Join Us August 4 for a Celebration of Black Philanthropy
Jul 07, 2026
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and The SOUL Fund invite you to a celebration of Black Philanthropy Month! Join us in Stamford on August 4th as we connect and celebrate the ways we each give of our Time, Talent, Ties, Treasure, and Testimony – in support of building a Fairfield County that works better for all of us.
The evening will include light bites and beverages and plenty of time to connect with old and new friends. Whether you are a donor, a volunteer, a nonprofit employee, or an interested community member—this event is for you. During this event made for connections and celebration, we will:
- Present the Soul of Philanthropy Award: an annual honor recognizing a Black philanthropist who exemplifies the true spirit of giving in Fairfield County.
- Launch Year Two of The SOUL Fund: a giving circle led by a group of community volunteers that is designed to make an amplified impact by pooling donations and supporting Black-led and -serving nonprofits in Fairfield County. You’ll learn more about how The SOUL Fund works and how you can join.
RSVP Now to Reserve Your Space:
A Celebration of Black Philanthropy
August 4, 2026 | 5:30 PM – 8:00 PM
Stamford Cocreate
47 John Street, Stamford, CT 06902
Meet the 2026 Soul of Philanthropy Award Recipient
Dr. Maggie Young, DSW, LADC, is Chief Recovery Officer at Liberation Programs and has dedicated more than 30 years to improving the lives of individuals and families impacted by substance use and mental health challenges. A respected leader in prevention, treatment, and recovery, she was instrumental in launching Liberation Programs’ Families in Recovery Program, helping create a model of care that allows pregnant and parenting women to heal while remaining with their children. Guided by her own recovery journey, Maggie has devoted her career to building compassionate systems of care that motivate individuals, strengthen families, reduce stigma, and create pathways to hope one-person-at-a-time with the concept that each-One-teach-One.
Maggie’s leadership extends far beyond her professional role. Through decades of service, mentorship, volunteerism, and advocacy, she has become a trusted voice in Fairfield County’s behavioral health and recovery communities and an inspiring example of Love and Leadership in action. She serves on numerous nonprofit boards and statewide advisory committees, including the Governor-appointed Opioid Settlement Advisory Committee, while continuing to educate, mentor, and support individuals and families throughout the region. Her lifelong commitment to service was recently recognized with her selection as the 2026 City of Stamford Citizen of the Year. A proud member of the recovery community for more than three decades, and a devoted mother and grandmother, Maggie leads with humility, compassion, and an unwavering belief that every person deserves the opportunity to heal, recover, and thrive.
How the Soul of Philanthropy Award Recipient is Chosen
Award recipients are selected through a community nomination process and a volunteer review committee. Nominees must identify as Black or of African descent, live in Fairfield County, and demonstrate a sustained commitment of giving through one or more of the following:
- Time – Volunteering to uplift individuals or causes
- Talent – Contributing professional or creative expertise for community benefit
- Treasure – Donating financial or material resources to support equity, opportunity, and justice
- Testimony – Using lived experience to inspire, advocate, and mobilize
- Ties – Strengthening relationships across generations, cultures, and organizations
Philanthropy takes many forms, and recipients don’t need to be affiliated with a formal organization. What matters is visible or measurable impact—and the ability to inspire others through generosity, service, and leadership.
Keep the Momentum Going: Join The SOUL Fund
The SOUL Fund—short for Supporting Opportunity & Uplifting Leadership—is a giving circle held at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation that invites people like you to link arms and make a meaningful difference together. Fueled by the power of collective giving, The SOUL Fund supports Black-led and Black-serving nonprofits in Fairfield County working to create meaningful change with and for the community. When you join, you’ll:
Learn alongside fellow changemakers
Pool your resources to support local nonprofits doing powerful work in and for the Black community
Vote on where the funds go
And celebrate the impact you helped create
Membership starts at just $365/year—one dollar a day for real change. Whether you’re inspired by the Fund’s Soul of Philanthropy Awardee or looking for a deeper connection to your giving, The SOUL Fund offers a hands-on, high-impact way to give, learn, and lead in community.
