A Message from Juanita T. James: Celebrating Black Philanthropy

Dear Friend,

August is Black Philanthropy Month — an opportunity to honor and elevate the stories of donors who are making an impact in our community.

Giving takes many forms. Whether one is creating a foundation, setting up a donor-advised fund, tithing to one’s faith community, or volunteering, philanthropists are joined by a shared goal of helping improve the lives of their neighbors.

Often, that generosity is motivated by a desire to “pay it forward” — to ensure that the opportunities we’ve experienced are shared with others.

That’s what motivated Daniel Trust to establish his namesake foundation in 2009.

Daniel came to Bridgeport from Rwanda when he was 15 and was able to attend college thanks, in part, to the Community Foundation’s scholarship program.

Today, his foundation is focused on helping first-generation college students — a nod to those who helped him on his own journey to success.

I invite you to read Daniel’s inspiring story on our blog and to join the Community Foundation on Wednesday, Aug. 24, for a special webinar in which Daniel and other Black philanthropists across our state discuss their experiences.

With gratitude,

JUANITA T. JAMES
PRESIDENT & CEO
FAIRFIELD COUNTY’S COMMUNITY FOUNDATION