Giving Tuesday: How to Support Local Nonprofits Making a Big Impact
Today is Giving Tuesday, and it's the perfect moment to shine a light on some of the incredible nonprofits doing life-changing work right here in our Fairfield County community. ❤️
Whether you donate, volunteer, shop from them, follow their pages, or simply share this post, every small action creates a ripple of impact.
These organizations support neighbors experiencing homelessness, nurture the arts, mentor local students, fight Parkinson’s, strengthen the human–animal bond, keep our community safe during emergencies, expand literacy worldwide, and rescue dogs and horses in need.
If you’re wondering how to give back locally, start with the organizations below.
1. Open Doors
Website: https://opendoorsct.org
Instagram: @opendoorsct
Open Doors is a housing and homeless service organization that has served the Norwalk area for over 40 years. They provide shelter, case management, meals, employment support, financial opportunity programs, and long-term housing solutions for individuals and families working toward stability.
How to Help:
• Donate supplies or funds
• Volunteer at the shelter or kitchen
• Attend events
• Share their mission with friends and neighbors
2. The Norwalk Conservatory of the Arts
Website: https://thenorwalkconservatory.org
Instagram: @thenorwalkconservatory
The Norwalk Conservatory provides top-tier arts education in music, theatre, dance, and film. Their mission strengthens the local arts community and creates opportunities for passionate performers and young creatives to connect with the professional arts world.
How to Help:
• Donate
• Sponsor a student
• Attend performances
• Share their programs with the community
3. Norwalk Mentor Program
Website: https://hscct.org/program/norwalk-mentor-program/
Instagram: @humanservicesct
The Norwalk Mentor Program matches caring adults with local students to offer guidance, support, and encouragement. A one-hour-per-week commitment can make an immeasurable difference in a child’s confidence, academic success, and emotional well-being.
How to Help:
• Become a mentor
• Donate
• Share the program with your network
4. Phelps 4 Parkinsons
Etsy Shop: https://etsy.com/shop/Phelps4Parkinsons
Instagram: @phelps4parkinsons
Started in honor of a beloved father who passed away from Parkinson’s disease, Phelps 4 Parkinsons sells greeting cards featuring their adorable bull terrier, Phelps. All proceeds benefit the Michael J. Fox Foundation, supporting groundbreaking Parkinson’s research.
How to Help:
• Shop cards
• Donate
• Spread awareness
5. Noroton Heights Fire Department
Website: https://norotonheightsfd.com
Instagram: @norotonheightsfire
Founded in 1903, the Noroton Heights Fire Department is a 100% volunteer-run 501(c)(3) organization providing fire protection and emergency response for the Noroton Heights area and beyond. Their modern fleet and skilled volunteers keep our community safe day and night.
How to Help:
• Donate funds or supplies
• Volunteer
• Support their events (including their annual Christmas tree sale going on now!)
6. Darien Book Aid
Website: https://darienbookaid.org
Instagram: @darienbookaid
Darien Book Aid is an all-volunteer nonprofit that sends hand-selected books to communities in need around the world. Their mission improves literacy, sparks curiosity, and opens doors for students and adults through the power of reading.
How to Help:
• Donate books or funds
• Volunteer to sort and ship books
• Share their global mission
7. Catherine Violet Hubbard Animal Sanctuary
Website: https://cvhfoundation.org
Instagram: @cvhanimalsanctuary
The Catherine Violet Hubbard Foundation honors the memory of Catherine, a young animal lover lost in the Sandy Hook tragedy. The sanctuary promotes healing, compassion, and connection through animal rescue, nature programs, community events, and humane education.
How to Help:
• Donate supplies or funds
• Volunteer at the sanctuary
• Sponsor an event or animal program
• Shop their merchandise
8. Fetch Dog Rescue
Website: https://fetch-rescue.com
Instagram: @fetchdogrescue
Fetch Rescue is a foster-based dog rescue committed to saving abandoned, stray, neglected, and owner-surrendered dogs of all ages and breeds. Their thorough adoption process ensures every dog finds a safe, loving, forever home.
How to Help:
• Foster
• Adopt
• Donate supplies or funds
• Volunteer
• Share available dogs to help them get adopted
9. Rising Starr Horse Rescue
Website: https://risingstarrhorserescue.org
Instagram: @risingstarrhorserescue
This Wilton-based nonprofit saves, rehabilitates, retrains, and rehomes horses that have been abused, neglected, or abandoned. Through hands-on educational programs, Rising Starr teaches the community about equine welfare and the transformative bond between horses and humans.
How to Help:
• Volunteer at the farm
• Adopt or sponsor a horse
• Attend fundraising events
• Donate funds or supplies
• Take riding lessons that support their mission
Every Gesture Matters ❤️
Even the smallest gesture helps more than you know.
On this Giving Tuesday — and every day — thank you for supporting the heart and soul of our community.
📩 Contact me today to learn more about the best neighborhoods, homes, and hidden gems in Connecticut.
📞 Joe Balestriere, Realtor®
📲 Call/Text: 203-216-0670
