2026 Grant Winner
Food Rescue US
Fairfield County After-School Food Support Program
Our $10,000 grant will fund the launch of a targeted initiative to deliver rescued fresh food directly from local food donors (grocers, restaurants, farms) to after-school programs at no cost…expanding access to nutritious food for children and families who need it most.
Operating in multiple locations, they’re dedicated to reducing hunger and food waste and strengthening community connections. They’ve rescued over 26 million meals.
“ I’m still struggling to find the words to describe how thrilled we are to receive the 2026 Generation Impact Grant! Everything about The Big Give was incredible, and I had such a wonderful time participating. We are so excited for the year ahead and the opportunity to work with all of the girls—what an amazing group they are.”
Karen Saggese
Lead Site Director
100 Girls
Leading
Bridgeport
$5,000 GRANT AWARDED to fund the launch HERSound Podcast, an audio storytelling initiative that amplifies the voices of 75–100 girls in Fairfield County through digital media and podcasting. 100 Girls Leading is dedicated to breaking the cycle of poverty by providing mentoring, education, and economic empowerment to underserved girls ages 9-18.
“Thank you so much for the opportunity to be part of such an incredible event. We truly appreciate the warm welcome—our team and girls had an amazing time! Our girls were so excited to present, and they left feeling inspired after hearing from so many other organizations doing impactful and meaningful work. It was a powerful experience for them, and one they will carry with them. Thank you again to you and the entire Generation Impact community for your support and for believing in our mission. We are so grateful for the opportunity to partner and can’t wait to stay connected.”
Bobbi Brown, CEO & Founder
Junior Achievement of Greater Fairfield County
Shelton
$5,000 GRANT AWARDED to fund the Empowered for Change expansion, empowering 200 high school girls to break the cycle of poverty and ignite their careers through leadership development, career readiness and direct mentorship from local women business leaders. JA inspires and prepares young people to succeed by focusing on financial literacy, work readiness, and entrepreneurship.
“What a wonderful afternoon watching your young women come together for The Big Give. It was an honor to present to them, and fun to learn about the other worthy organizations. We were so excited to learn about the $5,000 and will provide updates in the next season. Thank you to everyone involved for having such an impact in our community. Please extend our appreciation to the girls!”
Kim Morgan, President
The Kennedy
Collective
Trumbull
$5,000 GRANT AWARDED to fund the Pathways to Purpose pilot program for young adults with autism and IDD (ages 16-26), integrating job-readiness training and creative self-expression to build confidence and a foundation for independent living. For 75 years, The Kennedy Collective has supported, empowered, and employed individuals with disabilities, highlighting the value they bring to the community.
“Thank you so much for such a wonderful event yesterday. We’re incredibly grateful to have been part of it. We’re truly honored to have been selected as a runner-up and to receive the $5,000 award. Your support and the opportunity to share our work mean so much to our entire team, and this funding will make a meaningful impact on what we’re building. Thank you again for all the care and effort that went into organizing such a special day. We’re so appreciative and inspired by the community you’ve brought together.”
Don Seipel, MS, BCBA, LBA, Chief Program Officer
Thank you so much to our generous supporters
for helping us reach our goal!
100% of these gifts go directly to our 2026 Grant Fund!
Making a Difference ($2,500+)
Allard Family
Fletcher Development
Joy Weintz
Carole Hochman
Grant Fund Builder ($1,000+)
Buchalter Family
Vicki Craver
Norwood Foundation
Martha Handler
Vincent LaPadula
Kristen Rosenbaum
Christina Schwefel
SoulCycle x Gen Impact Riders
Jill Weiner
Friend of Generation Impact ($500+)
Lynn Carnegie
Grenwich Pediatric Dental
Dana Hammack
Hannah Lamb
Katherine Sachs Lumby
Beth Miranda
Susan Leibowits
Nina Lindia
Janea Neuenfeldt
Karen Rubenstein
Ari Spar
Jocelyn Wagner
Member Supporter ($100+)
Pepper Anderson
Pamela Arakal
Clara Belalcazar
Wendy Block
Julie Christie
Laura Daniel
Matthew Fine
Elliot Friedman
GCDS School Club
Michaele Giannoutsos
Jen Hart
Therese Harte
Anne Itkin
Susan Leibowits
Rachel Liersch
Annika Kennon
Kim Krinsky
Kerrith Mackay
Sonia Malloy
Izzie Nassa
Sarah Orum
Laura Phillipps
Suzi Sabogal
Kathy Sachs
Margaret Schwabe
Jennifer Servedio
Emerson Shockley
Katie Sibley
Shay Sippel
Rachelle Spievlvogel
H. James Stahl
Normin Taylor
Leigh Wit
Jennifer Weil
Jennifer Winig
Elizabeth Winston
Joanna Young