First County Bank Foundation Inc

Quick Stats

• Annual Giving: $611,486 (2023)
• Grant Range: $2,500 - $5,000 (average)
• Total Grants Awarded: 130 grants (recent year)
• Total Giving Since 2001: Over $9 million
• Geographic Focus: Fairfield County, CT (Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Fairfield, Bridgeport)
• Application Deadline: March 31 (annual)

Contact Details

Website: https://firstcountybank.com/community/

Phone: 203-462-4858

Email: foundation@firstcountybank.com

Application Portal: https://firstcountybank.com/community/grant-applications/

Overview

First County Bank Foundation Inc was established in 2001 to honour the Bank's 150th anniversary. As a private foundation operating under a mutual community bank structure with no shareholders, the Foundation views its contributions as "paying dividends back to the local communities it serves." With over $9 million distributed since inception, the Foundation awarded approximately 130 grants totalling $611,486 in 2023. The Foundation focuses on nonprofit organisations that support community and economic development, increase the availability of affordable housing, and provide educational enrichment for families and children throughout Fairfield County, Connecticut. Operating multiple grant programmes including the annual CommunityFirst Grant Programme and FirstClass Grants for Teachers, the Foundation emphasises measurable outcomes and fiscal responsibility whilst prioritising agencies serving low-to-moderate income populations.

Funding Priorities

Grant Programmes

CommunityFirst Grant Programme: $2,500 - $5,000 (average)

• Annual application cycle (January 1 - March 31)
• Online application through grantrequest.com portal
• Focus on programme-specific requests over general operating support
• Special consideration for agencies serving low-to-moderate income populations

FirstClass Grants for Teachers: Amount varies

• Annual application cycle (September 1 - October 31)
• Available to kindergarten through fifth-grade teachers in Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, Fairfield, and Bridgeport public school districts
• Supports creative education programmes in and beyond the classroom
• Funds available as early as November

Reyno A. Giallongo Community Legacy Award: $2,500

• Annual recognition with donation made in recipient's name to charity of choice

Richard E. Taber Citizenship Award: Scholarships for high school seniors

Priority Areas

Community and Economic Development

• Job skills training and placement programmes
• Initiatives promoting independence and self-sufficiency
• Programmes benefiting low-to-moderate income populations

Affordable Housing

• Housing rehabilitation programmes
• First-time homebuyer support initiatives

Educational Enrichment for Children and Families

• Mentoring programmes
• Summer enrichment programmes
• Parenting classes and family support

What They Don't Fund

• Individuals
• Capital campaigns
• Fundraising events or sponsorships
• Religious organisations (unless providing community-benefit programmes open to all)
• Private schools
• Organisations that discriminate
• Political causes or campaigns

Governance and Leadership

Robert J. Granata served as First County Bank Chairman and Chief Executive Officer and President of the First County Bank Foundation. Granata emphasised the bank's community-focused mission, stating: "When they established us here in Stamford 168 years ago, it was decided to not consider First County as an investment bank, but as something that would work in partnership with the community. Our board and senior management remains committed to that view, and will continue to do so for generations to come."

On the Foundation's approach, Granata noted: "We do that from the heart, we want to be giving. And we continue to move forward with the bank's mission."

The Foundation operates under the philosophy that "The small banking environment focuses on community. It isn't about making quarterly earnings and getting your EPS to a certain level on an ongoing basis. Here we focus on making decisions for the long haul."

Application Process & Timeline

How to Apply

CommunityFirst Grant Programme:

• Applications accepted exclusively online from January 1 through March 31 annually
• Application portal: firstcountybank.com/community/grant-applications/
• First-time applicants must create login credentials on the grantrequest.com platform
• Applications can be saved and completed across multiple sessions
• Confirmation email sent upon successful submission
• Applications will NOT be accepted after March 31

FirstClass Grants for Teachers:

• Applications accepted September 1 through October 31
• Online application through Foundation website

Decision Timeline

CommunityFirst Grant Programme:

• Application window: January 1 - March 31
• Decision timeline: Not publicly specified
• Notification method: Digital communications (email) to notify applicants when application is received, processed, and whether approved or declined

FirstClass Grants for Teachers:

• Application window: September 1 - October 31
• Awards available: As early as November

Success Rates

The Foundation awarded approximately 130 grants in a recent year with total annual giving of $611,486 in 2023. The Foundation notes that "demand typically exceeds the resources available," indicating a competitive application process. Specific application-to-award ratios are not publicly disclosed.

