New Report Features Case Study on The Community Foundation’s Economic Mobility Work in Fairfield County

At Fairfield County’s Community Foundation we know lasting progress requires more than individual programs. It depends on reliable data, strong relationships, community leadership, and sustained collaboration across sectors.

That belief shapes our work as we partner with residents, nonprofits, donors, businesses, and public leaders to address some of the region’s most pressing challenges: housing, womens & girls’ health, economic opportunity, youth education and career development, nonprofit capacity, and advocacy and civic engagement.

It also guided FCCF’s participation in CFLeads’ 2024–2025 Economic Mobility Action Network, a yearlong national cohort of 19 community foundation-led teams focused on strengthening local strategies for economic mobility.

CFLeads has now published Paving the Way: CFLeads Economic Mobility Action Network Builds Momentum Toward Generational Change, featuring case studies from all 19 participating communities.

FCCF’s case study, Creating a New Economic Narrative in Fairfield County, Connecticut, examines how the Community Foundation is using local research, convening power, and cross-sector partnerships to build support for an economy in which more people can thrive.

The case study highlights:

• The Upside—Growth, Potential and the Future of Fairfield County, developed with the Urban Institute and DataHaven;
• The Upside Forum, which brought together leaders from business, government, philanthropy, and the nonprofit sector; and
• FCCF’s work to build shared strategies around housing, education, careers, health, and other drivers of economic opportunity.

About CFLeads

CFLeads is a national network of community foundations leading change across the United States. It helps community foundations strengthen their communities by advancing effective practices, sharing knowledge, and galvanizing action on critical issues.

The full report offers lessons from communities across the country working to expand opportunity, strengthen local leadership, and help more people build secure and prosperous futures.

Whether you are a resident, business leader, nonprofit partner, donor, or public official, your perspective can help shape a Fairfield County where more people have the opportunity to thrive. Read the case study and explore how to get involved.