Giving Together Creates a World of Change

Dear Friend,

Almost thirty years ago, a small group of bold Fairfield County women asked a simple but radical question: What if we pooled our resources to lift women and girls across our community?

That spark became the Fund for Women and Girls — now the largest and most impactful fund of its kind in New England. Through the generosity of thousands of contributors, the Fund has seeded groundbreaking programs like the Family Economic Security Program, the emme Coalition, and the Black Maternal Health Initiative. Together, these efforts have expanded access to health and education, created pathways to economic opportunity, and combated gender-based violence.

Today, the Fund stands as a powerful symbol of what collective giving makes possible.

A New Chapter

This month, we’re thrilled to announce the launch of the SOUL Fund — a new giving circle born out of a Black philanthropy event held just one year ago. The Fund is already off to a great start with almost 200 community members attending the Fund’s kickoff event on August 19th.

The SOUL Fund is rooted in the same belief as the Fund for Women and Girls: when like-minded philanthropists come together around a shared goal, they can drive real and lasting change. The fund’s founding members are committed to addressing inequities and uplifting the leadership, vision, and expertise of community-based organizations.

And you can be part of it. Donors can contribute just $1 a day ($365 annually or $33 monthly) and join others in shaping how the Fund supports local nonprofits. As of today, more than 50 SOUL Fund members have committed more than $32,000. Ready to secure your seat at SOUL Fund table? Start here.

Making Giving Accessible to All

At the Community Foundation, we believe everyone should have the chance to give back in ways that add meaning to their lives without creating financial strain.

That’s why we’ve also lowered the threshold for creating a donor-advised fund. For $5,000, individuals, families, and companies can now establish a fund to support the causes they care about most in Fairfield County. Start Your Fund Today

When combined with the pooled power of community, individual giving becomes something extraordinary. That approach is especially important now, as nonprofits across Fairfield County face rising community needs alongside deep cuts to the social safety net and government funding.

Individually, it can be hard to feel our impact. Collectively, our power is undeniable.

Join us. Give with us. Together, we can create a stronger, more vibrant region.

In Community,

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