Fairfield County's Community Foundation

SOUP TO NUTS: REEL CHANGE, NONPROFIT VIDEO STORYTELLING FOR SOCIAL IMPACT
2025-03-13 09:30 - 11:00 (America/New_York) | Webinar
March 13, 9:30 – 11:00 AM (Virtual)

Join us for Soup to Nuts: Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management, a free 8-part virtual series presented in collaboration with United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month and offer an opportunity to learn and grow together in the nonprofit field.
*No April meeting to account for common school Spring break.
REGISTER NOW

In Community: Kwame Owusu-Kesse
2025-03-13 18:30 - 20:30 | Darien Community Association, 274 Middlesex Rd, Darien, CT, 06820, United States
In Community Conversation Series: Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation Welcomes Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone, to Discuss Groundbreaking National Model to Break the Cycle of Intergenerational Poverty
Join us for another ‘In Community Conversation’ on Thursday, March 13 at the Darien Community Association with Kwame Owusu-Kesse, CEO of Harlem Children’s Zone (HCZ) and a Time100 Next 2024 honoree.
Discover how HCZ is breaking the cycle of intergenerational poverty in Harlem and in communities like Harlem across the country through its groundbreaking model that supports scholars from cradle to career. Since the founding of HCZ, the organization has scaled its pioneering model to serve tens of thousands of scholars and families annually within its 103-block-and-growing “Zone”; closed the achievement gap in its schools; and helped more than 1,700 scholars graduate from college and build bright futures.
Through this discussion, you’ll learn about HCZ’s proven model, and its audacious goal of putting one million young people on a pathway to social and economic mobility through its William Julius Wilson Institute. The event will also feature an engaging conversation between Mr. Owusu-Kesse and the Community Foundation’s President & CEO, Mendi Blue Paca. These two inspiring leaders have much to discuss and share since their time together at Harvard.
Event Details:
Date: Thursday, March 13, 2025
Time: 6:30 – 8:30 PM
Location: Darien Community Association
274 Middlesex Rd, Darien, CT 06820
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

The Time is Now: Engaging Women in Public Leadership A Women’s Leadership Lunch & Learn
2025-03-17 12:00 - 14:00 | HMTX Industries, 29 Oakwood Ave, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
The Time is Now: Engaging Women in Public Leadership
A Women’s Leadership Lunch & Learn
Please join us for an intimate Lunch & Learn with a panel of local women holding public office – at the state or municipal level – who will share their pathways to elected office and discuss the opportunities that the current climate presents for women to lead.
The panel will be moderated by Patti Russo, Executive Director of The Campaign School at Yale – a nonpartisan, issue-neutral, political campaign-training program that works to increase the number and influence of women in elected and appointed office. Confirmed participants will be shared soon.
CLICK HERE TO REGISTER

Fueling Community - Frenchies Coffee Bar, Stratford
2025-04-04 10:00 - 11:30 | Frenchies Coffee Bar, 2420 Main St, Stratford, CT, 06615
April 4, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (In-Person)

Join us for this month’s Fueling Community gathering at Frenchies Coffee Bar in Stratford! Connect with fellow nonprofit professionals, share ideas, and expand your network in a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to build meaningful relationships and strengthen our community! As always, coffee is on us.
REGISTER NOW

Integrating an Equity Mindset into Everyday Actions with The Justice Walk
2025-04-10 10:00 - 11:30 | Webinar
April 10, 10:00 – 11:30 AM (Virtual)

Join Abby Anderson of The Justice Walk for a deep and thoughtful conversation about equity within your organization. Gain valuable insights and actionable tips to create a more equitable and welcoming environment for your staff, volunteers, and the communities you serve.
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FOUNDATIONS OF PARTNERSHIP: Difficult Conversations with Diane Winston
2025-04-15 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
April 15, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Virtual)
Foundations of Partnership is a three-part series designed to help participants build a collaborative mindset, embrace new partnerships, and develop the soft skills needed for success. Participants will explore the principles that foster collaboration, focusing on:

Communication
Trust, and respect
Learn how to identify shared goals
Engage with potential partners to create meaningful connections
Strengthen key interpersonal skills like active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution

This series provides practical tools and strategies for creating lasting and effective collaborations.
Successful organizations are built on a foundation of health and resilience, where leaders empower their teams to overcome obstacles, foster commitment and enthusiasm, and uncover possibilities in every situation. Join our partners at Organizational Performance Group to explore the key indicators of Abundance Leadership®. Discover practical strategies to shift your organization from scarcity to abundance and from competition to collaboration.
REGISTER NOW

