Looking Ahead to 2026: Building a Resilient, More Connected Fairfield County

Dear Friend,

This past year has been challenging for many across Fairfield County.

Our nonprofit partners have faced mounting pressures – financial strain, growing demand, and uncertainty driven by cuts to the social safety net. Too many of our neighbors are at risk of losing access to food, health care, and other basic supports. At the same time, rapid global change has left many feeling unsettled.

And yet, as we close the chapter on 2025, it is important to pause and recognize what we have accomplished together. In the face of real challenges, our community has remained resilient – continuing to work toward a shared vision of a Fairfield County where everyone has a fair chance to reach their full potential.

Looking ahead to 2026, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation will continue to serve as a bridge-builder-connecting resources to needs, breaking down barriers, and helping partners navigate a complex and evolving landscape. Our focus will be on deepening relationships across the community and working closely with nonprofits, donors, resident leaders, businesses, and government to drive lasting, systemic change.

Here is a preview of what’s ahead:

Innovating for Economic Opportunity

We are excited to expand our collaboration with the Federal Reserve Bank of New York through its Making Missing Markets initiative. This partnership connects Fairfield County to national data and peer learning, helping us identify upstream solutions to economic inequities. Working closely with the business community and anchor employers, we will test new market-based approaches in specific communities – building a local economy that works for everyone who calls Fairfield County home.

Strengthening the Safety Net

While advancing long-term solutions, we remain focused on urgent needs. We will continue strengthening nonprofit partners and working closely with donors to ensure critical supports reach those most impacted by economic instability.

Catalyzing Philanthropy & Collective Impact

We believe giving is most powerful when it is done together. In 2026, you can expect:

• Growth of the SOUL Fund: Our first Black philanthropy giving circle has grown to more than 105 members and will make its inaugural grants this spring.
• New giving circles: Building on the momentum of the SOUL Fund and the long-standing success of the Fund for Women & Girls, we will explore new affinity-based giving circles that bring aligned communities of givers together.
• Deeper donor engagement: Expect more opportunities to connect and learn, including donor briefings and gatherings in February and March that bring funders and nonprofits together to share impact and insight.

Advocating for a Fairer Fairfield County

Our commitment to advocacy remains strong. During the 2026 legislative session, we will advance policies that promote family economic security – such as the child tax credit, school meals for all, just-cause eviction protections, and ending scholarship displacement. We are also proud to support members of our Allies community as they complete advocacy training in January and prepare to lend their voices to this critical work.

Upcoming Celebrations

Community is built by staying connected. In the months ahead, we look forward to gathering together – at the Fund for Women & Girls Annual Celebration in April, upcoming community film screenings in Norwalk, and our inaugural Community Celebration in June.

There is much to look forward to in the year ahead. Thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your shared commitment to Fairfield County. Together, we are building a community where every resident can thrive.

In Community,

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