Youth Advisory Committee

In 2018, the Fairfield County Foundation established its first Youth Advisory Committee to empower Fairfield County high school students through leadership and community service. Members gain real-world experience by managing submission reviews, completing site visits, and making recommendations to the Board of Trustees.  Discussion themes have included the fundamentals of philanthropy, nonprofit organizations and grant processes.

FOR STUDENTS

Juniors and seniors from schools across Fairfield County make up the 22-person committee. All 11 high schools in Fairfield County are asked to have representation each year. Students typically serve for two years, starting their junior year. Committee members are chosen by the Foundation with consideration of recommendations from high school counselors. Students are asked to attend 4 meetings throughout the school year. Meetings are typically during the weekday after school for an hour and are at locations throughout Fairfield County.  Each meeting will focus on topics directly related to philanthropy and grantmaking.

Students wishing to participate should fill out the committee member application by September 29th. Seniors who participated in the previous year will be given preference and should fill out the application each year. Fairfield County Foundation - Youth Advisory Committee – Fill out form

FOR GRANTEES

If you are a 501(c)(3) serving Fairfield County with a youth-related project, you can review the guidelines and application below. The next application cycle will open January 1, 2027 with a deadline of January 31, 2027. Final grant award decisions will be made mid-March.

Youth Advisory Committee Grant Application - This is a sample application to preview. The application MUST be filled out and submitted through the online grant system.

Youth Advisory Committee Grant Guidelines

Youth Advisory Committee Previous Grants Awarded

If you have any questions about the process, please contact Senior Program Officer, Abby King, at aking@fairfieldcountyfoundation.org or by phone at 740-654-8451.