A private room at Louie”™s Italian Restaurant in Darien was the site of an event designed to encourage millennials to become more involved in philanthropy and investing in things that will have a social impact. Organized by Fairfield County”™s Community Foundation (FCCF) and the financial firm Merrill Lynch, the event included a “Philanthropy Pitch and Panel” featuring three experienced grant makers and three nonprofit organizations.
Kim Paris, impact investing director for Merrill Lynch, said, “Impact investing allows us to expand the dialogue from what goals do you want to pursue for your life to include what goals do you want to achieve for the world around you.”
The foundation”™s Development Director Kristy Jelenik said, “it”™s more important than ever to educate young adults on different ways they can create an impact on their community.”
The nonprofits that pitched their funding needs to the audience included Food Rescue, CT for a Dream and Rebirth Arts Collective. The grant makers included Michael Chambers from the Per and Astrid Heidenriech Foundation, Mirellise Vazquez from the Tauck Family Foundation and Jeffrey Infusino from Social Ventures Partners CT.
Food Rescue received a $1,000 grant from FCCF and the other two nonprofits received $500 awards.
