Village Community Foundation

What Village Community Foundation does

Village Community Foundation (VCF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity (EIN 87-3500799) founded in February 2023 and headquartered at The Village in Stamford, Connecticut. It operates the LaunchPad program — a free career development platform serving underserved young adults (ages 18–24) seeking pathways into entertainment, sports, music, and finance industries. The program is delivered through an event-driven, community-led model combining career discovery sessions, site visits to employer partners, mentorship, workshops, and internship/job placement support. Since inception, VCF reports serving over 1,000 lifetime participants and delivering 3,000+ program service hours.

VCF's service portfolio consists of six integrated modules: LaunchPad (core career discovery and placement), LaunchPad Music (music industry pathways, launched June 2026 in partnership with Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater), LaunchPad Digital (creator economy talent pipeline), Ignition (off-cycle internship/employment platform, launched August 2024), Brand Accelerator Program (Stamford small business digital services, launched November 2025 with City of Stamford funding), and Career Discovery (entry-level career development). The organization does not develop proprietary technology — its web infrastructure is built on Squarespace CMS, and a planned TalentDB app is referenced but not yet launched.

Revenue is generated entirely through donations and charitable contributions, grants and foundation support, and corporate sponsorships. The program is offered free to participants. Marquee employer partners include Netflix, ITV America, Paramount, MillerKnoll, iCapital, Morgan Stanley, and WME, with executive representation from each on the VCF board. The organization is led by President Jon Winkel and is strategically affiliated with Wheelhouse (Brent Montgomery/Jimmy Kimmel's media venture). In July 2026, VCF expanded its program footprint to serve the greater New York metropolitan area while retaining Stamford as its headquarters.

Name

Village Community Foundation

Legal name

The Village Community Foundation, Inc.

Website

https://mylaunchpad.org

Company type

Private

Founded year

2023

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

1–10 employees

Short description

Village Community Foundation operates LaunchPad, a free 501(c)(3) career development program serving underserved young adults (ages 18–24) seeking pathways into entertainment, sports, music, and finance industries through mentorship, employer site visits, and placement support.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Product category

Workforce Development Nonprofits

NAICS

Civic and Social Organizations (813410), Professional and Management Development Training (61143), Religious, Grantmaking, Civic, Professional, and Similar Organizations (813)

SIC

Services-Educational Services (8200)

akta.pro primary industry

Youth Mentoring & Positive Youth Development Nonprofits (BPAGADAD)

akta.pro secondary industries

Mentorship & Coaching (Career, Academic, Industry-Specific) (EDAMAKAA), Youth-to-Adult Transition & Life Skills (Independent Living, Soft Skills) (EDAAAFAN), Leadership, Service Learning & Volunteer-to-Career Pathways (EDAMAKAJ), Community Foundations (BPAGAKAB)

Keywords

• Workforce development
• Career placement programs
• Youth mentorship
• Nonprofit career services
• Internship programs

Headquarters

HQ city

Stamford

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure

Revenue model

1. Donations and Charitable Contributions: LaunchPad's operating budget is funded through board member contributions and public donations. The organization is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit public charity (EIN 87-3500799). The website explicitly states '100% of your contribution directly supports our program and participants.' Donations are processed through third-party payment providers.
2. Grants and Foundation Support: The organization receives support through grants and foundation partnerships. The Brand Accelerator Program is funded by the City of Stamford, demonstrating public-sector grant funding as a revenue stream.
3. Corporate Sponsorships: Marquee employer partners (Netflix, ITV America, MillerKnoll, etc.) provide financial and in-kind support for programming. Sponsors gain visibility with participants and the broader LaunchPad community.

Pricing tiers

Go-to-market motion3 records

Distribution channels4 records

Marketing channels8 records

Core offering

The Village Community Foundation operates the LaunchPad program, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit career development initiative that provides career discovery sessions, coaching, mentorship, networking, and internship/job placement assistance to underserved young adults (ages 18-24) pursuing careers in entertainment, sports, music, and finance. The program is free to qualifying participants and is delivered through on-site events at partner companies, workshops, summits, and ongoing mentorship.

