DERBY — The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) officially launched 25 for the Next 25, a forward-looking initiative designed to strengthen the foundation’s discretionary funds and expand its planned giving community in advance of its 25th anniversary in 2029.

Unlike a traditional capital or cash campaign, 25 for the Next 25 is a legacy-focused initiative aimed at doubling membership in the Gates Society, VCF’s planned giving community. The campaign’s goal is to increase VCF’s discretionary funds — resources that allow the foundation the ability to direct grantmaking where needs are greatest each year.

“Discretionary funds are the quiet but powerful engine behind a strong community foundation,” said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President and CEO. “They give us the ability to respond when needs arise, to invest in leadership and community-building, and to support the Valley not just as it is today, but as it will be for generations to come. 25 for the Next 25 is about building that capacity thoughtfully and responsibly through legacy giving.”

Planned Giving Initiative — Not a Competitive Campaign

VCF leaders emphasize that 25 for the Next 25 is not a fundraising drive that competes with area nonprofits. Rather, it is a VCF-focused initiative that encourages individuals to make future-oriented gifts specifically to build VCF’s discretionary funds.

“Many don’t realize that VCF uses discretionary dollars to provide our Responsive Grants Program, meaning nonprofits apply for funding and we respond to the needs of those nonprofits,” Closius said. “Unfortunately, there’s always a greater need than grant dollars available.”

Discretionary dollars are also used to support community leadership initiatives such as VCF’s annual Valley Gives Back campaign, which encourages donors to make planned gifts directly to Valley nonprofits. These funds have also helped VCF respond during times of crisis, including the COVID-19 pandemic, the August 18, 2024 Flood, and other unexpected emergencies.

“This campaign in no way detracts from the incredible work of our Valley nonprofits,” said Aleta Miner, Chairwoman of VCF’s Board of Directors. “In fact, it ultimately strengthens them. By growing VCF’s planned giving community and discretionary resources, we are ensuring there will be long-term support, local leadership, and philanthropic flexibility to benefit nonprofits and the Valley.”

Campaign Highlights and Milestones

Throughout the campaign, VCF will spotlight milestones and stories to build awareness and momentum — such as welcoming the first 10 new Gates Society members who join as a direct result of the initiative. These updates will underscore the importance of discretionary funds and highlight their long-term impact on the Valley.

Honoring the Past, Investing in the Future

At the heart of 25 for the Next 25 is a renewed focus on reaching Valley families with an emphasis on encouraging them to establish funds in their family name and dedicate those grants to VCF’s discretionary funds.

Donors could also choose to make a simple commitment to one or more of VCF’s three discretionary funds that each have a distinct purpose and legacy.

The three funds are:

  • The new Valley Foundation Fund, established in 2024, is rooted in the vision of early Valley philanthropists. The original Valley Foundation Fund was created in 1980 at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (CFGNH). It helped lay the groundwork for a strong, locally governed VCF.  Today, the new VCF Valley Foundation Fund carries that spirit forward, with a focus on community-building, leadership development, and promoting Valleyness — that special shared local identity, pride, and civic commitment that make the Valley unique.
  • The Valley Community Fund, established in 2005 by the late Bill and Judy Bassett, is evidence of the perpetual power of unrestricted endowment funds. This fund ensures that gifts of any size can be invested in VCF’s community endowment, supporting the Valley’s ever-changing needs. Created to support area nonprofits and community causes, this discretionary fund provides flexible resources that allow VCF to address pressing needs and seize opportunities that benefit residents across the Valley.
  • The Valley First Responders Fund, created in 2025, is a Community-Advised Fund, and is not solely a discretionary fund. It is geared at supporting Valley volunteer first responder organizations, by boosting recruitment, training and equipment, and recognizing their critical role in protecting and serving local communities. Having this type of fund will free up costly discretionary requests that usually come into VCF’s Responsive Program. This fund’s grantmaking is overseen by a group of Valley first responder volunteers.

Together, these discretionary funds give VCF the ability to act strategically, respond quickly, and invest locally — today and for generations to come.

How to Support VCF’s 25 for the Next 25 Campaign

Membership in the Gates Society is open to individuals and families who choose to include VCF in their long-term philanthropic plans. Supporters of the 25 for the Next 25 Campaign can participate in a variety of ways, including:

  • Leaving a bequest in a will or trust,
  • Naming VCF as a beneficiary of a retirement plan such as an IRA or 401(k),
  • Designating a life insurance policy or part of a policy,
  • Donating appreciated stock or other securities,
  • Making a gift of real estate or other assets, or 
  • Creating a fund at VCF or pledging a gift to an existing fund.

All planned gifts to VCF’s discretionary funds qualify donors for membership in the Gates Society, honoring the legacy of Ross and Frank Gates, Derby brothers who created an endowment in 1938 at CFGNH. Ross Gates died in 1952, and Frank Gates died in 1954. Their legacies became known as the Gates Fund and have been the source of millions of dollars in charitable grants throughout the Valley.

“Planned giving is one of the most meaningful ways people can express their love for this community,” Closius said. “It’s a statement of trust — in the Valley, in VCF, and in the future we are building together.”

For more information about 25 for the Next 25, the Gates Society, or VCF’s discretionary funds, visit ValleyFoundation.org