Fairfield County’s Community Foundation recently celebrated the completion of its two-year Youth Philanthropy Council program—and the remarkable young people who are already helping to shape a more equitable Fairfield County.
See the photos of their celebration event here!
The Council brought together emerging leaders ages 16 to 24 for hands-on experience in volunteering, fundraising, grant writing, proposal review, and grantmaking. Guided by Community Foundation staff and mentors, members selected educational disparities as their funding priority and awarded $8,600 in grants to 14 youth-serving nonprofits across Fairfield County, including The Carver.
Carver’s grant will support the Carver Spring College Tour Student Leadership Fundraising Initiative, which combines college access with hands-on leadership and workforce development. Carver high school students will organize and operate a concession stand during Fairfield County Basketball League games at the Carver Community Center. Proceeds will help offset the cost of Carver’s Spring 2027 College Tour.
For more than 50 years, the Spring College Tour has introduced Carver students—many of whom will be the first in their families to attend college—to colleges and universities across several states, including Historically Black Colleges and Universities. Students tour campuses, meet admissions representatives, connect with Carver alumni, and experience college life firsthand.
Through the concession initiative, approximately 20 to 30 students will also help manage inventory, serve customers, promote the fundraiser, and oversee day-to-day operations. Along the way, they will strengthen their communication, teamwork, budgeting, problem-solving, and customer-service skills while taking an active role in supporting their own educational aspirations.
The award is especially meaningful because it represents young people investing in other young people. Youth Philanthropy Council members approached their decisions thoughtfully, considering community impact, equity, educational opportunity, and long-term sustainability.
As FCCF President and CEO Mendi Blue Paca observed at the Council’s culminating Night of Music and Impact, young people are not merely preparing to become leaders; they are already leading. The Council’s support of Carver and 13 fellow nonprofits demonstrates what becomes possible when youth are trusted with a genuine voice, meaningful responsibility, and the resources to turn their values into community impact.
The Carver is deeply grateful to the Youth Philanthropy Council and Fairfield County’s Community Foundation for believing in our students and supporting their journey toward college, leadership, and lifelong success.