Trainings & Events

Members of the Fairfield University Center for Social Impact Team will be participating in a variety of community events throughout Bridgeport this summer supporting the City's Climate Resiliency Plan by engaging residents, listening to community perspectives, sharing information about the planning process, and helping ensure that community voices are reflected in future resilience and sustainability efforts. These events provide valuable opportunities to connect with residents across different neighborhoods and learn more about the environmental, economic, and quality-of-life priorities that matter most to the community.

Community Outreach Schedule: 

1) Hollow Farmers Market 

• Date: Friday, July 10, 2026
• Time: 11:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Location: 1151 Park Ave, Bridgeport, CT 06604

2) Black Rock Farmers Market 

• Date: Saturday, July 11, 2026
• Time: 9:00 a.m. – 1:00 p.m.
• Location: 481 Brewster Street, Bridgeport, CT 06605

3) Downtown Farmers Market

• Date: Thursday, July 16, 2026
• Time: 10:30 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Location: McLevy Green, 102 Bank St, Bridgeport, CT

4) Community Resource Cookout

• Date: Saturday, July 18, 2026
• Time: 1:00 p.m. – 5:00 p.m.
• Location: 985 Stratford Ave, Bridgeport, CT

5) East Side Farmers Market

• Date: Wednesday, July 22, 2026
• Time: 10:00 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
• Location: Washington Park, 474 East Washington Ave, Bridgeport, CT

CT DEEP recently announced the next round of competitive grant funding through the Open Space and Watershed Land Acquisition (OSWA) and Urban Green and Community Garden (UGCG) Grant Programs.

• OSWA grants help land trusts and municipalities acquire land for open space, and to water companies to acquire land to be classified as Class I or Class II water supply property. OSWA applications are due 11/6; Appraisal Reviews are due 12/4.


• UGCG grants are available to nonprofits and municipalities for developing or enhancing urban green spaces for public enjoyment and/or environmental education. UGCG applications are due 12/4. 

Join the upcoming information sessions, offered by CT DEEP in partnership with CLCC, to learn about these and other land conservation funding opportunities, including CLCC’s Transaction Assistance Grant (TAG) program and their newest initiative, the Forever CT Fund Bridge Loan. 

There will be ample opportunity to ask questions about the grant application process, project criteria, and more to help you develop your grant proposal.
 

Shrinking federal funding and rising competition for grants are forcing land trusts to rethink how they fund their work—and many are turning to entrepreneurial strategies to stay resilient. In this session, Ole Amundsen explores real-world examples of land trusts of different capacities and their successful generation of new revenue streams while strengthening community connections. Join the webinar on July 22rd at noon to gain practical ideas. Board members are encouraged to attend the training as broadening the financial support for the organization is a key responsibility. Participants attending this session are invited to attend a follow-up session on Wednesday Sept 30th at noon to collectively brainstorm on new revenue strategies, consider what changes are needed to bring in this new revenue and how to reflect these goals in their strategic plan.
 

Join the Land Trust of West Haven for this inaugural Coastal Conversations series! The events take place on select Sundays at 10:00am from July through October and feature talks about coastal topics, wildlife, habitats, and ways to help.

• July 26, August 9, August 23, September 6, September 20, October 4

Location: Eco Park, Old Grove Park Building, 1 Palace Street, West Haven, CT
 

This session will be an open office hour format for those interested in learning more about CT Green Bank's programs and brainstorming potential opportunities for funding proposed projects.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

This workshop will focus on CT Green Bank's programs to support municipalities and schools to improve resilience and energy use.
 

AgeWellFest is a two-part learning, networking, and celebration opportunity for every Connecticut community.

AgeWellFest: Celebration (5:00 - 6:30 pm) is an evening of connection, discovery, and inspiration. We'll present the 2026 Wellspring Awards, honoring communities, organizations and individuals that are fostering age-inclusivity in Connecticut. We'll also celebrate the culmination of the 2026 Community Leaders Fellowship.

Prior to the celebration, AgeWellFest: Connection (1:30 - 4:30 pm) is a more intimate networking and knowledge-sharing opportunity for current members of the Fellowship program, program alumni, and municipal leaders and residents interested in future participation. This portion of AgeWellFest is sponsored by AARP Connecticut as our Livable Communities Sponsor.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Energy Storage Solutions is an incentive program overseen by the Public Utilities Regulatory Authority (PURA) administered by the CT Green Bank and utilities. Learn more about upfront and yearly performance incentives available for batteries paired with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems and standalone batteries.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

This workshop will focus on the Smart-E Loans program offering low-interest financing for residential home energy improvements through a network of contractors and lenders.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.
 

Connecticut Equity and Environmental Justice Advisory Council (CEEJAC) was established in Executive Order 21-3 to provide guidance to the Commissioner of CT's Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) on issues related to the state's historic and current environmental injustice and inequities across the state.

The Council convenes quarterly to hear updates from subcommittees and discuss key projects. All Quarterly Meetings are open to the public. If you have questions, please contact [email protected].

Accessibility Needs: The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to complying with the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act. Please contact us at (860) 418-5910 or [email protected] if you: have a disability and need a communication aid or service; have limited proficiency in English and may need information in another language; or if you wish to file an ADA or Title VI discrimination complaint. Any person needing a hearing accommodation may call the State of Connecticut relay number - 711. Requests for accommodations must be made at least two weeks prior to any agency hearing, program or event.
 

Join Sustainable CT for virtual, informal, discussions most third Thursdays of each month. We share program updates and resources, explore your questions, and strengthen the network of Sustainable CT champions. These sessions are free and open to all.