POSTPONED—In Community Conversation featuring Layla Zaidane, President & CEO of Future Caucus
2025-04-24 18:30 - 20:30 | The Westport Library, 20 Jesup Rd, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
EVENT POSTPONED
Due to unexpected circumstances, our upcoming event has been postponed. We apologize for any inconvenience and will share the new date as soon as it is confirmed.
If you have not yet registered but would like to be notified when the new date is announced, please email Carolina Arriaga, Events & Marketing Manager, at carriaga@fccfoundation.org and we’ll be sure to keep you in the loop.
If you’ve already registered, no need to take any action—you’ll automatically be notified once the new date is announced.

SAVE THE DATE - The Time is Now: Women Charting the Path Ahead
2025-05-06 18:00 | CT
Local venue & speakers to be announced soon.
Have a question or want to know more about sponsorship for you and a group of friends or colleagues? Email info@fccfoundation.org

SOUP TO NUTS: DASHBOARD CREATION FOR IMPROVED PERFORMANCE TRACKING
2025-05-08 09:00 - 11:30 | Webinar
May 8, 9:00 – 11:30 AM (Virtual)
Join us for Soup to Nuts: Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management, a free 8-part virtual series presented in collaboration with United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month and offer an opportunity to learn and grow together in the nonprofit field.
*No April meeting to account for common school Spring break.
Join Diane Winston of Winston Strategic Partners—back by popular demand and fresh from our ASCEND series—for another dynamic session! Continue building your professionalism and communication skills with a focus on two essential areas for successful collaboration: difficult conversations and conflict resolution. Don’t miss this opportunity to level up your expertise!
REGISTER NOW

FOUNDATIONS OF PARTNERSHIP: Identifying Common Goals with FCCF Staff
2025-05-14 10:00 - 12:00 | Webinar
May 14, 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Virtual)
Foundations of Partnership is a three-part series designed to help participants build a collaborative mindset, embrace new partnerships, and develop the soft skills needed for success. Participants will explore the principles that foster collaboration, focusing on:

Communication
Trust, and respect,
Learn how to identify shared goals
Engage with potential partners to create meaningful connections
Strengthen key interpersonal skills like active listening, empathy, and conflict resolution

This series provides practical tools and strategies for creating lasting and effective collaborations.
Successful organizations are built on a foundation of health and resilience, where leaders empower their teams to overcome obstacles, foster commitment and enthusiasm, and uncover possibilities in every situation. Join our partners at Organizational Performance Group to explore the key indicators of Abundance Leadership®. Discover practical strategies to shift your organization from scarcity to abundance and from competition to collaboration.
REGISTER NOW

Imagination as Strategy for Leaders of Color
2025-05-30 10:30 - 12:30 | Webinar
May 30, 10:30 AM – 12:30 AM (Virtual)
Join Kristiana Smith for an interactive virtual convening designed to help you reconnect with your creative side. Take a step away from the day-to-day hustle and indulge in self-discovery to foster innovative ideas, enhance problem-solving skills, and cultivate broad-mindedness for both your personal and professional well-being.
Learn more about Kristiana’s work at: https://www.kristiannasmith.com/
REGISTER NOW

SOUP TO NUTS: Designing and Nurturing a Just Governance Framework
2025-06-12 09:30 - 11:00 | Webinar
June 12, 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM (Virtual)

Join us for the last Soup to Nuts: Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management in this year’s series, presented in collaboration with United Way of Coastal and Western Connecticut. Sessions are held on the second Thursday of each month and offer an opportunity to learn and grow together in the nonprofit field.
REGISTER NOW

Leaders of Color Networking Night – Aquila's Nest Vineyard
2025-06-18 18:00 - 20:00 | Webinar
June 18, 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Celebrate and unwind with us at a special networking evening. No presentations—just good company, local wines, delicious snacks, and the peaceful backdrop of rolling hills. Your $10 ticket includes a curated wine flight, pairings, and light bites. Come as you are, bring a colleague, and enjoy a well-deserved summer evening together.
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A Celebration of Black Philanthropy: an evening of connections, community, and contribution
2025-08-19 18:00 - 20:00 | Stamford Cocreate, 47 John Street, Stamford, CT, 06902, United States
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation invites you to a celebration of Black Philanthropy Month! Gather with friends from across the county 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 from Chef Ivan at Rosemary Group 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 inaugural Soul of Philanthropy Award: an annual honor recognizing a Black philanthropist who exemplifies the true spirit of giving in Fairfield County.
Introduce and launch The SOUL Fund: a new giving circle led by a group of community volunteers and 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.

