the overall growth in P2P’s services... Read More

Darien Foundation cancels benefit, supports community initiative Corbin Cares

The Darien Foundation has canceled its annual fundraiser, ‘Yacht Rock On,’ originally scheduled for April 25, 2020. The event will now take place on April 24, 2021. “We had a great team working on Yacht Rock On and we had significant momentum,” said Byrne Pozzi, benefit co-chair and board member of The Darien Foundation, “However, once this crisis hit, we quickly shifted our focus to helping the community.”... Read More

Corbin Cares: Joint community effort will feed those in need, on front lines

The Darien Foundation, in cooperation with The Community Fund of Darien, PG Properties and Food Rescue U.S., has fast tracked a $75,000 grant to Corbin Cares, a new fundraiser launched over the weekend by David Genovese of Baywater Properties and Penny Glassmeyer of PG Properties... Read More

Thank You, Byrne Pozzi, For Your Volunteer Work with the Darien Foundation

Byrne jumped in full steam to serve as event chair for the 2019 benefit. She has a remarkable ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously. Her unflappable demeanor, her attention to detail, and her incredible work ethic have brought new energy to the planning process and new volunteers to the committee... Read More

Yacht Rock: Darien Foundation planning April benefit at Tokeneke Club

The Darien Foundation will hold its annual fundraiser on Saturday, April 25, at 6:30 p.m. at the Tokeneke Club . Last year’s event, Rock the Yacht, sold out over two weeks in advance. This year’s event, Yacht Rock On, will see the return of the high-energy, award-winning, six-piece band “Three Sheets to the Wind: America’s Number One Tribute to Yacht Rock.”… Read More

Collaborating to Build a Better Darien

Family has always been integral to The Darien Foundation. The organization was founded in 1998 by a group of Darien parents, led by Richard Chilton, who wanted to provide up-to-date computer equipment for the Darien Public Schools… Read More
Photo: Darien Nature Center

Darien Nature Center to Create Forest and Pond Exhibit with $50K Grant from Darien Foundation

The Darien Nature Center will be getting a major upgrade to its Animal Exhibit Room, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Darien Foundation. The Nature Center says it will create a New England Forest and Pond Ecosystem exhibit that will showcase native turtle… Read More

Darien Foundation Issues Grant To Nature Center

From Darien Nature Center: The Darien Nature Center will be getting a major upgrade to its Animal Exhibit Room, thanks to a $50,000 grant from the Darien Foundation. The Nature Center says it will create a New England Forest and Pond Ecosystem exhibit that will showcase native turtle species… Read More

Thanks to Darien Foundation grant: Darien TV79 installs new technology

Darien TV79 has a new, improved look thanks to a donation from the Darien Foundation.The Darien Foundation’s $25,000 grant was used this summer to install new high-definition TV cameras and switching equipment for TV79’s airing of meetings in room 206 of… Read More

Darien TV79 Using Better Cameras, Equipment After $25K Gift from Darien Foundation

The Darien Foundation’s $25,000 grant was used this summer to install new high-definition TV cameras and switching equipment for TV79’s airing of meetings in Room 206 of Town Hall. The grant also covered the cost of new wiring, monitors and associated gear in… Read More

Darien Community Association receives grant for bird sanctuary

The Darien Foundation has awarded $18,500 to the Darien Community Association (DCA) to fund improvements in their four-acre bird sanctuary. This is the second grant the Darien Foundation has given to the DCA and it will be used to attract more birds with a pondless cascading waterfall and new trees to provide more cover and food… Read More

Improvements Underway at DCA’s Four-Acre Bird Sanctuary

Darien Community Association is making improvements in its four-acre bird sanctuary on Middlesex Road, with help from a $18,500 grant from the Darien Foundation. These include a pondless waterfall for the birds and butterflies, as well… Read More

Darien Foundation’s Annual Fundraiser, ‘Rock the Yacht’ Coming April 2019

The Darien Foundation has announced that its’ annual fundraiser, Rock the Yacht, will be held on Saturday, April 27, at 6:30 p.m. at the Tokeneke Club. Similar to last year’s event, which… Read More

Get to know…Sarah Woodberry, executive director of The Darien Foundation

In fact, she came to town from New York City in 2009 to spend more time with her family living in the area for what she planned would be a one-year stay. Slowly, that year turned into nine, as she has become a part of the community. “I really liked the small-town feel of Darien,” Woodberry said. “Every time I’m out walking, people will wave…” Read More

DAF Media gains new support, looks to expand

The Darien High School senior is one of a group of students learning the ins and outs of producing live-stream broadcasts for DAF Media. “I was one of the first two kids who started helping out when DAF Media started last fall,” Ross said. “We’ve been recruiting other students to help…” Read More

Darien students behind camera at band festival

At the Darien all-town band festival last week, three students were there to film the event live-stream for DAF Media. The two sophomores and a senior from Darien High School operated two high-definition cameras set up on tripods in the stands. One captured broad shots of the nearly 500 student performers in the high school gym… Read More

Yacht Rock: Darien Foundation announces 20th year gala

The Darien Foundation, a non-profit that provides grants for technology and capital initiatives throughout Darien, will hold its 20th year celebration and fund-raiser, an evening of Yacht Rock, on Saturday, April 28, at 6:30 p.m. at the Tokeneke Club… Read More

Dysenchuk retires from Darien Foundation leadership

After 12 years as the executive director of the Darien Foundation, Pam Dysenchuk is retiring. Dysenchuk joined in 2005, when the organization was still known as the Darien Technology Foundation. Then, it gave grants solely for technology projects such as the Pasco Physics Lab for Darien High School and mobile data terminals for the Darien Fire Departments… Read More

Darien Foundation Funds Hydrogen Fuel Cell

The Energy Symposium on May 27, 2016 at Darien High School featured an array of automobiles using alternative energy sources, including the DHS Fuel Cell Team’s own Hydrogen Fuel Cell vehicle.  Solar energy, different techniques of energy creation and ways to improve Connecticut’s energy efficiency were some of the topics covered by guest speakers at… Read More

The Darien Foundation has a history of giving…

The Darien Foundation has demonstrated that it is the “go-to” funding source for projects that enhance the Darien community. Since its founding in 1998, the Foundation has provided over $3 million in grants to the Darien Public Schools, Darien emergency services and many of the town’s community organizations. The initial funding for the Foundation was… Read More

Darien Public Schools

Starting as the Darien Technology Foundation, the Foundation’s early grants went to the Darien Public Schools to encourage the Administration to establish a comprehensive and ongoing technology plan. Once the Administration began providing the technology basics, the Foundation continued to fund innovative and cutting edge technology in the schools. The PASCO Physics Lab and Leica… Read More

Emergency Services

The Darien Foundation has provided grants totaling $330,000 to EMS Post 53, the Darien Fire Departments and the Darien Police Department.

Community Organizations

The list of community organizations that have benefited from Darien Foundation grants is extensive. The Darien Community Association is constructing a beautiful 4 acre Bird Sanctuary and Native PlantGarden on their property with a $33,000 grant. The YWCA has a 12 station computer learning lab. A sophisticated audio-visual system for The Darien Historical Society’s renovated… Read More