Fairfield County's Community Foundation

FCCF Community Conversations: Closing CT's Opportunity Gap
2018-04-24 12:00 - 12:30 (America/New_York) | CT
Join Fairfield County’s Community Foundation as we continue our “Community Conversations” webinar series on April 24, 2018 with Jim Horan, CEO of CT Association for Human Services.
Our April webinar explores what has been effective in Connecticut to close the opportunity gap and what we need to do moving forward. We’ll also share more about the ways in which FCCF is working with partners to build strong communities across Fairfield County.
Click here to register.
View prior webinars in this series here.

Lunch and Learn Series: What's Next for Community Philanthropy?
2018-04-20 12:00 - 13:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Join us for this lively conversation on “What’s Next for Community Philanthropy” with Karen Brown, Vice President of Innovation and Strategic Learning at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation.
In 2014, The Monitor Institute published What’s Next for Community Philanthropy, a tool kit to highlight six critical trends that will change the evolving community and philanthropic landscape in coming years. Fairfield County’s Community Foundation used this primer with our own Board of Directors and staff. Attend this workshop and you will:

Obtain a sneak peak into how community philanthropy organizations – such as community foundations and United Ways across the U.S. – are proactively responding to large-scale trends
Brainstorm with fellow nonprofit leaders how you can use this primer to benefit your own organization
Get a hard copy of the primer for use with your staff and board members

Click here to register. Due to limited seating, we request one representative per organization only.
KAREN BROWN: Karen joined the Community Foundation in 1998. She is responsible for keeping us abreast of trends and best practices in the community foundation sector, and promoting learning, innovation and thought leadership.
She is a board member of Social Venture Partners Connecticut, the Support Center for Nonprofit Management, and serves on the program committee for the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy, the steering committee for the Fairfield County Collaborative Fund for Affordable Housing, and the Connecticut committee of the Regional Plan Association.
Karen graduated Phi Beta Kappa from Brown University, and holds a master’s degree in public and nonprofit administration from the Robert F. Wagner Graduate School of Public Service at New York University. She co-founded the Wagner Alumni in Philanthropy Network. She received the Connecticut Council for Philanthropy’s Martha S. Newman Award for sustained and exemplary staff performance at a Connecticut foundation.

2018 The Fund for Women & Girls Annual Luncheon
2018-04-05 11:00 - 14:00 | Hyatt Regency Greenwich, 1800 E Putnam Avenue, Old Greenwich, CT, 06870, United States
2018 LUNCHEON
APRIL 5, 2018
GREENWICH HYATT
TICKETS ON SALE: JANUARY 2, 2018
2018 KEYNOTE SPEAKER: BILLIE JEAN KING
This highly-anticipated annual event attracts more than 700 enthusiastic friends and supporters from Connecticut and beyond. They celebrate making an important difference for thousands of women and girls throughout Fairfield County, learn about the Fund’s work, and hear from women who have benefited from their support. Keynote speakers have included the late Dr. Maya Angelou, Geena Davis, Dr. Madeleine Albright, Soledad O’Brien, Gloria Steinem, Abby Wambach and Andrea Jung.
For more information about our Annual Luncheon, email fwgevents@fccfoundation.org
Thank you for your generosity! Over $400,000 was raised at the 2017 Fund for Women & Girls Luncheon. Net proceeds support the Family Economic Security Program (FESP).

Fairfield County's Giving Day
2018-03-01 | CT
With our returning champion sponsor, Bank of America, we are committed to uplifting our nonprofit community and empowering every individual to make a difference. Since 2014, donors from Fairfield County and beyond have given over $4.5 million to 667 local nonprofits. We invite you to join us, and thousands more on March 1, 2018 for an incredible 24 hours to give where you live. Together we thrive!