We can’t wait to see you there!
Register Now

Fueling Community – Last Drop Coffee Shop – Monroe, CT
2025-09-05 11:00 - 12:30 | Last Drop Coffee Shop, 435 Main Street, Monroe, 06468, United States
September 5, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (In-Person)
Join us in Monroe to connect with fellow nonprofit professionals, share ideas, and expand your network in a welcoming and collaborative atmosphere. Don’t miss this opportunity to build meaningful relationships and strengthen our community! As always, coffee is on us.

No need to register, just show up! We hope to see you there.

Brewing Community - Norwalk
2025-09-24 17:30 - 18:30 | Spacecat Brewing Company, 57 Chestnut St., Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Brewing Community is a fresh twist on our popular Fueling Community coffee meetups only this time, we’re raising a glass after hours. Now held quarterly, these casual happy hour gatherings invite nonprofit professionals, members of The Allies community, friends, and colleagues to come together for connection, support, and inspiration.
Whether you’re looking to exchange ideas, celebrate wins, reflect on community needs, or simply unwind with peers who support the work, Brewing Community offers a welcoming space to focus on what matters most — our communities, our missions, and the impact we strive to make.

Your FCCF Year-End Briefing
2025-11-12 11:00 - 12:00 | virtual
Policy updates, Tax changes, Local impacts, and Tips to optimize your giving. Join us for a review of upcoming federal tax changes (OBBBA), ways to optimize your 2025 charitable giving, and a discussion about the challenges faced by Fairfield County residents and the organizations that serve them.
Speakers & Topics

Mendi Blue Paca, President & CEO: The State of Fairfield County: Local challenges and community progress
Elaine Mintz, Vice President, Strategy and External Relations: Key state policy updates and what they mean for nonprofits and philanthropy
Amy Zinser, Director and Wealth Strategies Advisor, Bank of America Chief Investment Office: Tax changes, year-end giving deadlines, and strategies to optimize your charitable impact

Who Should Attend

Individuals and families
Donor-Advised-Fund (DAF) fundholders
Private foundations
Corporate CSR and Foundation Staff
Professional Advisors – Wealth Managers, Accountants, Estate Attorneys, Family Offices, and Philanthropic Advisors
Anyone wanting to learn more about the challenges and how the FCCF community is meeting this moment.

Please note: This program will not be recorded. We encourage you to join us live to participate in the discussion and Q&A.
Register Now

In Community: Building a Future We Can Afford
2025-12-02 17:30 - 20:30 | Norwalk Community College Auditorium, 188 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
In Fairfield County…
27% of renters spend more than 50% of their income on housing costs.*
38% of households spend more than 30% of their income on housing costs.*
*Source: Fairfield County Community Wellbeing Index 2023

When housing is affordable and attainable for more of us, we all win.
We can do better. But where do we start? How can you make a difference?
Join us for an evening of film, dialogue, and tools to help you get involved in pro-housing work in your community. You’ll be inspired, connect with local changemakers, and leave equipped to take real action.
Tuesday, December 2, 2025 | 5:30 to 8:30 pm
Norwalk Community College Auditorium
188 Richards Avenue
Norwalk, CT 06854
Pre- & Post-Event: Nonprofit Open House
Arrive when our doors open at 5:30 to enjoy an open house with light food and beverage; explore a data walk that highlights the realities of housing in Fairfield County; and visit with representatives from local nonprofits who are working on the front lines of positive change. The open house will resume following the screening and panel talk.
6 pm: Room For Us? Film Screening
This new documentary film weaves together stories from year-round islanders struggling to find stable housing on Nantucket, an island where the median home price has climbed to $3.73 million—along with creative solutions being explored that could shape the future. With emotional candor, the documentary amplifies the voices of workers, families, and advocates, putting a human face on a housing crisis that is being echoed in communities across the nation.
7:30 pm: Panel Conversation
Hear from volunteer community leaders about positive change work happening in Westport, New Canaan, and Norwalk. Get specific ideas, resources, and tools to support you in getting involved in pro-housing work in your town and at the state level.
This “In Community” series event is presented by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation in partnership with Norwalk Film Festival, The Housing Collective, and Fairfield County’s Center for Housing Opportunity.
Free to attend, but RSVP required. Suggested donation: $20 per person
RSVP Now

