DERBY — The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) will launch its annual “Valley Gives Back” initiative Nov. 1, encouraging residents to include a favorite Valley nonprofit or charitable cause in their estate or financial plans
First started in 2018, Valley Gives Back is a community-wide initiative that promotes planned giving through wills, trusts, retirement accounts, life insurance policies and other charitable assets. Many of these gifts can be arranged today without affecting a donor’s current finances, while providing meaningful support to local nonprofits long into the future.
This year’s campaign, which runs through January 1, 2027, carries the theme: “Give Back to the Valley That Gave You So Much: Leave a Forever Gift to Your Favorite Nonprofit.”
What makes the initiative especially unique is that VCF isn’t seeking these gifts for itself. Rather, the Foundation is encouraging donors to make direct legacy gifts to the Valley nonprofits and causes they already know, love and support.
Many Valley nonprofits dedicate their fundraising resources to meeting immediate needs, leaving little time or funding for planned-giving initiatives. Helping bridge that gap is one of the primary reasons VCF created Valley Gives Back, said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President and CEO.
“Valley Gives Back is really Valleyness at its purest,” Closius said. “It’s about people caring for one another, looking beyond themselves and making sure the organizations that have enriched our lives can continue helping others long after we’re gone. We’re not asking people to leave their legacy to VCF. We’re asking them to remember the nonprofits that have made a difference in their lives and consider doing something extraordinary for their future.”
Closius said the campaign reflects the philosophy behind Valleyness, a VCF initiative celebrating the kindness, generosity and strong community connections shared by Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour and Shelton.
“Five Towns. One Shared Spirit.” That’s the motto of Valleyness, and it’s also the driving force behind Valley Gives Back.
“Whether it’s a food pantry helping a struggling family, a nonprofit serving our seniors, an organization supporting our children or a local charity addressing an important community need, these organizations are the heart and soul of the Valley,” Closius said. “A forever gift is a wonderful way to say thank you and help ensure their missions endure.”
As in previous years, VCF is promoting the campaign through a combination of digital outreach, social media, print advertising and community engagement. The Valley’s iconic billboard atop the Cohen & Thomas Building in downtown Derby will once again spotlight the initiative, encouraging motorists and pedestrians along busy Main Street to think about the lasting impact they can make.
The campaign also coincides with National Philanthropy Month in November and the traditional holiday giving season, when gratitude, generosity and charitable giving are especially meaningful.
VCF Board Chairwoman Aleta Miner said the campaign offers residents an opportunity to transform their appreciation for the Valley into something lasting.
“We all have a Valley story. Maybe it’s a teacher who inspired us, a nonprofit that helped our family during a difficult time, or a community organization that has always been there when someone needed a helping hand,” Miner said. “Valley Gives Back is an invitation to honor those connections by giving something back. You don’t need great wealth to leave a great legacy. You just need a desire to make a difference.”
An important component of the initiative is encouraging Valley nonprofits themselves to participate.
VCF is inviting organizations throughout the region to promote Valley Gives Back through their websites, newsletters, social media platforms and donor communications. The Foundation has developed ready-to-use social media messages and other promotional materials to help nonprofits encourage their own supporters to consider making a planned gift directly to their organizations.
The campaign website, www.ValleyGivesBack.org, also serves as a free planned-giving resource for both donors and nonprofits. It features information, educational videos and practical tools explaining the various ways individuals can create a charitable legacy.
“One of the best things about Valley Gives Back is that every nonprofit in our region can benefit,” Closius said. “We want organizations to use our website as their own resource, share the campaign with their supporters and start conversations about legacy giving. Because when one Valley nonprofit grows stronger, our entire community benefits. That’s what Valleyness is all about.”
Residents interested in learning how to leave a forever gift to their favorite Valley nonprofit are encouraged to visit www.ValleyGivesBack.org or contact the Valley Community Foundation at 203-751-9162.
About the Valley Community Foundation:
Established in 2004, each year the Valley Community Foundation (VCF) awards approximately $2 million in grants that support local nonprofits and people they serve. In addition to grantmaking, VCF works in strong partnership with The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven (TCF) to promote philanthropy in Ansonia, Derby, Oxford, Seymour, and Shelton. VCF receives funding from The Gates Fund and other preference funds at TCF that benefit the Valley. For more information, visit ValleyFoundation.org. Valley Community Foundation, 253-A Elizabeth Street, Derby CT, 06418.
Office: (203) 751-9162.