Film Screening & Discussion: Battle of the Sexes
2018-02-15 17:30 - 20:00 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Join us for film screening & discussion of 2017 film Battle of the Sexes, the true story of the 1973 most watched televised sports events of all time, reaching 90 million viewers around the world. The tennis match between World number one Billie Jean King (Emma Stone) and ex-champ Bobby Riggs (Steve Carollo) served up a cultural spectacle that resonated far beyond the tennis court, sparking discussions about gender equality, ongoing women’s movement and the sexual revolution.
Film is rated PG13 for some sexual content and partial nudity
Doors open at 5:30 pm. The film will begin at 6 pm and will be followed by an interactive discussion.
Click here to register.

Budgeting: A Strategic, Team-Based Approach
2018-02-13 09:30 - 12:30 | Grace Farms, 365 Lukes Wood Road, New Canaan, CT, 06840, United States
What does excellence in financial management look like? How can your organization set the stage for sustainable operations? Join us for a highly interactive workshop where you’ll learn what financial planning is really about, how to build and communicate the different types of budgets you need to operate, and more!
Teams strongly encouraged to attend. Click here to register.
Presenter: Andrea Mills, Fiscal Management Associates
We are very grateful to our host, Grace Farms Foundation.

Giving Day Bootcamp
2018-02-01 09:30 - 10:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
The word is out! Fairfield County’s Giving Day will be back on March 1, 2018. If you or your organization is new to Giving Day, join us for a Giving Day Bootcamp, where you will:

Learn important steps you need to take to win big on Giving Day
Get comfortable accessing the Giving Day platform
Have access to the Community Foundation staff to get your questions answered

This bootcamp is offered free-of-charge to nonprofits participating in Fairfield County’s Giving Day 2018. Please register your nonprofit at FCGives.org before signing up for this bootcamp. Registration goes live on November 1, 2018.
Click here to register.
This is a repeat of the December 1, 2017 Bootcamp.

Pizza, Popcorn and Paid Leave
2018-01-25 17:30 - 20:00 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Join us for a sneak peek screening & discussion of ZERO WEEKS, a documentary exploring America’s paid leave crisis, at the Fairfield County’s Community Foundation on Thursday, January 25.
Doors open at 5:30 pm for pizza & networking! The film will begin at 6 pm and will be followed by an interactive discussion.
Brought to you by the Campaign for Paid Family Leave and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation!
CHILDCARE PROVIDED!
RSVP HERE: https://bit.ly/ZeroWeeksNorwalk
***SNOW DATE IS THURSDAY, 2/1!***

Greater Danbury Nonprofit Legislative Forum
2018-01-18 09:00 - 11:00 | Family & Children’s Aid, 80 West Street, Danbury, CT, 06810, United States
The annual Greater Danbury Nonprofit Legislative Forum is an opportunity for Danbury-area nonprofits to directly connect with their state legislators on issues affecting our region.
Confirmed legislators include Senator Toni Boucher, Representative Adam Dunsby, Representative Michael Ferguson, Representative Mitch Bolinsky, Representative William Duff, Representative J.P. Sredzinski, and Danbury Mayor Mark Boughton.
Click here to register.

Greater Bridgeport Nonprofit Legislative Forum
2018-01-16 09:00 - 11:00 | Housatonic Community College, 900 Lafayette Boulevard, Bridgeport, CT, 06604, United States
Held in partnership with Housatonic Community College, the annual Greater Bridgeport Nonprofit Legislative Forum is an opportunity for Bridgeport-area nonprofits to directly connect with their state legislators on issues affecting our region.
Confirmed legislators include Senator Ed Gomes, Representative Steven Stafstrom, Representative Brenda Kupchick, Representative Laura Devlin, and Representative Cristin McCarthy Vahey.
Click here to register.

Social Media for Nonprofits: Giving Day and Beyond
2018-01-11 12:00 - 13:00 | CT
Held in partnership with Bank of America, register for this free webinar focused on using social media in your Giving Day campaign. In this session, you will learn:

Key roles and responsibilities to consider when managing social media
Social media tips for organizations with limited resources
Tips for creating engaging content
Tips and tools for measuring success on social media
Guidance on how and when to leverage new social media platforms and features

Click here to register. Part 4 of the Giving Day training series.

