The Carver is honored to announce that it has been selected as a 2026 grant recipient by the Young Philanthropists Program (YPP) of the New Canaan Community Foundation (NCCF).
Following a thoughtful review process that included interviews with nonprofit leaders and careful evaluation of community impact, the student members of NCCF's Young Philanthropists Program selected The Carver as one of the organizations to receive funding this year. The grant was formally presented during the Young Philanthropists Grant Awards Ceremony held on June 2 at the New Canaan Library's Bartlett Auditorium. Carver Senior Development Manager Emily Berliet attended the event on behalf of the organization.
"We are deeply grateful to the students of the Young Philanthropists Program for their confidence in The Carver and the young people we serve," Emily said. "This grant represents more than financial support—it reflects a thoughtful investment by the next generation of community leaders."
The Carver extends special thanks to Meg Soffen, Program Officer at the New Canaan Community Foundation, for her years of support, partnership, and leadership in helping connect local philanthropy with organizations making a difference throughout Fairfield County.
The interview process left a lasting impression on Carver's leadership team. Chandler Wagner, NCCF's Young Philanthropists Program student representative, asked remarkably thoughtful and probing questions about The Carver, its students, and the measurable impact of its programs.
"It was inspiring to see such genuine curiosity, intelligence, and commitment to understanding community impact," said Carver representatives following the interview. "Chandler's questions demonstrated the kind of thoughtful leadership that gives us great confidence in the future of philanthropy."
The Young Philanthropists Program offers New Canaan High School students a unique opportunity to learn about the nonprofit sector and the role philanthropy plays in addressing community needs. Participants meet throughout the school year to learn from community leaders, explore local challenges, raise funds, conduct nonprofit interviews and site visits, and ultimately make competitive grant decisions that support organizations serving the region.
The program culminates each spring with a grant awards celebration that recognizes both the student philanthropists and the nonprofit organizations they choose to support.
Founded in 1977, the New Canaan Community Foundation has spent nearly five decades bringing together donors, volunteers, nonprofit organizations, and community leaders to create meaningful and lasting change. Through grantmaking, scholarships, donor-advised funds, community leadership initiatives, and programs like Young Philanthropists, NCCF continues to foster a healthier, more vibrant, and more connected community.
The Carver is proud to be among the organizations selected by this year's Young Philanthropists cohort and applauds these students for their commitment to learning, service, and thoughtful philanthropy. Their work demonstrates that young people are not only the leaders of tomorrow—they are already making a meaningful difference today.