On Thursday evening, May 24, 2001 the Philanthropic Youth Council of Ridgefield was launched. This Philanthropic Youth Council operates under the Ridgefield Community Foundation's umbrella as a not-for-profit advisory board.

The council is made up of twenty-two students ranging from grades 9-12. The goal of the program is to create a philanthropic advisory board of students to empower and establish young people as valuable contributors now, as well as essential community leaders for the future.

Guest speakers volunteer to share with the council their experiences and counsel regarding their particular field of interest. This is a special opportunity for the students to direct a youth initiative. 

Since its inception, the PYC has granted over $150,000 to local charities in need. In 2010, the PYC was awarded the Youth Philanthropy of the Year Award for the State of Connecticut by the Association of Fundraising Professionals.

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“Philanthropy is a personal journey. Charity lies within each of us - in our hearts, in our heads, in our spirits.”