RIDGEFIELD – The volunteer-run nonprofit Ridgefield Thrift Shop has been a mainstay in the town for decades, raising money to support various charitable organizations.
This year it has awarded 78 grants, including 69 to Fairfield County recipients. Others were awarded to five in Westchester County, two in Putnam County, and one each in Litchfield and Dutchess counties. In addition, they awarded 13 student scholarships to local high school students for a total of $97,500, each worth $7,500. All student scholarship recipients attended Ridgefield High School.
“We hosted a reception for all the grant recipients, and most are anxious to tell us the impact our grant has had on their organization and the people they serve,” said Jane Chopourian, treasurer and member of the grant/scholarship committee. “It makes all the hours we work worth it to hear the impact our grant has had on their organizations and the people/animals they serve. It’s very rewarding to hear their stories and visit their locations, if invited.”
The Grants Committee consists of six Ridgefield Thrift Shop volunteers, with a grant application period running Dec. 1, 2025, through Jan. 31, 2026. “Organizations receive different amounts. The applicant must be a 501(c) charitable organization or municipal organization. Our grants are restricted and must be designated for a specific purpose,” explained Chopourian.
Established in 1937, the thrift shop became an independent non-profit organization in 1946. Its mission is to support local non-profit organizations through recycling, repurposing, and reselling generously donated goods and to provide the opportunity to purchase affordable merchandise at their shop, located at 21B Governor St.
The shop, which has a staff of 100+ volunteers, has a little bit of something for everyone.
“It offers an ever-changing selection of quality donated merchandise,” said Chopourian. “With departments including clothing for men, women, and children, as well as housewares, linens, toys, sporting goods, jewelry, shoes, and accessories, there is something for everyone. Every purchase supports local nonprofits, scholarships, and community programs, making shopping here both meaningful and sustainable.”
One of the grant recipients – New Pond Farm Education Center in Redding – was awarded $3,624.95.
“We’re excited to receive a grant award from the Ridgefield Thrift Shop in support of our ‘Sharing Honey Bees with Seniors’ initiative,” said Ann Murray, apiary manager. “This grant will enable us to broaden the reach of our Honey Bee programming, bringing meaningful experiences to more members of our community, especially those who are unable to visit our property in person.”
New Pond Farm is an independent, year-round environmental education center set on 102 acres of protected woodlands, wetlands, meadows, and pastures in Fairfield County.
The funds will be used to expand the nonprofit’s programming into residential and commercial settings with a focus on seniors.
“Our multisensory pilot program at Meadow Ridge retirement community was met with enthusiasm and gratitude, demonstrating the value of these interactive sessions for residents,” Murray said. “We’re eager to extend these experiences to seniors throughout Ridgefield. Additionally, we will use the funds to acquire new technology that will let participants observe the real-time status of our living hives. By using state-of-the-art apiculture tools, we can foster a deeper connection between seniors and these remarkable pollinators.”
The Honey Bee programming, including education, appreciation, and hands-on instruction, has been part of New Pond Farm for more than 25 years. “Honey Bee education is a cornerstone of our mission,” Murray added. “By raising awareness about the vital role of bees and other pollinators, we encourage community members to take action in protecting these essential creatures.”
Danbury Animal Welfare Society (DAWS) was a new recipient this year, having received $15,000.
“This grant will help strengthen the quality-of-care animals receive from the moment they enter our shelter through adoption, while also expanding access to affordable veterinary care for pets in our community,” said Adam Carley, executive director. “Funding will support medical treatment, spay and neuter services, vaccinations, behavioral enrichment, daily socialization and exercise, our Trap-Neuter-Return program for community cats, and veterinary internship opportunities that help build the next generation of animal care professionals.”
DAWS is a regional non-profit animal welfare nonprofit dedicated to protecting and improving the lives of companion animals.
“We’re honored to be selected as a grant recipient. Their generosity is a vote of confidence in our mission and an investment in the approximately 1,500 animals that come through our doors each year, as well as the families who rely on our affordable veterinary services,” Carley said. “Approximately 75% of DAWS’ operating revenue comes from grants, private donations, and fundraising events, making community support essential to everything we do.”
