Meserve Memorial Fund

Celebrates 25 Years Of Philanthropy

When Albert and Helen Meserve left a $3 million estate to benefit the greater Danbury region in 1983, they may not have imagined that over a quarter century the gift they left would benefit residents across so many generations.

With an emphasis on environmental issues, The Albert W. and Helen C. Meserve Memorial Fund has provided 710 grants totaling $3,138,000 to more than 100 community organizations over the last 25 years. A scholarship program started in 1985 has also given out $1,007,500 to 286 students pursuing careers in the environment.

In its most recent grantmaking session of the 2007-08 year, the fund awarded 11 grants totaling $41,450 to Danbury area nonprofits in the areas of human services, education, environment, arts and culture, and nonprofit capacity building. Among the grants was an award of $5,000  to Kevin’s Community Center in Newtown to support computer system and telephone system enhancement.

“The Meserves, who were active leaders and volunteers in the community, created a legacy of giving that will continue to benefit Danbury area residents for decades to come,” said Karl Epple, chairman of the fund’s Distribution Committee. “Their wish was to help area organizations continue working to improve the quality of life in the Danbury region, and countless residents have been recipients of their generosity.”

The fund’s management, through careful investing and oversight, has grown the original gift of $3 million to a current value of $4.6 million. Income of $200,000 is given out twice each year in grants and scholarships. The region served by the Meserve Fund encompasses the towns of Bethel, Brookfield, Danbury, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Redding, Ridgefield, Sherman, and Bridgewater.

Decisions on grants are made by the Distribution Committee comprised of community representatives. Current members of the Committee are Karl H. Epple, chairman; Mary Ann Frede; Gary Hawley; Suzanne Powers; and Harold C. Wibling and Paul Altermatt (emeritus). Trustees of the fund are Wachovia Bank and David Clark Murphy.

The fund is administered by the Fairfield County Community Foundation (FCCF) in Norwalk. The next deadline for applications is October 1. For further information or a copy of the application and grant guidelines, call Sharon Reiss at FCCF at 203-750-3200.