Apply Now for a 2026 Youth Philanthropy Council Small Grant

Apr 27, 2026

The Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) at Fairfield County’s Community Foundation is proud to announce a one-time funding opportunity for local nonprofits to apply for small grants through its Community Impact Volunteer + Grantmaking Initiative.

As a youth-led philanthropic program, YPC engages young leaders in community service and grantmaking while supporting organizations that expand educational opportunity, strengthen community programs, and address disparities affecting youth and students across the county.

Through the small grant initiative, nonprofits that engage youth volunteers and contribute to meaningful community impact across Fairfield County are eligible to receive a grant ranging from $500 to $1,000 per applicant organization. Funds are intended to support general operating expenses that strengthen community programs and services. The YPC hopes to award a maximum of $10,000 to community-based nonprofits.

How It Works

Step 1: Apply through our Grant Portal. If your organization has capacity and interest, indicate your availability for hosting a volunteer event and/or site visit for YPC members.

Step 2: YPC members may also reach out to learn more about your organization’s work, and/or to inquire about upcoming volunteer opportunities that could help them to learn about your mission and community impact, and better understand community needs.

Step 3: YPC members may recommend grant funding for your organization based on their volunteer experience, your organization’s impact, and your alignment with the council’s mission. Note: Participation in volunteer activities or site visits is NOT required for funding consideration.

Step 4: Save the date to join us on June 11, 2026 at 6 pm at Park City Music Hall in Bridgeport for the YPC’s capstone event.

Eligibility & Selection

This opportunity is open to nonprofit 501(c)3 organizations serving Fairfield County, with priority given to organizations focusing on one or more of the following areas:

  • Educational equity and access
  • College preparation and readiness
  • Academic support such as tutoring or mentoring
  • Career development and workforce training
  • Programs serving youth and students from under-resourced communities
  • Programs addressing educational disparities
  • Organizations that provide meaningful volunteer opportunities for youth

Applications will be evaluated based on these guiding principles:

  • Impact: How does the organization contribute to community well-being and expand educational opportunity?
  • Connection: How does the volunteer experience help youth understand and connect with the organization’s mission and work?
  • Equity and Access: Does the organization serve historically under-resourced communities or address disparities in access to opportunity?
  • Alignment: Does the organization’s work align with the Youth Philanthropy Council’s mission, priorities, and values?

Key Dates

April 27, 2026 – Application Process Opens
April 28 – June 30, 2026 – Volunteer Engagement Period*
May 20, 2026 – Applications Due
May 21 – June 30, 2026 – Application Review Period**
June 2, 2026 – Award Notification
June 11, 2026 – Grant Check Ceremony and YPC End-of-Year Celebration

*The YPC’s formal activities conclude on June 30, 2026. If you share availability for engagement beyond this date, any continued involvement by individual members would be voluntary, informal and independent of the YPC program.
**Grant applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis through June 30th, or until funds run out.

Apply Now

For technical assistance in submitting an application through our Grants and Programs Portal, contact Grants Associate Sharon Jones at SJones@FCCFoundation.org.

About the Youth Philanthropy Council

Established in 2024, the Youth Philanthropy Council works to address educational disparities and support young people pursuing higher education, workforce training, and career pathways. Council members raise funds and direct grant support to local nonprofit organizations through a youth-led grantmaking process.

By partnering with community organizations, the council seeks to remove barriers that prevent students from accessing educational and career opportunities. At the same time, the program develops the next generation of philanthropic leaders by providing hands-on experience in fundraising, volunteer service, and community-centered funding decisions.