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02/01/2017 11:01 PMThe start of a new year is always a busy and exciting time for the Community Foundation of Middlesex County (CFMC). As we look back on a wonderful 2016, we also look forward to working with donors and our local nonprofit partners to see where together we might have the greatest impact in 2017. We are also kicking off our year-long 20th anniversary celebration with plans to continue and expand CFMC’s grassroots approach to philanthropy, leadership, and legacy.
The community foundation’s story began in 1997 when a small group of private citizens, with the help of local businesses and organizations, decided to form a charitable entity to improve the quality of life for all in Middlesex County. They wanted to provide support to community programs and services now and well into the future. They understood that by working together and pooling their individual resources into one organization, they would have far greater impact than they ever could on their own.
Since then, the community foundation has worked with donors to establish 189 funds and has awarded more than $5.4 million in grants to local nonprofits for the arts, cultural and heritage programs, educational activities, environmental improvements, and for health and human services. In addition, the community foundation goes beyond the grant and offers numerous workshops, seminars, webinars, and one-on-one consulting to help its nonprofit partners grow, flourish, and deliver improved programs and services.
Recently we received an early 20th anniversary gift with news that CFMC will be the recipient of an $8 million bequest from the trust of the late Mary Janvrin. Janvrin and her pre-deceased sister Natalie Janvrin Wiggins lived quiet lives in Old Lyme and shared a life-long love of all nature, particularly birds, as well as the history and arts. Mary later resided in Chester until her passing in September 2016. At that time her trust set into motion the establishment of an $8 million fund at CFMC, the “Mary Janvrin and Natalie Janvrin Wiggins Fund for Birds, Other Animals, and Nature,” which celebrates the sisters’ passions with numerous and creative possibilities.
We are honored to be given the responsibility of ensuring that Janvrin’s legacy is supported now and forever, and to be one of the chosen facilitators. It is indeed a wonderful gift to everyone in the region. It exemplifies the true essence of CFMC and the value it places on working together to help meet each and every donor’s personal philanthropic goals—regardless the size of the gift.
We look forward to sharing more good news over the coming months and to more opportunities to make great things happen in your community. Give us a call at 860-347-0025, drop us an email at info@middlesexcountycf.org, or leave us a comment on our Facebook page.