Valley Native to Chair Local Foundation

New Haven – The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven is pleased to announce that lifelong Ansonia-resident James (Jimmy) E. Ryan is chairing its Board of Directors in 2018.

This year is Mr. Ryan’s seventh and final year on the Board that governs Greater New Haven’s 90-year-old permanent charitable endowment, valued at over $600 Million. Now retired, Mr. Ryan served for over thirty years as the President of the Shelton Economic Development Corp. (1984-2016).

The Community Foundation serves a 20-town region of more than 640,000 people in Connecticut helping donors to fulfill their charitable wishes and strengthening the nonprofit sector through grants and training. Per affiliation agreement, Mr. Ryan also sits on the Board of the Valley Community Foundation, The Community Foundation’s partner in philanthropy in the Valley.

Derby Community Endowment marks start of fund with reception

Derby Mayor Anthony Staffieri Saturday addresses crowd at a fundraiser for the Derby Community Endowment. The event was held at Grassy Hill Lodge in Derby. Photo by Kim Pasquini

The first annual Derby Community Endowment reception was held at Grassy Hill Lodge Saturday, Attendees included:  Mayor Anthony Staffieri; Board of Aldermen President Ron Sill; Board of Education Chair Ken Marcucio; Superintendent Dr. Stephen Tracy; Derby Community Endowment organizer Mark Nichols; as well as supporters of Derby.
Attendees enjoyed food, a classical duet, a presentation from “Hometown Historian” Rob Novak on the history of giving in Derby, a toast to Derby and the endowment fund, and entertainment by magician Danny Magic.

The reception was a celebration of the start of a fund that will aid Derby education and community improvements, organizers said. The fund was established March 23, 2012 through the Valley Community Foundation. Once $10,000 is reached, then each year a percentage of the fund will be allocated towards three purposes: 

• Scholarship or award to student(s) residing in Derby

• Education projects that benefit Derby students

• Municipal beautification / development enhancement

Thanks to the many donations received from individuals and businesses, the fund will soon have over $6,000. The creation and initial funding of the endowment have been successful. Next up for the endowment fund:

• With city approval set up a committee of concerned citizens that will be in charge of allocating each yearly disbursement to the three set causes.

• Continue to raise money through charitable foundations and the generous giving of individuals and businesses.

• Plan future fundraising events including next year’s reception.

There are two ways to donate:Send a check made out to “Valley Community Foundation” with “DCE” in the memo line to:
Valley Community Foundation
253-A Elizabeth St.
Derby, CT. 06418
Donate online at www.ValleyFoundation.org . Click the “Donate Online” button, fill in the form and choose “Derby Community Endowment Fund” from the dropdown box.

Either way you’ll get a tax receipt mailed to you from the Valley Community Foundation.

For information about the endowment contact Mark Nichols, 203-732-0630, email at DerbyCommunityEndowment@gmail.com, or at  www.facebook.com/DerbyCommunityEndowment.



The above information was taken from a release and fact sheet provided by Mark Nichols, Derby Community Endowment organizer.