Youth
Council
The Orange County Community Foundation Youth Council was
established with the goal of developing among Orange County youth an
enduring commitment to philanthropic ideals. Since 2002, Youth Council
members from the county’s three school districts have learned that they can
improve the quality of life for citizens in Orange County
The OCCF Youth Council is mentored by representatives of  Paoli, Orleans,
and the Springs Valley areas, as well as the Orange County Community
Foundation staff. The Youth Council members themselves, however, are
responsible for the success of their endeavors. Meeting monthly, the
Orange County Community Foundation Youth Council facilitates its own
meeting processes, organizes its own committees, and hosts its own fund-
raisers for community programs and projects. To date, they have
established an endowment of more than $90,000.00. Annually they make
grants toward the common good throughout Orange County.
Perhaps one of the Youth Council’s most successful programs is its
Education Series, focused on teaching the components and spirit of
philanthropy to fourth grade students in each of the county’s three school
systems. Students are taught the importance of giving their time, talents
and treasure, as well as the long-term benefits of philanthropic efforts. By
introducing the concept of giving at the elementary level, the Youth Council
members are instilling a greater understanding of the community and its
needs, as well as the willingness and desire to help others, within the
children they teach.          
From the ranks of the OCCF Youth Council and the elementary students
they mentor will come tomorrow’s community leaders and those who will
further the goal of the Orange County Community Foundation to serve the
common good. By preparing these young people today for their roles in
future philanthropic efforts, the Community Foundation and the members of
its Youth Council are helping pave the way to a better quality of life...for
good, for ever, for Orange County.
The Orange County Community Foundation
participates in several community events including
fundraising, grant making, and parades.