brought local donors and agencies together for its annual grant awards event on May 20 at the .
Founded in 1977, NCCF has given approximately $6.5 million in grants over the past 32 years to local nonprofit organizations.
Cindy Charas, president of the board of directors addressed the audience.
"We host this event to remind us of the importance of local philanthropy and to highlight the not-for-profit organizations whose missions and work are so very important to the vibrancy of our community."
NCCF Board members and volunteers collectively invested more than 600 hours evaluating proposals and visiting the organizations before arriving at their award decisions.
"Our grant evaluation is intense and focused," Charas explained.
Dave Hunt, vice-president of distributions announced each recipient and commented on the nature and amount of each grant.
NCCF's Executive Director Cynthia Gorey presented envelopes to the 50 individuals who received 56 individual grants totaling $593,000.
This year NCCF supports the organizations operating within the following six categories.
ARTS: Magical Music for Life, , , Shakespeare on the Sound, , Stamford Symphony Orchestra, .
ELDERLY: Elder House, , ,
HEALTHCARE: Americares Free Clinic, Norwalk Hospital, Visiting Nurse & Hospice Care,
HUMAN SERVICES: Center for Sexual Assualt, Child Advocates of CT, Child Guidance Center of Southern CT, Children's Connection, Christian Community Action, Domestc Violence Crisis Center, , Family Centers, Family and Children's Agency, Family Re-Entry, Food Bank of Lower Fairfield County, Kids in Crisis, Norwalk Economic Opportunity Now, , St. Luke's Lifeworks.
SPECIAL NEEDS: , , St. Catherine's Academy, SPED*NET New Canaan, STAR
YOUTH & EDUCATION: A Better Chance (ABC), Children's Learning Center, Domus, Earthplace, , Mercy Learning Center, , , , New Canaan Nature Center, , , , Wildlife in Crisis
Distributions from six of NCCF's donor advised funds included the Carey Children's Fund, Dionne Fund for Special Needs, WenJim Fund, Redgate Fund, Rein Family Fund and Walbert Family Fund.
"While the needs of the community are great, they are matched by your spirit of giving," Hunt told the audience as the program concluded.
Donors witnessed the tangible results of their investments and grant recipients received their recognition and support. Both acknowledged each other with heartfelt appreciation.
