Cynthia Gorey.—Valerie Stryker photo
Since Cynthia Gorey became the New Canaan Community Foundation’s first staff person in 2002 — a part-time executive director — the organization has grown from three to 63 charitable funds and now offers the community a wide range of philanthropic and educational programs and activities.
In recognition of that growth, expanded scope and Gorey’s dedication, the executive committee of the foundation’s board of directors has named Gorey president and chief executive officer.
“This shift better reflects the scope of her position and the role of the organization in the community,” the directors said in a news release, adding that the promotion reflects both her professional growth as well as the increased range of services the foundation offers to New Canaan.
The Foundation has grown from giving 19 grants totaling $215,000 in 2002 to 370 grants and scholarships totaling more than $1 million in 2015. During Gorey’s tenure and under her leadership, the New Canaan Community Foundation assets have grown from $4.5 million to over $16.6 million.
New Canaan Community Foundation was founded in 1977 as a volunteer organization.
Community Foundation board President Leo Karl III described Gorey’s efforts on behalf of community philanthropy in this area as “exceptional.”
“The work of the foundation goes beyond financial support,” Karl said, “and Cynthia provides guidance and suggestions to grantees that improve their ability to meet the needs of the community they serve.”
Inspiring and informing
In addition, Gorey works closely with residents in New Canaan to help them identify their unique personal charitable goals, and partners with donors to achieve these goals. “Her passion to inspire and inform charitable giving is unparalleled,” Karl said.
About her position with the Community Foundation, Gorey told the Advertiser: “It is truly a privilege to have a career in community philanthropy, working in such a generous town with wonderful residents, and to ‘do good’ every day. When I joined this organization in 2002, I couldn’t have imagined what we would accomplish together. I am proud and honored to be part of this charitable legacy and look forward to future collaboration.”
Gorey created a professional development group for local nonprofit leaders to facilitate the sharing of information on best practices and discussion of important topics, so area nonprofits can collaborate and improve their own organization.
Another signature effort of Gorey and the organization is its unique Young Philanthropists program, which Gorey has spearheaded since its inception in 2009. The program consists of a structured curriculum for local high school students that guides their participation in both a fundraising and grant making process. The program encourages social and philanthropic responsibility and is an excellent complement to efforts that focus on direct community service and volunteerism, according to the board. Gorey invites guest speakers from local nonprofits to present the students with critical, thought-provoking information about the role of these organizations in our area and the need for private philanthropy to support these efforts.
Part of Gorey’s role as leader is to serve as the primary spokesperson for the Community Foundation, and she makes frequent public appearances speaking to audiences of all ages. According to Sharon Stevenson, foundation board member and marketing chairman, “Cynthia loves to talk about giving and how the Community Foundation can help everyone be a philanthropist. She is happy in front of a group of kindergartners or elderly residents alike. Cynthia’s written efforts to promote the Foundation are educational and accessible. We are fortunate to have such an articulate leader working on behalf of the community.”
More information about the New Canaan Community Foundation, may be found at newcanaancf.org or their Facebook page.
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