This Op-Ed article appeared in the Waterbury Republican-American, April 29, 2025
By Kathy Taylor, Esq.
President and CEO, Connecticut Community Foundation
At the heart of every strong community is the simple yet powerful act of giving. While the world may feel complex and disconnected, the most meaningful change still begins right here—at home. That’s what Give Local is all about. It’s a celebration of our shared commitment to one another, a reminder that when we come together to support local nonprofits, we’re not just donating—we’re investing in the well-being, resilience, and future of our neighbors and community, right here in Greater Waterbury and the Litchfield Hills. Through giving, we build the kind of community we all want to live in -connected, compassionate, and full of possibility. That’s why, for the past 13 years, Connecticut Community Foundation – your community foundation – has proudly hosted Give Local: to bring us together in support of the people, places, and causes that make our community home.
Give Local 2025 is here! It begins Tuesday, April 29 at 7 a.m. and ends on Wednesday, April 30 at 7 p.m. For those 36 hours, our community comes together to show just how generous we are, how much we support our nonprofits, and how much we appreciate the good and important work they do on behalf of so many. Last year, over 6,500 donors contributed to Give Local, raising over $2 million in just 36 hours! That’s an impressive number because it communicates something not only to our invaluable nonprofit community but also to all of us: together, we have an infinite ability to help, care, and support. Whether it’s a local food bank providing meals to families, a shelter offering a safe haven, a youth program fostering the next generation of leaders, or a group of dedicated volunteers cleaning our rivers, these organizations are rooted in our community and uniquely positioned to understand our needs.
At a time when communities are increasingly fragmented, Give Local helps bridge divides. It reminds us of our humanity, our connectedness, and the power one impact can have on many more. Give Local is an amazingly beautiful reminder that we can always make a difference right where we are.
So, on April 29 and 30, for 36 hours, you have a chance to think about the causes and organizations right in front of you. Over 340 nonprofits are participating in Give Local 2025, and you can support them. Go to givelocalccf.org to give, share on social media, and see the ripples of your gift and the transformative power of collective giving! Let’s give—and let’s give locally—during Give Local 2025!
