Basic Needs/Social Services
As a decorated war veteran, the late Colonel James L. Draper, Jr., knew the meaning of service. And when he retired from the U.S. Army, in 1965, Jim and his wife, Shirley, who predeceased him in 2000, carried on the tradition by devoting their lives to serving the community they cherished. Jim’s final—and perhaps grandest—act of charity came in the form of the NCCF Draper Foundation Fund, a $30-million endowment entrusted to the Community Foundation.
The Northwest CT Community Foundation Draper Foundation Fund, benefits local charitable organizations by making yearly awards to 19 named nonprofits as well as annual donor-advised grants.
In addition to helping newly and chronic homeless individuals and families in Litchfield County get the help they need, the Draper Foundation Fund has provided more than $18 million in life-changing support to local nonprofits, including those providing therapy for residents with physical and cognitive disabilities, emergency food needs, animal rescue services and much more.
