The mission of the Branford Community Foundation is to connect people who care with causes that matter, for the purpose of preserving and promoting the quality of life in Branford, Connecticut, now and for generations to come.

The Branford Community Foundation (BCF) started in 1980 with a small boy and a swing set. Five-year old Darin Etzel was ill with a rare blood disease. Darin and his family had to travel to NYC for a bone marrow treatment. Friends wanted Darin to have something special to look forward to at the end of his difficult time, so they raised $770 to buy him a terrific swing set, which was hope for the future. Sadly, Darin developed complications and died on January 1, 1980. In his memory, his family wanted to carry the “hope for the future” that their friends had wanted for them into the greater community. The Branford Community Foundation began with the $770 raised for Darin’s swing set.

Today, thanks to the generous support of donors and careful financial investment, BCF maintains over two million dollars in endowed funds and invests over $100 thousand in the community each year. The BCF works everyday to help address the most pressing issues facing our community, including basic needs, health, education, the arts, the environment, youth and civic engagement. In so doing, the BCF impacts lives, solves problems, and improves futures.

NEWS: Impact on the Community

• Click here to read about recent investments in the community.

"You can never do a kindness too soon, for you never know how soon it will be too late." - ralph waldo emerson