Honoring Generosity, Inspiring More

Dear Friend,

Generosity takes many forms.

I was reminded of this truth at our annual donor luncheon earlier this month. As I scanned the room, I paused to reflect on each individual present — colleagues, associates, neighbors, partners, and friends. Every person there has chosen to do what they can, in their own unique way, to help create a vibrant and resilient Fairfield County.

At the luncheon, we recognized two inspiring changemakers with the inaugural Fairfield County Philanthropic Leadership Awards. Each honoree exemplifies what is possible when generosity becomes a sustained commitment to community.

• Our individual honoree, Sheila Perrin — a former teacher and counselor — has spent decades advancing opportunities for young people through her family foundation, her leadership as a former Board Chair of FCCF, and her personal philanthropy. Her recent $1 million gift to accelerate our Career Pathways Initiative demonstrates her unwavering belief in ensuring every young person has a fair chance to succeed.
• Our corporate honoree, M&T Bank, has been a steadfast partner in strengthening Fairfield County. From generous support for our Center for Nonprofit Excellence and the Fund for Women & Girls, to naming FCCF a recipient of its Amplify Fund, M&T has shown what it means to invest in a more inclusive and equitable regional economy.

And while these two honorees exemplify extraordinary commitment, I also want to underscore that everyone who supports the Community Foundation and our partners — whether through time, talent, treasure, or voice — is valued and appreciated for their unique contributions.

These investments could not come at a more important time. Community needs are rising sharply, and many nonprofits are being asked to do more with fewer resources. Inflation, housing instability, and widening opportunity gaps mean that countless families across our county are struggling to meet basic needs — while also working to build brighter futures.

At the same time, we know Fairfield County is among the most generous regions in the nation in terms of total charitable dollars given. Yet studies also remind us that we have a significant “giving opportunity gap.” According to the Chronicle of Philanthropy (2017), Fairfield County’s giving gap was estimated at $243 million — the additional amount our community could generate if residents gave at the same relative levels as peers in comparable regions. Closing that gap represents an extraordinary opportunity. Imagine the impact if more of our neighbors gave not just what is comfortable, but what is possible.

This moment calls for all of us to stretch a little further. Together, we could unlock hundreds of millions more to strengthen nonprofits, support children and families, and ensure Fairfield County is a place where everyone can thrive. Your generosity has never mattered more — not just to help our community weather today’s challenges, but to build the foundation for a stronger tomorrow.

We are fortunate to live in a generous community. And we are even more fortunate when that generosity inspires others to reflect on their own philanthropic journey. As we enter the months ahead, I invite you to ask yourself:

How will you use your power of generosity at this critical time?

In Community,

Mendi Blue Paca
PRESIDENT & CEO
FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION