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Stronger Together: Nonprofits and Business Leaders Unite in Milford to Amplify Community Impact

By: Philip Conner, VP of Marketing and Operations

On April 30, 2026, nonprofit leaders, chambers of commerce, and business councils gathered at Connoisseur Media’s Milford facility for Stronger Together—a networking and resource event designed to deepen collaboration and strengthen the region’s capacity to meet rising community needs. Hosted through a partnership that included the Bridgeport Regional Business Council, Milford Chamber of Commerce, Shopping Anyway, and Connoisseur Media, the event created space for meaningful introductions, practical support, and a shared commitment to collective action.

A Room Full of Mission-Driven Momentum

Representatives from organizations across the region came together ranging from human services and food security to youth development and community wellness. The energy in the room reflected a simple truth: when nonprofits and the business community align, communities become more resilient. Throughout the event, attendees connected

with peers, exchanged ideas, and explored new ways to support one another through shared resources, referrals, and cross-sector partnerships.

Advocacy and Funding: A Timely Call to be Louder

A keynote presentation from Gian-Carl Casa, President & CEO of the Connecticut Community Nonprofit Alliance, offered a direct and timely look at the current funding landscape and the importance of sustained advocacy.

Key takeaways included:

  • State investment is increasing, with one of the most significant funding increases beginning July 1.
  • Advocacy helped secure an additional $30 million specifically for nonprofits.
  • Despite progress, nonprofits remain roughly 30% behind in buying power compared to 2007.
  • Federal program reductions and delays are expected to increase demand on nonprofit services.


Resource Center Spotlights: Practical Support in Real Time

A highlight of Stronger Together was the Resource Center, where attendees could meet with providers offering targeted

solutions for nonprofit operations and growth, including:


  •  Bookkeeping and tax compliance support
  • Legal guidance focused ongovernance and compliance
  • Fundraising strategy, communications, and brand refinement
  • Cybersecurity risk management for nonprofits and public sector partners
  • Video, audio, and digital storytelling services
  • A donation-connection app linking donors directly to real-time needs

These conversations helped transform networking into action—connecting organizations with tools that can strengthen capacity today.

Meet Your Resource Partners

Business Community Partnership: Shared Goals, Shared Outcomes

Speakers reinforced that nonprofits are not only community anchors—they are also major employers and economic contributors. With Connecticut nonprofits employing 118,000 people and serving more than half a million residents each year, the nonprofit sector’s strength is deeply tied to the state’s overall health. The business community expressed strong interest in developing specific advocacy initiatives ahead of the next legislative session, recognizing that thriving nonprofits help create thriving neighborhoods—and thriving local economies.

What’s Next? Turning Connection into Collective Action

Stronger Together wasn’t just an event—it was a reminder that impact grows when collaboration becomes a habit. Attendees left with new contacts, fresh ideas, and a renewed commitment to advocacy and partnership.

Immediate next steps discussed included:

  • Scheduling nonprofit visits to the state capitol before the end of the legislative session
  • Encouraging nonprofits to invite legislators into their facilities in the coming months
  • Building a stronger agenda for nonprofit-focused advocacy ahead of the next session

For those who attended: thank you for showing up, sharing your work, and strengthening the network.