Lunch and Learn Series: Advancing Your Mission Through Local Advocacy
2018-01-10 12:00 - 13:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Join us for this lively conversation on “Advancing Your Mission Through Local Advocacy” with Jeff Shaw, Director of Public Policy at the CT Community Nonprofit Alliance.
At this lunch and learn, you will:

Learn the latest trending public policy issues impacting the ability of the nonprofit sector to advance their mission
Understand the power of nonprofit advocacy and collaborations in defeating harmful public policy
Add more tools to your toolbox – know how, when, and where to engage local legislators

Click here to register.
JEFF SHAW: Jeffrey Shaw is the Director of Public Policy for The Alliance. Jeff has over twelve years’ experience in government relations and public policy development, providing expertise on the state budget, bonding, nonprofit trends, economic impact, public health and federal legislation. Prior to joining The Alliance in October 2012, Jeff served as Senior Legislative Aide & Team Leader at the Connecticut General Assembly, specializing in health policy and judicial reform. He has been active in the Council of State Governments Innovations Review and Health Policy Committees, and was recognized with the Virgil Puskarich State and Regional Leadership Award at the 2012 Council of State Governments, Eastern Regional Conference (CSG/ERC). The Council of State Governments develops regional policy solutions with all three branches of governments in the states, Canadian provinces, and U.S. territories.

Greater Stamford Nonprofit Legislative Forum
2017-12-14 09:00 - 11:00 | UCONN Stamford, 1 University Place, Stamford, CT, 06901, United States
Held in partnership with the University of Connecticut Stamford Campus, the annual Greater Stamford Nonprofit Legislative Forum is an opportunity for Stamford-area nonprofits to directly connect with their state legislators.
Confirmed legislators include Senator Scott Frantz, Representative Caroline Simmons, Representative Fred Camillo, Representative William Tong, and Stamford Mayor David Martin.
Click here to register.

Greater Norwalk Nonprofit Legislative Forum
2017-12-12 09:00 - 11:00 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
The annual Greater Norwalk Nonprofit Legislative Forum is an opportunity for Norwalk-area nonprofits to directly connect with their state legislators on issues affecting our region.
Confirmed legislators include Senator Toni Boucher, Senator Bob Duff, Representative Gail Lavielle, Representative Fred Wilms, Representative Terrie Wood, and Norwalk Mayor Harry Rilling.
Click here to register.

Giving Day: Intelligent Marketing and Branding
2017-12-04 12:00 - 13:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Maintaining and growing your brand’s identity is crucial for every nonprofit, especially in uncertain times. Learn important tips to stand out from the crowd, including:

Efficient and cost-effective uses of mailings
Creative ways to cultivate and maintain donors

Part 3 of the Giving Day Training Series. Presented by David Stowe, Dot Generation of Connecticut.
Click here to register.

Giving Day Bootcamp
2017-12-01 12:00 - 13:00 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
The word is out! Fairfield County’s Giving Day will be back on March 1, 2018. If you or your organization is new to Giving Day, join us for a Giving Day Bootcamp, where you will:

Learn important steps you need to take to win big on Giving Day
Get comfortable accessing the Giving Day platform
Have access to the Community Foundation staff to get your questions answered

This bootcamp is offered free-of-charge to nonprofits participating in Fairfield County’s Giving Day 2018. Please register your nonprofit at FCGives.org before signing up for this bootcamp. Registration goes live on November 1, 2018.
Click here to register.
Can’t make this date? A repeat session will be held on February 1, 2018.

