Valley Community Foundation

Our mission is to inspire philanthropic growth, provide and foster leadership, engage donors, strengthen the Valley community both now and for future generations. Our Vision: A vibrant inclusive Valley that is thriving, collaborative, generous, with a shared sense of community and opportunity. Our Mission: To inspire philanthropic growth, provide and foster leadership, engage donors, strengthen the Valley community both now and for future generations. Our Values: - ACCESSIBLE - User-friendly to individuals and entities with diverse interests - COMMITTED - to having a stake in solutions, partnerships and cultivating new leaders. - EQUITABLE - always seeking full participation of diverse cultures and perspectives - RESPONSIVE - listening and addressing the current needs and interests of the community - STRATEGIC - anticipating future needs, opportunities and solutions - TRUSTED - by the community, donors, and nonprofit organizations - UNIFYING - by recognizing the Valley's cohesive regional identity. Operating Principles: 1. To grow philanthropy in the Valley - VCF plays a leadership role in developing and nurturing philanthropic assets and ensuring that they stay in the Valley. 2. To incorporate the principles of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEI&B) into all of VCF's work and operational culture. 3. To be a convener - responds to donor intent, connects donors with the community and nonprofits, and builds awareness of community challenges and opportunities. 4. To be a community partner - through leadership, grants, and knowledge development, to improve people's lives, address community needs and increase sustainability. 5. To be a partner with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven - to continually strengthen our philanthropic relationship to benefit the Valley community. The Valley Community Foundation partners with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF) to carry out its mission in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. This relationship provides VCF with access to the strength of TCF, which was established in 1928 and is one of the oldest and largest community foundations in the United States and remains the largest grant maker to nonprofits serving a twenty-town region in the heart of central Connecticut. VCF shares a CFO and uses TCF's investment expertise, programming, and development knowledge. This strong relationship provides VCF with an immediate support structure that allows its Board of Directors to focus on leadership and development. Learn more about the history of the affiliation. Mission Statement on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion: To create a more inclusive and equitable Valley where everyone has the opportunity to reach their potential.