Young Philanthropists Program
Anyone Can be a Philanthropist!
Registration for the 2026-2027 Young Philanthropists Program live! If you are interested in learning more about the program or getting involved in future years, you can contact Meg at msoffen@newcanaancf.org
The Young Philanthropists Program (YPP) is a unique opportunity for New Canaan high school students to learn about the role of non-profit organizations in addressing community needs. YPP participants learn about local issues from community leaders, explore how they as philanthropists can make a difference, fundraise to amplify their charitable impact, and make competitive grants at the end of the year.
Participants attend monthly evening meetings during the school year, and have plenty of opportunities to attend site visits and fundraising events. The year culminates with an annual grant award celebration in June.
Check out the Young Philanthropists Instagram @nccfyoungphilanthropists
If you have any questions about the program, please contact Meg Soffen.
2026 Young Philanthropists Program Awards $47,000 in Grants to 9 Local Nonprofits
The 2026 class of Young Philanthropists, led by Co-Presidents Molly Schimmeck and Jeremy Schubert, spent the year diving deep into the issues of Behavioral Health and Environment/Animal Welfare. They heard from guest speakers and nonprofit leaders who talked about the challenges facing these issue areas, how the funding landscape is shifting over time, how young people are impacted, and how we can all get involved to improve our community. The Young Philanthropists reviewed grant applications and visited nonprofit organizations throughout the year to see their work in action. They also fundraised throughout the year - writing letters, hosting events, and partnering with local businesses. In the end, the group was able to grant an impressive $47,000 in total to nine organizations:
The Carver
Center for Children’s Advocacy
Fairfield County Trauma Response Team
Filling in the Blanks
Horizons at New Canaan Country School
Meals-On-Wheels of New Canaan
Planet New Canaan
The Rowan Center
Wildlife In Crisis
2025 Young Philanthropists Program Awards $32,500 in Grants to 5 Local Nonprofits
Last year’s 2025 class of Young Philanthropists, led by Co-Presidents Dylan Rees and Jeremy Schubert, spent the year diving deep into the issue of civic engagement. They heard from guest speakers and nonprofit leaders who talked about how to create community change, and how young people can use the tools at their disposal - including their voices - to improve their communities. The Young Philanthropists reviewed grant applications and visited nonprofit organizations throughout the year to see their work in action. They also fundraised throughout the year - writing letters, hosting events, and partnering with local businesses. In the end, the group was able to grant an impressive $32,500 in total to five organizations:
ABC of New Canaan
The Center for Children’s Advocacy
Food Rescue US - Fairfield County
Future 5
New Canaan Mounted Troop