Panelists

Ginny Monk
CT Mirror Housing Reporter

Jim Foster
Chair, Westport Affordable Housing Committee

Krista Neilson
New Canaan Planning & Zoning Commission & Affordable Housing Committee

Jacquen Byron
Norwalk Planning & Zoning Commission

Soup to Nuts: Reimagining Fundraising
2026-01-08 09:30 - 11:00 | CT
For our January session, join us as we welcome Mariana Serrano for Reimagining Fundraising: From Transactional Giving to Transformative. This session will explore how nonprofits can move beyond transactional giving to build deeper, values-aligned relationships that support long-term impact.
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Brewing Community
2026-01-08 17:00 - 19:00 | Elicit Brewing Co, 111 Black Rock Tpke, Fairfield, CT, 06825, United States
Join us at Elicit Brewing in Fairfield for an evening of hops and hang outs. Let’s reconnect over our work in the new year and decompress after a few weeks back.
Tickets: $10 — drinks and snacks included. Get your tickets now!
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Advocacy in Action: Advancing Nonprofit Missions Through Voter Engagement
2026-01-29 14:00 - 15:30 | CT
Designed for those newer to advocacy or looking to scale early efforts, this webinar—led by Nonprofit VOTE—will provide an introduction to voter engagement. Participants will learn why engaging voters is important (and effective!) for nonprofits, the dos and don’ts of remaining nonpartisan, and key concepts and strategies for engaging voters, including how to begin building a voter engagement plan.
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Cyber Essentials Bootcamp: A One-Day Intensive for Nonprofit Leaders
2026-02-03 09:00 - 17:00 | HMTX Headquarters House Up on the Hill, 27 Seir Hill Rd, Norwalk, CT, 06850, United States
Join us at HMTX for this practical session designed for nonprofit leaders who want to better understand their organization’s cyber risks—without needing a technical background. Participants will learn the basics of cybersecurity, common threats facing nonprofits, and simple, actionable steps leaders can take to protect their organizations, staff, and the communities they serve.
Cost: $200 per organization (up to 3 staff members)
Register Now
Email Rebecca Cordero at RCordero@fccfoundation.org for scholarship availability.

Soup to Nuts: Leveraging Simple AI Tools to Unlock Fundraising and Development Capacity
2026-02-12 09:30 - 11:00 | CT
For our February session, join us as we welcome Eva Liu for Leveraging Simple AI Tools to Unlock Fundraising and Development Capacity. Learn how simple, accessible AI tools can help nonprofits unlock new fundraising and development capacity.
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Share What Matters: Become a Data Storyteller with CT Data
2026-03-03 09:30 - 12:00 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Numbers alone rarely move people — stories do. In this interactive session, participants will learn how to transform raw data into compelling narratives that inspire action, strengthen funding proposals, and communicate impact clearly to boards, donors, and community members. Through hands-on exercises and real-world nonprofit examples, attendees will gain practical strategies for framing data for different audiences, creating effective visualizations, and telling stories that drive meaningful decisions.
In the afternoon, Qualitative Analysis will explore how to identify, organize, and analyze qualitative data to generate meaningful insights that strengthen decision-making and impact.
Space is very limited. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Register for just one session or both. Registration is separate.
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Making Sense of Words: Analyze Qualitative Data with CT Data
2026-03-03 12:30 - 15:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Ave, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Nonprofits collect valuable qualitative data every day — from surveys to interviews to community feedback — but analyzing it can feel overwhelming. This session equips participants with practical tools to systematically organize, code, and identify patterns and themes in qualitative data. Attendees will learn how to translate insights into actionable strategies, strengthen program outcomes, and incorporate stories and lived experience into reports, proposals, and presentations.
Our morning session, Data Storytelling, will help participants transform data into clear, compelling stories that combine insights and visuals to inspire understanding and action.
Space is very limited. A light breakfast and lunch will be served. Register for just one session or both. Registration is separate.
Register Now

Fueling Community – Sherwood Diner – Westport
2026-03-06 11:00 - 12:30 | Sherwood Diner, 901 Post Rd E, Westport, CT, 06880, United States
March 6, 11:00 AM – 12:30 PM (In-Person)
Fueling Community is a casual, relationship-centered gathering for nonprofit leaders to connect over coffee and conversation. With no formal agenda, this event provides a relaxed environment to share what you’re working on, exchange ideas, and build meaningful peer connections across organizations.
Space is limited. Coffee and snacks are on us!
Register Now

