About Us
Giving Together
for Greater Good
Council 1869 brings together families, corporations, donors, volunteers, and local leaders to collectively fund high-impact programs that provide opportunity and break the cycle of poverty for children and families.
Our Story
Council 1869 started with a simple idea: we can make a bigger impact when we work together. What began as a small group of families wanting to give back has grown into a strong network of donors, partners, volunteers, and businesses working toward one common goal—expanding opportunity and equity for the next generation. Together we focus on supporting programs that are already doing great work. We are providing funding to help them grow, reach more families, and create real, lasting change.
Mission & Vision
Council 1869’s mission is to collectively fund high-impact, research-backed programs that expand access to education, healthcare, and opportunity for children and families.
We see a future where every child, regardless of zip code, has access to the resources they need to grow, thrive, and succeed.
Collective Giving
Council 1869 was built on the belief that generosity can go further when it is directed with intention. Rather than funding one-off solutions, we bring donors together to support high-impact programs that are already doing meaningful work for children and families.
Our collective giving model allows individual contributions to become larger, more strategic grants, helping trusted organizations expand their reach, strengthen their programs, and create measurable change.
Who We Are
Council 1869 is composed of dedicated members, leaders, and young people who are committed to driving meaningful impact through collective giving.
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The Student Leadership Council is a dynamic, student-led group focused on turning ideas into meaningful action. Serving as the driving force behind student involvement at Council 1869, members collaborate to identify community needs, design impactful projects, and rally their peers. Whether launching a creative fundraiser, organizing a service project, or supporting major community events, students learn how to lead and problem-solve while making a real impact.
As founding members, this inaugural group helps shape not just what the committee does, but how it operates and grows. They are responsible for establishing the Council's goals, traditions, and priorities, leaving a lasting legacy that will guide student volunteerism for years to come.
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Michael Wystrach, Founder; President
Michael Munnelly, Founder; Vice President
Scott Gehnrich, Founder; Assistant Vice President
Dennis Hannan, Founder; Secretary
Michael Schwalb, Founder; Treasurer
Brad Barnett, Founder; Director
Brian Falk, Founder; Director
John Keller, Founder; Director
Chris Pombar, Founder; Director
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The Student Impact Committee provides middle and high school volunteers with the opportunity to make a tangible difference through hands-on service, teamwork, and community involvement. This committee focuses on giving students a flexible, accessible way to show up, get involved, and see the immediate, real-world impact of their efforts. As part of the founding program, these volunteers help build a student-driven culture of service from the ground up, establishing new traditions for how young people give back to their community. No prior experience is required—just a willingness to help.