Connecticut Community Foundation is honored to announce 2024 grants awarded from the Staver Fund. John Staver passed away in January 2018 and left a gift through his will of more than $5 million to establish this permanent charitable fund. This extraordinary gift benefits performing arts in the Greater Waterbury region, supports the maintenance and improvement of Watertown’s recreational facilities, and supports operations of the Greater Waterbury YMCA.

This year’s grants include $43,500 to the Greater Waterbury YMCA, $88,500 to the Town Watertown for maintenance or improvement of its recreational facilities, and $43,500 to Connecticut Community Foundation for its grantmaking for performing arts.

According to Jim O’Rourke, Chief Executive Officer of the Greater Waterbury YMCA, “The impact of the Staver Fund has been incredibly beneficial to the Waterbury YMCA and the residents in our community. Funding that supports the general operations of our organization allows us to direct funds to the capital and program areas that we deem are most needed. Our YMCA prides itself on never turning anyone away due to an inability to pay. General operating dollars like those from the Staver Fund allow community members full access to the Y’s excellent programming, encompassing areas such as wellness programs, before and after school care, swim lessons, youth sports, fitness classes and so much more. Most funds this year went to support camp scholarships and financial assistance in childcare.”

Since 1923, when a small group of local leaders formed Connecticut Community Foundation and pooled their financial resources to improve the quality of life for Greater Waterbury residents, more than 650 individuals, businesses and organizations have created charitable funds at the Foundation. By thoughtfully investing these dollars and always honoring donors’ wishes, the Foundation turns the donations into annual grants to benefit nonprofit organizations serving 21 towns across Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. The Staver Fund is being stewarded in this way by the Foundation, and will generate grant awards annually, permanently, for the priorities Staver identified.

“We are thankful to individuals like John Staver who trust us to realize their charitable wishes for the community” said Kathy Taylor, President and CEO of Connecticut Community Foundation. “John Staver’s bequest is not just a generous gift; it is a deeply personal legacy that will create lasting change for generations. The Staver Fund is an example of how one person’s vision and generosity can inspire and uplift thousands of lives, fostering a stronger, more vibrant community.”

Watertown’s Parks and Recreation Commission is also committed to fulfilling Staver’s legacy through improvements to the town’s recreational facilities.