2015 Youth Philanthropists Award Grants to Local Nonprofits

Throughout April, high school students met as part of the 2015 Youth Philanthropy Program, hosted by the Community Foundation of Teton Valley, to discuss the role of philanthropy and nonprofits while considering grant applications submitted by local nonprofits. The program, offered in partnership with the Dual Immersion Government class at Teton High School, provides students with a keen understanding of the granting process as they thoughtfully review applications, meet with nonprofit leaders from applying organizations and award $3,000 to local charities.

Made possible by Tin Cup Challengers and Community Foundation of Teton Valley donors, the Youth Philanthropy Program is now in its 4th year. According to Carrie Mowrey, Community Foundation Executive Director, “this program provides an excellent opportunity for introducing the concept of philanthropy to the next generation while helping them to better understand the significant and impactful roles that nonprofits play in our own community.”

On Tuesday, May 12, 2015, this year’s Youth Philanthropists capped off the 2015 Youth Philanthropy Program with a Grant Awards Ceremony and Pizza Party at Teton High School to honor the 2015 Youth Philanthropy Grant recipients.  A total of $3,000 was awarded to six Teton Valley nonprofits as part of this year’s program.  Organizations receiving funding include:

• Friends of the Teton River: $550 for fisheries research on 12 tributary streams to the Teton River
• Mountain Bike the Tetons: $700 for support of paid trail crew throughout Teton Valley’s trail network
• Subs for Santa: $500 for the purchase of Christmas gifts for teens in need
• Teton Valley Community Recycling: $400 for community composting workshops
• Teton Valley Hospital Foundation: $450 to upgrade the arm of the EMT training manikin
• Valley Advocates for Responsible Development: $400 for the installation of a community “parklet” in Driggs

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley’s Youth Philanthropy Program is made possible through the Tin Cup Challenger Fund as well as private donations, providing the Foundation with the opportunity to cultivate the spirit of generosity in the next generation.  Since its inception in 2012, the Youth Philanthropy program has awarded a total of $12,000 to Teton Valley nonprofits and has introduced the concept of philanthropy to Teton High School graduating seniors for the last 4 years.  The next grant cycle for the Community Foundation of Teton Valley will take place during the Fall of 2015 with applications due by 5pm on Friday, September 4, 2015. For more information on Community Foundation of Teton Valley programs and services, visit www.cftetonvalley.org or call 208-354-0230.