First County Bank Foundation – Annual CommunityFirst Grant (2027)

Grants Supporting Nonprofits in Fairfield County, Connecticut Communities

First County Bank Foundation’s Annual CommunityFirst Grant program provides funding to nonprofit organizations addressing important community needs in eight Connecticut communities served by First County Bank. Eligible organizations may apply for support for programs in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Fairfield, and Bridgeport.

Annual CommunityFirst Grant applications are accepted from January 1 through March 31.

Organization: First County Bank Foundation
Support Type: Corporate foundation grants
Geographic Focus: Selected communities in Fairfield County, Connecticut
Application Deadline: March 31, 2027

About the Funder

First County Bank Foundation is the charitable foundation of First County Bank, a community bank serving Fairfield County, Connecticut.

The Foundation invests in local nonprofit organizations that strengthen the communities where First County Bank does business. Its grantmaking emphasizes organizations that respond to demonstrated community needs, have strong community support, and can show measurable results.

What This Program Supports

The Annual CommunityFirst Grant program supports nonprofit organizations providing programs and services that benefit eligible communities in Fairfield County.

The Foundation considers proposals addressing a range of local needs, including:

Health & Human Services
Programs providing essential services and improving the health, safety, and wellbeing of individuals and families.

Education & Youth
Initiatives supporting educational opportunity, youth development, learning, and programs helping young people succeed.

Community Development
Programs that strengthen neighborhoods, expand community resources, and improve quality of life.

Basic Needs
Services helping individuals and families meet essential needs and overcome economic hardship.

Arts & Culture
Programs that contribute to vibrant, accessible, and engaged communities.

Applicants should demonstrate a clear community need and explain the measurable outcomes their program is expected to achieve.

Eligible Organizations

Applicants must:

• Have nonprofit, tax-exempt status under Section 501(c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code
• Have programs located within an eligible First County Bank community
• Demonstrate community support
• Address identified community needs
• Have measurable program outcomes
• Demonstrate fiscal and administrative responsibility

Organizations should be prepared to show both the need for the proposed program and their capacity to effectively manage grant funding.

Geographic Eligibility

Programs must be located in one or more of the following Connecticut communities:

• Stamford
• Norwalk
• Darien
• Greenwich
• New Canaan
• Westport
• Fairfield
• Bridgeport

Organizations headquartered elsewhere may want to carefully review the requirements if they operate programs within one of these eligible communities.

Funding Amounts

First County Bank Foundation does not identify a single standard award amount for all Annual CommunityFirst Grants.

Grant amounts vary based on the organization, program, demonstrated need, proposed impact, and available Foundation resources.

Applicants should request an amount appropriate to the scope of the proposed program and clearly explain how the funding will be used.

Application Timeline

📅 Applications Open: January 1, 2027

📅 Application Deadline: March 31, 2027

📅 Grant Program: Annual CommunityFirst Grant

The Annual CommunityFirst Grant has a defined application window each year. Organizations interested in 2027 funding should prepare their materials in advance of the January 1 opening date.

Application / Request Process

Eligible nonprofit organizations can apply through First County Bank Foundation’s grant application process.

Applicants should be prepared to demonstrate:

• Valid 501(c)(3) nonprofit status
• Service within an eligible Connecticut community
• A clearly identified community need
• Community support for the organization or program
• Specific and measurable outcomes
• Sound financial management
• Administrative capacity to successfully implement the proposed work

Because the Foundation has a tightly defined geographic footprint, applicants should make the connection between the proposed program and the eligible First County Bank communities especially clear.

Apply / Learn More:
➡️ https://firstcountybank.com/community/grant-applications/

Why This Opportunity Is a Good Fit

This opportunity is a strong fit for organizations that:

• Have 501(c)(3) status
• Operate programs in eligible Fairfield County communities
• Address a clearly demonstrated local need
• Have strong community support
• Can define measurable program outcomes
• Have established fiscal and administrative systems
• Are seeking support from a locally focused corporate foundation

The CommunityFirst Grant program is particularly well suited to place-based nonprofits with a demonstrated track record of serving residents in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Fairfield, or Bridgeport.

Corporate Grants Guide Notes

Applications Open: January 1, 2027
Deadline: March 31, 2027
Review Type: Annual competitive grant cycle
Geography: Connecticut — Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Fairfield, and Bridgeport
Eligibility: 501(c)(3) nonprofit organizations with programs in eligible communities
Best Suited For: Local nonprofits addressing demonstrated community needs with measurable outcomes