Why is the Equity Lab needed?
Fairfield County has a high rate of income inequality, with a person’s race often predicting how well they are doing in terms of education, income, health and housing. While our region has the means to ensure that every person has a chance to succeed, we’re up against some tough challenges. People from different races tend to live in separate areas, and don’t understand the full history of racial issues in our region. That means many people haven’t been interested in changing the way things work. And nonprofits and community groups that work on equity issues need more resources to change systems to create lasting impact.
How is the Equity Lab building bridges to lead change?
The Community Foundation is experienced in bringing together different groups of people in our region to work on shared goals. And it will take all of us – community leaders, lawmakers, businesses and organizations – to make Fairfield County a place where everyone has an equitable opportunity. With your support, our Equity Lab Fund invests in programs that:
Fund Equity-Based Work
The Community Equity Incubator provides money and coaching to help diverse community leaders turn creative ideas into real action for social change.
Support Peer Learning
We are organizing peer learning roundtables that meet regularly to support leaders in their diversity, equity and inclusion efforts – starting with people who work in municipal government.
Build Public Will For Systems Change
We are continuing to invest in research, like the 2026 Fairfield County Community Wellbeing Index, to help the public understand the barriers we need to overcome to achieve equity.
Support Leaders Working for Equity
We are growing the equity-focused programming and leadership development offered to local organizations at low or no cost through our Center for Nonprofit Excellence.
Foster Understanding of Racial History
We are producing a series of community conversations that bring prominent thought leaders in the field of racial equity to Fairfield County to share their knowledge and ideas.
How can I get involved?
Want to join the journey to move Fairfield County forward? Here are three ways you can be part of the movement to advance equity.
STAY INFORMED
Join our email list to receive information on Equity Lab happenings and how you can make a difference.
ADVOCATE
Write to lawmakers, speak at public meetings, and talk to friends and neighbors about ways to advance equity in Fairfield County.
To learn more about changing systems to advance equity and explore ways the Community Foundation can amplify your impact, contact Joe Collin, VP of Philanthropy, at JCollin@FCCFoundation.org or call (203) 750-3200.