Essential Business Skills Series: Building Basic Finance Skills
2017-11-17 09:30 - 12:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
You don’t need to be a finance wiz to get comfortable with numbers! This workshop will take the mystery out of financial terms, nonprofit budgets and financial statements.
In this interactive session, we’ll walk you through the nonprofit budget process. You’ll learn how to build a basic budget and comprehend key financial terms that all nonprofit staff should understand. We will also provide an overview of financial statements and demonstrate how to use key financial ratios to assess an organization’s financial health.
By attending this workshop, you’ll gain basic financial knowledge and understand how strong financial management practices are tied to mission delivery. You’ll also:

Increase your understanding of key financial terms
Be empowered to participate in the budgeting process
Gain the skills and knowledge to create a project budget
Understand the components of nonprofit financial statements
Generate and interpret basic financial ratios This important learning session is specifically designed for non-finance staff.

Held in partnership with Sacred Heart University.
Click here to register. The fee to attend this workshop is $35. Sign up 4 attendees and receive $5 off each registration! Enter all attendee information and then apply the code “4ATTENDEES” to receive the discount.

Giving Day: Unlock the Power of Visual Storytelling
2017-11-08 09:30 - 11:30 | CT
Stories compel us to learn, remember, and act – all of the things needed to build support for your nonprofit. This workshop is about telling actionable stories – stories that lead prospective donors, volunteers, and advocates to positive decisions. Learn specific steps you can take to create stories for your Giving Day campaign and beyond, including:

How stories can lead to an actionable moments (hint: more donations for your cause!)
Why empathy is essential to storytelling
Three types of stories you’ll need to attract and retain supporters
Free resources to incorporate video, music, and more in your campaign

Part 2 of the Giving Day Training Series.
Click here to register.

The Right Time to Rightsize?
2017-11-01 09:00 - 12:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
With the ongoing challenges associated with government budgets and public spending policies at the federal through local levels, many nonprofit organizations are seeing reductions in revenue and delays in payment associated with government funding. Given the limited leverage organizations have over that particular revenue stream – as well as, in many cases, limited funding from other sources – nonprofits affected by this may need to think seriously about changing or reducing their mix or levels of program services.
This half-day training session will focus on the financial analysis and strategy associated with “rightsizing” operations in response to revenue reductions. Topics covered in the session will include:

“Tough decisions”: What are the indicators that it may be time to consider reducing operations
Program portfolio analysis: How to use a “mission-money” approach to identify programs and activities for potential reconsideration
Expense analysis: How to determine the true bottom-line impact of reductions in programs and services
“Prevention is the best cure”: How to strategically approach decisions on new funding and program opportunities to avoid future challenges
Lessons from the field: What practitioners know (and wish they had known) based on their experiences with rightsizing

Click here to register. Organizations are strongly encouraged to bring multiple members including executive management, lead finance person(s) and board if possible.
Presented by Fiscal Management Associates.

Giving Day: Put the Crowd in Your Crowdfunding Campaign
2017-10-27 12:00 - 13:00 | CT
Fairfield County’s Giving Day will be back on March 1, 2018! Get the scoop on important updates and learn key strategies to run a successful crowdfunding campaign. This webinar will be recorded and posted to FCGives.org.
Presented by Fairfield County’s Community Foundation and Kimbia, Inc. Part 1 of the Giving Day Training Series.
Click here to register.

Lunch and Learn Series: Finding Data for Grants
2017-10-25 12:00 - 14:00 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Join us for this lively conversation on “Finding Data for Grants” with Mark Abraham, Executive Director of DataHaven.
Click here to register. Due to limited seating, we request one representative per organization only.

October 25 on 25 Webinar: Latest update on nonprofit compensation & benefits
2017-10-25 09:00 - 09:25 | Webinar
In celebration of FCCF’s 25th anniversary, we are hosting a series of specially-themed webinars to spark discussions and launch us into the next 25 years. Our October webinar will explore the recently released Valuing Our Nonprofit Workforce report, a comprehensive study of nonprofit compensation and benefits, by TSNE MissionWorks. We will be joined by Rodney Byrd, Senior Human Resources and Search Manager. We’ll also share more about the ways in which FCCF is working with partners to build strong communities across Fairfield County.
Click here to register.

