Keynote speaker Dina Habib Powell (left) told the 650 guests at the Fund for Women and Girls 10th annual luncheon, “Now is the time for women and girls.” Congressman Jim Himes, father of two young daughters and a board member of the Fairfield County Community Foundation, attended
Over 650 supporters of the Fairfield County Community Foundation’s Fund for Women and Girls celebrated 10 years of making a difference in Fairfield County at its 10th annual luncheon on March 30. The fundraiser at the Greenwich Hyatt raised over $375,000.
The Fund was established by the Foundation and one woman to benefit women and girls in Fairfield County. Over the past 10 years, it has awarded over $1.4 million in grants to 37 local nonprofits, including Stamford organizations Domus Foundation, Family Centers, Soundwaters, CTE and Person-to-Person.
The Fund for Women and Girls’ current focus of grantmaking is to guide low-wage women supporting dependents to economic security by helping them earn an Associate’s degree, a Bachelor’s degree and enter careers that allow them to support themselves and their families.
“Research published by the World Bank, Goldman Sachs and others clearly demonstrates that an investment in women yields real economic growth and social progress,” said the keynote speaker Dina Habib Powell, managing director and global head of the Office of Corporate Engagement at Goldman Sachs. In 2008, Goldman Sachs launched “10,000 Women,” a global philanthropic initiative providing a business and management education to 10,000 women in developing countries and the U.S.
Over the next five years, the Fund for Women and Girls’ new Family Economic Security Program will provide 100 qualified students at Norwalk Community College with the personal, financial and career coaching they need to achieve a more secure future.
During these same five years, an additional 1,000 qualified students will receive similar yet reduced support, including referrals for employment, benefits, and academic counseling and assistance. They can also access workshops on achievement, careers, and personal finances.
“Now is the time for women and girls. Local initiatives like this are the beating heart of a global movement,” said Ms. Habib Powell.
Over the past 10 years, more than 2,300 Fairfield County women, men, and corporations have contributed to the Fund for Women and Girls, making it possible for over 990 women to move into safe, affordable housing with their children, and learn how to better manage their personal finances to begin building assets. In addition, their contributions allowed 1,740 Fairfield County girls to participate in programs that helped them find their voices, make healthy choices, and build the confidence to overcome obstacles and become leaders.
The Fairfield County Community Foundation promotes the growth of community and regional philanthropy to improve the quality of life throughout Fairfield County. Individuals, families, corporations and organizations can establish charitable funds and contribute to existing funds. The Foundation also provides philanthropic advisory services, and develops and leads initiatives to tackle critical community issues. It is in compliance with the Council on Foundations’ national standards for community foundations. The Foundation has awarded over $100 million in grants to nonprofits in Fairfield County and beyond. For more information, visit www.fccfoundation.org.
