2016 Youth Philanthropists Award Grants to Local Nonprofits

Throughout March, over 30 high school students met as part of the Community Foundation of Teton Valley’s 2016 Youth Philanthropy Program to discuss the role of philanthropy and nonprofits in Teton Valley while considering grant applications submitted by local nonprofits. The program, offered in partnership with the Dual Enrollment 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 grant monies to local charities.

Made possible by Tin Cup Challengers and Community Foundation of Teton Valley donors, the Youth Philanthropy Program is now in its 5th 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 Thursday, April 7, 2016, this year’s Youth Philanthropists capped off the 2016 Youth Philanthropy Program with a Grant Awards Ceremony and Pizza Party at Teton High School to honor this year’s Youth Philanthropy Grant recipients.  Thanks to a generous gift from the Donald C. Brace Foundation (Karen Scheid, Trustee), this year a total of $5,000 was awarded to seven Teton Valley nonprofits.  Organizations receiving funding include:

• Family Safety Network: $960 for victim access to individual counseling
• Subs for Santa: $940 for the purchase of Christmas gifts for teens in need
• Teton Arts: $500 for a youth scholarship fund
• Teton County Idaho Search & Rescue: $800 for the purchase of personal head protection equipment
• Teton Valley Hospital Foundation: $500 for their Putting Patients First program
• Teton Valley Trails & Pathways: $600 for mobile event support
• Teton Wildlife Rehabilitation Center: $700 for Native Wildlife Rehabilitation Education

The Community Foundation of Teton Valley’s Youth Philanthropy Program is made possible through the Tin Cup Challenger Fund as well as private donations. These generous gifts provide 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 $17,000 to Teton Valley nonprofits and has introduced the concept of philanthropy to over 150 Teton High School graduating seniors.