Essential Business Skills Series: Effective Project Management
2017-10-20 09:30 - 12:30 | Sacred Heart University, 5151 Park Avenue, Fairfield, CT, 06825, United States
Equip yourself with the skills and knowledge you need to manage projects more effectively! This workshop is geared to any staff member who is a part of a project team or responsible for leading a project within their organization.
Attendees will learn the basic concepts associated with project management and the five key processes for effective project management. Attendees will also leave equipped with project management tools and templates to use at their organizations.
About the presenter:
Dawn Ciambriello, MBA is the Director, Managed Markets Marketing at Boehringer Ingelheim Pharmaceuticals. Previous to that, Dawn held the position of Director, Management and Business Training, overseeing the design and development of Leadership Development in their training department for the past 7 years. She has over 24 years of experience in the pharmaceutical industry, holding numerous leadership positions in sales, training and marketing. Dawn holds a BS in Biology and MBA with a concentration in Marketing from Sacred Heart University. Dawn is an Adjunct Professor at Sacred Heart University in the School of Management as well as the Human Resources Graduate Program, and is Six Sigma Green Belt certified.
Held in partnership with Sacred Heart University.
Register Here. The fee to attend this workshop is $35. Sign up 4 attendees and receive $5 off each registration! Enter all attendee information and then apply the code “4ATTENDEES” to receive the discount.

Board Chair Roundtable
2017-10-19 08:00 - 09:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
The Board Chair Roundtable is a facilitated peer learning network in which board leaders share practical experience and develop a network to draw upon when they have specific challenges. Board Chair Roundtables provide:

An enlightening and informal way of connecting with fellow board chairs
The sharing of best practices
A facilitated discussion format covering topics such as: board engagement, board recruitment, board/staff relationships and board fundraising

The roundtables meet from 8:00-9:30 am on the following dates:

October 19, 2017
December 7, 2017
February 8, 2018
April 19, 2018
June 7, 2018

Click here to register for the Board Chair Roundtable!

FCCF's Fund for Women & Girls and Women's Campaign School at Yale present: The Basics of Political Life
2017-10-07 10:00 - 15:00 | YWCA Greenwich, 259 East Putnam Avenue, Greenwich, CT, 06830, United States
Are you a woman thinking about running for public office? Or working on a political campaign? Are you unsure of next steps? Then this one-day training is for you! You will learn the most effective techniques to successfully launch your political life.
Topics of the Day
Making the Decision to Run
A discussion of the aspects of your life; both professional and personal,
you’ll need to consider before you run.

Finding Your Voice and Making it Matter
Do you know how to craft an inspiring message and deliver it confidently?
If not, you will by the end of the day!

Magnifying Your Magnificence
This segment will cover how to dress to win and ensure when you
enter a room, people say: “Wow! I cannot wait to hear what she has to say!”

Lunch
Key community leaders will share their political experiences
and paths to success.

Hon. Toni Boucher
CT State Senator, only Republican woman serving in the CT State Senate
Hon. Brenda Kupchick
WCSYale Graduate & Republican Deputy Minority Leader in the CT State House
Hon. Eloisa Melendez
WCSYale Graduate & youngest member of the Norwalk Common Council
Wendy Tyson-Wood
WCSYale Graduate running for State Rep
Carmen Nieves
WCSYale Graduate & premiere campaign manager
Danielle Palladino
WCSYale Graduate & Governor’s Communications Director

Networking
How to make connections so that you use your time well and wisely.

Wrap-up
Next Steps: Things to remember as you launch yourself!

Register by September 29, 2017. Please click here to register.

Advanced Supervision: Strengthening Middle Manager Skills
2017-10-04 09:00 - 15:30 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
As ambiguity in the nonprofit sector can lead to anxiety and challenges dynamics in the field, it is critical that supervisors continue to grow and strengthen their own skills to ensure their staff and organizations can thrive – even in challenging times.
This course will explore the following topics: building effective teams, giving and receiving feedback, project management, and using data to inform decision-making.
Attendees should have completed basic supervisor training previously and is intended for those with at least 6 months of work experience supervising others.
Trainer: Anne Yurasek – Fio Partners
Click here to register. Registration includes lunch.

