Updated Nov 2, 2026
Private foundations based in Darien, Connecticut
28 grantmaking foundations headquartered in Darien, Connecticut, holding $245M in assets. Ranked by grants paid in their latest 990-PF; 2 on this page say they accept applications. For foundations ranked by where their grants went, see local funders.
| Foundation | Grants paid | Median grant | Accepts applications | Assets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Meredith and Whitney George Family Foundation Incsince 2005 | $3.0M49 grants · 2024 | $10K | Preselected only | $56M |
| Janet a Carrington Foundation 06241998since 2000 | $2.8M5 grants · 2025 | $40K | Preselected only | $8.4M |
| Zelnick-Belzberg Charitable Tr Uasince 2000 | $2.2M68 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Goodnow Fundsince 1994 | $1.6M111 grants · 2024 | $5,000 | Yes | $21M |
| Theodore a Rapp Foundationsince 2002 | $1.0M20 grants · 2025 | $25K | Yes | $3.8M |
| Imus Ranch Incsince 1998 | $1.0M9 grants · 2025 | $100K | Preselected only | $9.4M |
| David & Tricia Rogers Foundationsince 1995 | $933K1 grants · 2024 | $933K | Preselected only | $20M |
| Carey Family Foundationsince 2005 | $743K3 grants · 2024 | $247K | Preselected only | $41M |
| Meyer Family Charitable Trsince 2014 | $697K18 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $15M |
| Pieter and Yyvette Eenkema Van Dijk Foundationsince 2013 | $666K14 grants · 2024 | $4,839 | Preselected only | $10M |
| Weatherstone Family Foundation Incsince 1997 | $475K19 grants · 2025 | $18K | Preselected only | $1.5M |
| Louis F Bantle and Virginia C Bantle Charitable Foundation Incsince 1992 | $468K56 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $4.4M |
| Daniel P and Grace I Tully Charitable Trustsince 1986 | $450K3 grants · 2024 | $100K | Preselected only | $3.7M |
| Edward E Stone Foundationsince 2007 | $332K3 grants · 2025 | $60K | Preselected only | $3.5M |
| Robert and Diana Borman Family Foundationsince 2009 | $312K20 grants · 2025 | $15K | Preselected only | $8.1M |
| Mark W Blackman and Deborah H Blackman Family Foundationsince 2018 | $255K16 grants · 2025 | $11K | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Thomas and Carolyn Witt Foundation Incsince 2020 | $255K6 grants · 2024 | $25K | Preselected only | $2.1M |
| Gerard H Davis and Roberta Davis Charitable Foundationsince 2021 | $240K29 grants · 2024 | $2,500 | Preselected only | $2.8M |
| Fredericks Family Foundationsince 1999 | $161K19 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.3M |
| Victor and Elise Micati Foundationsince 2002 | $127K27 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $2.0M |
| Riley Family Foundationsince 2011 | $104K5 grants · 2025 | $5,000 | Preselected only | $1.4M |
| Orenstein Family Foundationsince 2001 | $81K10 grants · 2025 | $3,000 | Preselected only | $1.4M |
| McLaughlin Fam Foundationsince 2001 | $55K2 grants · 2025 | $28K | Preselected only | $1.2M |
| Jerrold and Sally Fine Foundation Incsince 1987 | $50K16 grants · 2025 | $1,500 | Preselected only | $1.3M |
| The Horrigan Family Foundationsince 2008 | $40K1 grants · 2024 | $40K | Preselected only | $14M |
| Kestrel Trsince 2025 | $10K1 grants · 2025 | $10K | Preselected only | $1.4M |
| Hastings Foundation Incsince 2007 | — | — | Preselected only | $4.1M |
| Brightwater Fundsince 2010 | — | — | Not stated | $2.3M |
Sources: IRS Business Master File (assets), ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer and IRS 990-PF e-file (grants paid, application policy). "Accepts applications" reflects the foundation's own Part XV checkbox.
Open grant programs in Connecticut
All 2| Deadline | Grant | Funder | Award ceiling |
|---|---|---|---|
| Rollingno deadline | Connecticut Office of the Arts — Organizational GrantsStateConnecticut Office of the Arts | Connecticut Office of the Arts | Not listed |
| Rollingno deadline | Connecticut Humanities — Humanities GrantsStateConnecticut Humanities | Connecticut Humanities | Not listed |
Common questions
How many private foundations are based in Darien, Connecticut?
Our directory lists 28 private grantmaking foundations in Darien, Connecticut with at least $1 million in assets, holding a combined $245M. The data comes from the IRS Exempt Organizations Business Master File and Form 990-PF.
How do I get a grant from a private foundation?
Start with foundations that already fund organizations like yours nearby. Read the grantee list on each profile, check whether the foundation accepts applications (it says so on its 990-PF), and lead with a short letter of inquiry. Many family foundations fund only organizations they already know; an introduction through a shared grantee or board member works better than a cold proposal.
Can you help us approach foundations?
Yes. Our grant writers research foundation prospects, write letters of inquiry, and build a foundation fundraising plan. Request a free consultation.