Soup to Nuts: Reimagining Fundraising
2026-03-12 09:30 - 11:00 | CT
Join us March 12 for Reimagining Fundraising: From Transactional Giving to Transformation
Session Time: 9:30 AM – 11:00 AM
Strengthen your nonprofit from the inside out through Soup to Nuts: Fundamentals of Nonprofit Management — a free, 8-part virtual learning series designed to help nonprofit professionals learn, connect, and grow.
Each 90-minute session dives into a key aspect of nonprofit leadership and fundraising, from donor engagement and business strategy to leveraging AI tools and building a strong online presence. Participants will walk away with actionable insights and practical tools to drive impact and sustainability within their organizations.
Other Upcoming Sessions Include:

May 14: Website Strategy for Fundraising Success
June 11: Finding Your Best-Fit Donors

To register once to access all sessions:
Register Now

Building Better Beginnings: Maternal Health in Fairfield County
2026-03-22 13:00 - 16:00 | District Music Hall, 71 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT, 06850, United States
YOU’RE INVITED TO A FILM AND CONVERSATION ON MATERNAL HEALTH
Join us to be inspired, connect with local changemakers, and leave equipped to get involved in work to advance healthy and joyful births for everyone in your community.
Sunday, March 22, 2026
Time: 1:00 pm – 4 pm
District Music Hall
71 Wall Street, Norwalk, CT
$15 per ticket. RSVP required
Fairfield County’s Community Foundation invites you to an afternoon at District Music Hall featuring a screening of the new documentary Bloom. The event will also include a nonprofit open house and a moderated discussion with local leaders working at the intersection of community-based care and public policy.
Presented as part of the Norwalk Film Festival, Bloom is a feature-length documentary that explores the work doulas are doing to fill gaps in the medical system. Bloom follows four birth workers making reproductive care safer and more accessible in their community. Journey with three couples and the doulas they partner with to achieve a safe and confident birth experience. Watch the trailer!
Register Now

Panelists

(Moderator) Lutonya Russell-Humes, Fairfield County’s Community Foundation

Janet Stolfi Alfano, Diaper Bank of CT, Inc.

Ayesha Clarke, Health Equity Solutions

Cynthia Hayes, DoulaTogether, Inc.

Did you know?
Health outcomes are not the same for everyone in Fairfield County. On average, Black residents have shorter life expectancy than white residents, and Black babies are more likely to die at birth. Factors such as race, income, and gender can also influence how people are treated as patients and the quality of care they receive within the medical system.

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Strength in Strategy: From Challenge to Opportunity – Part 1 Community Resiliency Training (CRM)
2026-03-26 12:00 - 14:00 | CT
In partnership with LifeBridge Community Services
The first session of our Spring series equips participants with tools to strengthen organizational and personal resilience. Using the Community Resiliency Model (CRM), participants will learn evidence-based strategies to manage trauma, chronic stress, and ongoing challenges in nonprofit work. This session is designed for staff at all levels, providing practical skills to enhance well-being, sustain performance under pressure, and foster a resilient organizational culture. Attendees will leave with actionable techniques that can be applied immediately to their teams and programs, laying the foundation for more proactive, responsive leadership.
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Strength in Strategy: From Challenge to Opportunity – Part 2 Offers & Needs Market (OANM)
2026-04-01 13:30 - 16:00 | Wakeman Boys & Girls Club, Simlow-Burroughs Clubhouse, 2414 Fairfield Ave, Bridgeport, CT, United States
The nonprofit sector is famously tight on resources, and many of us know this to be our reality. Yet, we are rich in community. Join us for this Offers & Needs Market, a guided session designed to create strategic connections across our nonprofit ecosystem.
We all have needs, and we all have something to offer. Offers don’t have to be free — simply knowing what resources exist in our community is valuable. Whether you’re a consultant offering support services, an organization with extra space, or a leader providing mentorship, this session invites us to collectively build a richer, more connected nonprofit community. Participants will engage in interactive exercises to identify and share their resources, uncover new opportunities, and forge meaningful connections to strengthen the sector as a whole.
Facilitated by Jason Fredlund
Doors open at 1 PM, light refreshments provided.
Register Now