Essential Business Skills Series: A Guide To Delivering Professional Presentations
2017-09-25 09:30 - 12:00 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Get comfortable making presentations! Whether it is an internal meeting or external meeting with a new donor, learning to communicate effectively is a key skill for any employee. This workshop will help you be more confident and prepared in delivering any type of presentation.
This workshop will cover:

The do’s and don’ts of presentations
How to use research and analysis to strengthen presentations
Effective body language, style and voice
The mechanics of a good presentation

About the presenter:
Sean Heffron is the Director of the Student Experience for the Jack Welch College of Business at Sacred Heart University. He has presented at multiple conferences and workshops as a keynote speaker. In addition to his role as Director, Sean also teaches Business Communications courses, is a published author, a husband and father, and a forever hopeful Baltimore Orioles fan.
Held in partnership with Sacred Heart University.
Click here to register. The fee to attend this workshop is $35. Sign up 4 staff and receive $5 off each registration! Enter all attendee information and then apply the code “4ATTENDEES” to receive the discount.

September 25on25 Webinar
2017-09-25 | Webinar
The theme and time for September’s 25on25 webinar is TBD. Check back soon!

Board Chair Essentials
2017-09-21 16:30 - 19:00 | Fairfield County’s Community Foundation, 40 Richards Avenue, Norwalk, CT, 06854, United States
Being a board chair can be a rewarding and challenging experience. As board chair, you are charged with managing the board, building an effective relationship with your Executive Director, providing strategic leadership to the organization and more. With all these responsibilities the role can feel overwhelming at times, but don’t despair.
Our Board Chair Essentials workshops will provide you with the knowledge and tools you need to be a more effective board chair. Attend this workshop and you will:

Gain confidence and feel more comfortable in your role as Board Chair
Get the tools you need to navigate your relationship with the Executive Director and other Board Members
Understand ways to effectively use an Executive Committee
Feel confident leading effective board meetings
Learn how to create and monitor board goals

Click here to register. A light dinner will be provided. Please arrive for 4:15 pm. The workshop will start promptly at 4:30 pm.
DEBRA HERTZ is Managing Director of The Strategy Group, a strategic advisory firm that works to help strengthen the impact of non-profits and private foundations. The firm works with organizations on issues related to planning, leadership training, merger negotiations and integration, and organizational effectiveness. She brings extensive work serving on and chairing boards. Most recently, she served as Chair of the Board of Liberation Programs, Inc., a substance abuse treatment agency serving Fairfield County. Her other current volunteer work includes serving as chair of the Darien Human Services Commission and on the Board of Directors of Achievement First Bridgeport Academy. In addition to her consulting work and volunteer service, Debra teaches in the Graduate School of Social Services at Fordham University. Prior to opening The Strategy Group, Debra served as Executive Director of the William Pitt Foundation, a private foundation that focuses on education for low-income youth. Previously she served in several executive positions at a non-profit agency in Stamford, CT serving families and women who are homeless, persons with HIV/AIDS, and individuals with mental illness. Debra received her Ph.D. and Master of Social Work from Fordham University and her B.A. in International Relational and Latin American Studies from American University.

August 25 on 25 Webinar: The Relationship Between Reproductive Health & Economic Security
2017-08-25 12:00 - 12:25 | Webinar
In celebration of FCCF’s 25th anniversary, we are hosting a series of specially-themed webinars to spark discussions and launch us into the next 25 years.

Our August webinar will explore the relationship between contraceptives and a wide array of benefits to women, men, children, and our communities. Andrea Kane, Vice President, Policy and Strategic Partnerships of The National Campaign to Prevent Teen and Unplanned Pregnancy will be our featured guest.

We’ll also share more about the ways in which FCCF is working with partners to build strong communities across Fairfield County.

Please register by August 24, 2017. Click here to register.
