our work

nextgen philanthropy

Through the NextGen initiative, ECCF works to empower rising generations to be engaged changemakers with a focus on drawing a diverse population to the table to create change through our collective currencies, including money, connections, skills and knowledge.

In the coming year, NextGen will engage youth and adults through four distinct programs:

Youth Philanthropy Initiative, connecting young people with experiential giving opportunities

Purpose Parties, gatherings for adults that include philanthropic education, networking and leadership development opportunities.

Next-Level Get-Togethers, engaging diverse groups of people in design-thinking exercises that solve real-life issues.

Annual Giving Gathering, bringing families together to participate in meaningful activities with the opportunity to make real-time gifts to a cause.

past nextgen events

NextGen event with Ellen Sabin, Author of "The Giving Book"

We all want to teach our children how to make the world a better place. We want them to recognize when someone is in need and that they have the power to help. Most important, we want our kids to understand that when they give – time, money or just a simple kindness – they also receive. Engaging youth in charitable work builds character, strengthens communities and serves others.

ECCF, in collaboration with Brookwood School, partnered with Ms. Sabin to lead a unique and interactive session meant to engage parents and teachers in ways that help children understand the importance and value of giving.

NextGen event with Ron Lieber, New York Time columnist and best-selling author

Ron Lieber, New York Times columnist and best-selling author of The Opposite of Spoiled, lead an interactive session on how, when, and why to talk to kids about money and engaging them in philanthropy. He offered concrete tools and examples to help us think about how money and philanthropy help shape our children into compassionate, thriving adults.

By working with rising generations, we aim to create an authentic pipeline of doers with a cross-section of talents who will care for Essex County for today, and for the future.