Product overview

Village Community Foundation operates LaunchPad as its core program—a 501(c)(3) nonprofit career opportunity platform for underserved young adults. The ecosystem comprises multiple integrated modules: LaunchPad (core career discovery and placement), LaunchPad Music (music industry pathway), LaunchPad Digital (creator economy talent), Ignition (off-cycle internship/employment platform), Brand Accelerator Program (small business digital services), and Career Discovery (entry-level career development). These programs work together to provide a full spectrum of career development services from initial discovery through employment placement, with shared infrastructure including talent placement assistance, mentorship networks, and employer partnerships across entertainment, sports, finance, and music industries.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• LaunchPad A 501(c)(3) nonprofit program that creates and shares life-changing career opportunities in entertainment, sports, money, and music for underserved young adults. The program provides career discovery, coaching, mentorship, networking, and placement assistance.
• LaunchPad Music Creates and shares life-changing career opportunities in concert production, touring, management, and more for underserved young adults. In partnership with the Hartford HealthCare Amphitheater, Jim Koplik, and a growing coalition, it reimagines access to the music industry.
• LaunchPad Digital The talent engine for the creator economy, supporting creators, brands, and digital-first businesses by connecting them with exceptional emerging talent facing barriers. It provides a pipeline of photographers, videographers, editors, and content strategists for gigs, internships, and jobs.
• Ignition A bespoke internship and employment opportunities platform that enables employers to create off-cycle internship and professional roles outside the traditional academic year. It also includes Ignition Mentors for mentorship outside traditional career tracks.
• Brand Accelerator Program A partnership with the City of Stamford providing free digital marketing services including photography, video production, and social media content to small businesses while creating paid creative opportunities for LaunchPad participants.
• Career Discovery An entry-level career development program featuring fireside chats with industry leaders, small group coaching sessions, and experiential learning opportunities designed to help students discover their interests and pursue careers in prominent industries.

Quantifiable outcome

• Over 1,000 lifetime program participants served since 2023
• +5 more outcomes

Named customers5 records

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Partnerships

31 partnerships are on record, tiered core and supporting.

• WheelhousecoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 14 July 2026Wheelhouse is the parent media, marketing, and investment venture founded by Brent Montgomery in partnership with Jimmy Kimmel. LaunchPad is powered by Wheelhouse and the Village Community Foundation. Wheelhouse provides infrastructure, industry relationships, executive involvement, and The Village physical campus where LaunchPad is headquartered. CEO Brent Montgomery and the Wheelhouse team are deeply involved in program delivery and strategic direction.
• FFO (Financial Foresight Advisors)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 2 February 2026Evan Jehle, Partner and COO at FFO, joined the LaunchPad Board. FFO advises ultra-high-net-worth entrepreneurs, executives, entertainers, and athletes on business management and wealth planning. Evan brings expertise in philanthropy and nonprofit governance to support LaunchPad's mission.
• MillerKnoll (including Design Within Reach)coreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 18 December 2025LaunchPad announced an expanded partnership with MillerKnoll's portfolio of retail brands including DWR (Design Within Reach). Debbie Propst, President of Global Retail at MillerKnoll, joined the LaunchPad Board. Plans include site visits to MillerKnoll headquarters in Stamford, project-based earn-while-you-learn opportunities, and exploration of summer internships across MillerKnoll brands. A photography/videography project at The Glass House in New Canaan was completed as an early collaboration.
• City of StamfordcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 11 November 2025The City of Stamford, championed by Mayor Caroline Simmons and Director of Economic Development Leah Kagan, partnered with LaunchPad to fund the Brand Accelerator Program. The City provides funding for paid creative opportunities for LaunchPad participants while delivering digital marketing services to up to 10 Stamford small businesses.
• Don't Follow the Wave (Anthony Edwards)supportingStrategic or Co-development Partner · 21 August 2025LaunchPad partnered with NBA star Anthony Edwards' nonprofit Don't Follow the Wave for an Immersion Day at Paramount's NYC headquarters. The partnership united young adults from Atlanta, Minnesota, Birmingham, and New York for career exploration in entertainment.
• iCapitalcoreStrategic or Co-development Partner · 4 December 2024iCapital is a financial services firm where Sonali Basak serves as Chief Investment Strategist. Sonali joined the LaunchPad Board and is partnering with LaunchPad to create programming and resources for young adults around financial literacy, preparing for financial futures, and starting small businesses.
• ITV AmericacoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerITV America is one of the nation's largest producers of unscripted television (behind Queer Eye, Love Island, Hell's Kitchen). CEO David George serves on the LaunchPad Board. LaunchPad fellows have been placed at ITV America, with 13 fellows in roles including 9 on Hell's Kitchen. Fellows Dorian Robinson and Sahil Laul were selected for ITV America's prestigious ORBIT Program. ITV hosts site visits and breakout sessions at their Stamford offices co-located with LaunchPad.
• NetflixcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerNetflix is a marquee employer partner supporting LaunchPad programming. Netflix executive Corey Twitty (Head of Emerging Talent) serves on the LaunchPad Board. Netflix hosted site visits for LaunchPad fellows at their NYC office. Stephanie Leonard from Netflix spoke at the PA Workshop. Netflix has hired LaunchPad talent for various production roles.
• Paramount (Nickelodeon)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerParamount is a marquee employer partner. Makeda Mays Green, SVP at Nickelodeon (Digital and Cultural Consumer Insights), serves as LaunchPad Board member and Music Chair. Paramount hosted an Immersion Day with LaunchPad and Anthony Edwards' Don't Follow the Wave. LaunchPad has collaborated with Paramount on various programming.
• A+E NetworkscoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerA+E Networks is a marquee employer partner hosting LaunchPad fellows for site visits. Executives including Allie Breslin (VP Development), Danielle Santos (Supervising Producer), and Kristin Miloro (Director, Ad Sales Partnerships) have participated in Q&A sessions with LaunchPad fellows at A+E's NYC headquarters.
• TeamSheed ProductionssupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerTeamSheed Productions, founded by Rasheed J. Daniel, is an independent Black-owned production company. Rasheed serves on the LaunchPad Board and is CEO/Founder. LaunchPad fellow Bushra Farook worked as a production assistant on TeamSheed's Deb's House (AllBlk/WEtv). Rasheed delivered the closing keynote at the 2026 Summit.
• Block PartysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerBlock Party is a social-first creative agency (clients include Netflix, Bloomberg Philanthropies, Nick Kroll, Comedy Central). LaunchPad fellow Dorian Robinson interned in Content Strategy and Production. Block Party CEO Caitlin Gray participated in LaunchPad programming and workshops.
• WMEsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWME (William Morris Endeavor) is listed as a partner company supporting the LaunchPad initiative. As a major talent agency, WME provides industry access and potential placement opportunities for LaunchPad participants.
• Morgan StanleysupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerMorgan Stanley is listed as a partner company supporting LaunchPad. Sandra Richards, Head of Global Sports and Entertainment at Morgan Stanley, participated in a panel at the 2026 Summit discussing entertainment industry dynamics.
• ZillowsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorZillow is listed as a partner company supporting LaunchPad, providing industry access and potential career opportunities in the real estate/tech sector.
• VersantsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorVersant is listed as a partner company supporting LaunchPad's career development initiatives.
• University of Connecticut (UConn)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUConn is a key educational partner, particularly its Digital Media and Design program. UConn students participate in LaunchPad programming, and the partnership has produced successful alumni including Dorian Robinson and Sahil Laul. Matt Worwood from UConn Digital Media Design serves as a collaborator.
• Digital Media Connecticut (DMCT)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDMCT is a collaborative of Connecticut higher education institutions working on career development in film, television, and digital content. DMCT co-hosts the annual Summit with LaunchPad and manages the DMCT Awards recognizing emerging student creators.
• Connecticut Office of Film, Television, and Digital MediasupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorGeorge Norfleet, Executive Director of the CT Office of Film, Television, and Digital Media, participates in LaunchPad programming. The office supports Connecticut's growing entertainment industry pipeline that LaunchPad contributes to.
• Hartford Healthcare AmphitheatersupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerLaunchPad Music, launched in partnership with Hartford Healthcare Amphitheater, creates career opportunities in concert production, touring, and music industry management. The venue hosted the LaunchPad Music Summit 2026 on June 5th in Bridgeport, CT.
• GE Appliances (CoCREATE)supportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerGE Appliances' CoCREATE facility in Stamford hosted the inaugural LaunchPad Summit & DMCT Awards in April 2025. CEO Kevin Nolan participated in a fireside chat with Makeda Mays Green.
• Live Nation Connecticut & Upstate NYsupportingStrategic or Co-development PartnerJim Koplik, President of Live Nation CT & Upstate NY, is a featured speaker at LaunchPad events and chairs LaunchPad Music initiatives. Live Nation provides industry access and potential career pathways in live entertainment.
• SCT TV FestivalsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe SCT TV Festival co-hosted the LaunchPad PA Workshop in January 2026, providing industry access and programming for emerging filmmakers.
• Lot48supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLot48 co-hosted the LaunchPad PA Workshop alongside SCT TV Festival, contributing to film industry programming for participants.
• Connecticut Film OfficesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Connecticut Film Office supported the LaunchPad PA Workshop, aligning with state workforce development priorities in entertainment.
• Norwalk Community CollegesupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorNorwalk Community College is a participating educational institution that refers students to LaunchPad programming.
• University of New HavensupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorUniversity of New Haven is a participating educational institution that refers students to LaunchPad programming.
• CT State College and University SystemsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorThe Connecticut State College and University System participates in LaunchPad's Career Discovery program, referring students to career development opportunities.
• Future5supportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorFuture5 is a nonprofit partner referring young adults to LaunchPad programming.
• LiveGirlsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorLiveGirl is a nonprofit partner that refers young women to LaunchPad's career development programming.
• Waterside SchoolsupportingChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorWaterside School is a nonprofit educational partner referring students to LaunchPad programming.

Scale indicators6 records

Recent moves8 records

Expansion highlights6 records

Market position

Competitive moat5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• YouTubeyoutube.com/@launchingnow
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/company/launchpadvcf
• Instagraminstagram.com/village.community.foundation

Compliance1 record

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles1 record

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

M&A

Investments

M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →

Frequently asked questions about Village Community Foundation