Sandra Arburr.
DERBY — The Valley Community Foundation (VCF) is pleased to announce the appointment of Sandra Arburr as its new Grants and Nonprofit Support Manager, a key position charged with overseeing the foundation’s strategic grantmaking and nonprofit engagement across the Valley.
Arburr has more than 30 years of professional experience in human services, nonprofit administration, and municipal leadership bringing a wealth of knowledge and a deep understanding of community needs to this critical role.
Her extensive background in program development, strategic planning, grant writing, and services for the aging makes her a natural fit for VCF’s mission of strengthening Valley communities through philanthropy and partnerships, said Sharon Closius, VCF’s President and CEO.
“Sandra’s career is rooted in service and collaboration,” Closius said. “She understands how to build trust with nonprofit leaders and how to create systems that truly respond to community needs. We are thrilled to welcome her to VCF.”
In her new role, Arburr will manage VCF’s grants programs, provide technical assistance to local nonprofit organizations, and lead community engagement initiatives and special projects. She will also maintain a close working relationship with the grantmaking and strategy team at The Community Foundation for Greater New Haven — VCF’s longtime philanthropic partner in the region.
Arburr is a lifelong Valley resident having lived in Shelton until 1994, residing in Derby for five years thereafter and ultimately settling in Oxford in 2004.
She earned a B.A. in psychology from Central Connecticut State University and comes to VCF with decades of experience in private, public, nonprofit and municipal services with particular focus in services for seniors. Some highlights of her career include her most recent position as Senior Services Director for the Town of Oxford, as well as more than 20 years in various positions at Athena Health Care Systems, culminating in the position of Corporate Director. She was also Senior Services Supervisor for the Town of Stratford.
Arburr is also an avid community volunteer. She is an active member of the Valley Council for Health and Human Services, is Co-Chair of the Valley Community Index Senior and Aging Committee and serves as a member of the Valley Senior Services Council. During the pandemic, she was appointed to the State of Connecticut Workforce for Long Term Care/Assisted Living.
“I am honored to join the Valley Community Foundation,” Arburr said. “The Valley is a place with strong roots, resilient people, and extraordinary nonprofit organizations. I look forward to helping advance VCF’s mission of improving lives and supporting local solutions.”