Reapplication Policy

No specific reapplication restrictions mentioned. Organisations may apply annually during the application window.

Application Success Factors

Alignment with Priority Populations: "Special consideration will be given to those agencies/programmes benefiting low-to-moderate income populations." Applicants should clearly demonstrate how their programmes serve economically disadvantaged communities within Fairfield County.

Programme-Specific Requests: "Grant requests supporting specific programmes will be given priority over requests for general operating support." Applications should focus on discrete programmes with clear objectives rather than general organisational funding.

Demonstrate Six Core Requirements:

1. 501(c)(3) nonprofit tax-exempt status
2. Programmes operating in designated Fairfield County communities
3. Evidence of community support
4. Address identified community needs
5. Establish measurable programme outcomes
6. Show fiscal and administrative responsibility

Recent Grant Recipients Include:

• Malta House
• Mill River Park
• Future Five
• Kids in Crisis
• Silversource
• Soundwaters
• Boys & Girls Club of Stamford
• Stamford EMS
• Norwalk Senior Centre
• Bartlett Arboretum
• Neighbor to Neighbor
• Centro Bienestar
• The Rowan Centre
• Stamford Centre for the Arts' Palace Theatre
• ElderHouse
• Child Guidance Centre of Southern Connecticut
• Stamford Senior Centre

Geographic Focus is Critical: Organisations must serve Stamford, Norwalk, Darien, Fairfield, Greenwich, New Canaan, Westport, or Bridgeport. Applications from organisations outside these communities will not be considered.

Emphasise Measurable Outcomes: The Foundation requires applicants to "establish measurable programme outcomes." Applications should include specific metrics, evaluation methods, and expected results.

Key Takeaways for Grant Writers

• Geographic specificity matters: Your organisation must actively serve one or more of the eight designated Fairfield County communities. Clearly demonstrate local impact.

• Programme over operations: Focus your application on a specific programme with clear outcomes rather than general operating support. The Foundation explicitly prioritises programme-specific requests.

• Low-to-moderate income populations receive special consideration: Highlight how your programme serves economically disadvantaged residents to improve competitiveness.

• Average grants range $2,500-$5,000: Budget your request accordingly. The Foundation awarded 130 grants from approximately $611,000, suggesting most grants fall within this range.

• Apply early in the window: With a strict March 31 deadline and no late applications accepted, submit well before the deadline to avoid technical issues.

• Measurable outcomes are required: Include specific metrics, evaluation plans, and expected results. Vague impact statements will weaken your application.

• Community banking philosophy: The Foundation emphasises long-term community partnership over short-term returns. Frame your request in terms of sustainable community benefit and alignment with the bank's 168-year commitment to Stamford and Fairfield County.

References

• First County Bank Foundation Community Page: https://firstcountybank.com/community/ (Accessed December 2024)
• Annual CommunityFirst Grant Programme: https://firstcountybank.com/community/annual-communityfirst-grant-program/ (Accessed December 2024)
• Grant Recipients: https://firstcountybank.com/community/grant-recipients/ (Accessed December 2024)
• 2025 CommunityFirst Grant Application Announcement: https://firstcountybank.com/first-county-bank-foundation-now-accepting-annual-communityfirst-grant-applications-online-applications-due-by-3-31-25/ (Accessed December 2024)
• Instrumentl 990 Report: https://www.instrumentl.com/990-report/first-county-bank-foundation-inc (Accessed December 2024)
• ProPublica Nonprofit Explorer: https://projects.propublica.org/nonprofits/organizations/61604469 (Accessed December 2024)
• Robert Granata Person of Vision Award: https://firstcountybank.com/first-county-bank-chairman-and-ceo-robert-j-granata-receives-person-of-vision-award/ (Accessed December 2024)
• Westfair Online - First County Bank Leadership: https://westfaironline.com/116748/under-new-leadership-first-county-bank-doubling-down-on-services-community-outreach/ (Accessed December 2024)