The WestCOG Foundation was formed as a shared resource for the communities in Western Connecticut, at the request of municipal chief elected officials to have an ambitious coordinating entity that can address issues affecting the governments and populations of the Western Connecticut Region, including protecting and improving the environment, social, health, and economic vitality and sustainability through regional cooperation and collaboration. By bringing diverse communities together, the WestCOG Foundation is helping to create a bright future for our Region through regional solutions. The WestCOG Foundation positions itself as a leader in Western Connecticut through the execution of projects and plans on local and regional scales that will reduce the burden on governments and improve the quality of life of for the populations.
Initiatives ranging from, but not limited to, long and short-term planning, organizational and programmatic development, and strategic goal setting with municipalities, municipal agencies, and partner organizations aim to create more efficient and effective service providing agencies. Foundation members, volunteers, staff, partners, and contractors contribute technical assistance, subject matter expertise, research, and analytics to advance organizational capacity and coordination. Activities are completed through the donated time, in-kind work, and pro bono work of volunteers, members of the Board of Directors, Foundation partners, non-profits, governments agencies, and Foundation staff and contractors, as applicable.
The Foundation also develops projects that benefit the Region and reduce the burden on state and local governments; projects that advance mobility and access to transportation, generate educational opportunities, enhance public health and wellbeing, and support the economic strength of the diverse communities of Western Connecticut. Activities are conducted throughout the Western Connecticut Region; which includes the municipalities of Bethel, Bridgewater, Brookfield, Danbury, Darien, Greenwich, New Canaan, New Fairfield, New Milford, Newtown, Norwalk, Redding, Ridgefield, Sherman, Stamford, Weston, Westport, and Wilton. Work on these projects takes place year-round, with an annual meeting held each Winter.
Projects that are consistent with, and promote the Foundation’s mission include the stewardship, protection, and conservation of the land, air, and water. Efforts to ameliorate threats to the environment include coordinating and aiding those who work closely with it: local farmers, agricultural institutions, and the regional food systems. This work will aim to reduce the burden on municipal and state governments and their agricultural assistance programs, and will foster sustainable and thriving communities. The Foundation recognizes natural hazard mitigation as an integral part of natural and agricultural viability, and will support projects that improve resiliency and adaptation in the face of climate change and increasing storm devastation.