
The Community Foundation of Teton Valley’s Youth Philanthropy Program, in partnership with Advanced Placement Dual Enrollment Government classes at Teton High School, announced this year’s Youth Philanthropy grant winners at an Awards Assembly on Wednesday, November 15. In its thirteenth season, this year marks a total of over 500 students engaged and $65,000 in grant awards via this multifaceted program.
The program introduces the concept of philanthropy to the next generation while helping students better understand the significant and impactful roles that nonprofits play in their own community. As participants, seniors engage in facilitation, discussion, critical thinking, cooperation, and debate. Easton Caldwell’s biggest surprise was “how much free reign we had. I expected a lot more intervention from the adults; however, we were entirely able to make each and every decision.” Aiden Millard was “impressed that the leadership and maturity of the class allowed them to discuss and share opinions without judgement and decide, as a class, where the money should go.” As Taylor Amey, put it, “I just want people to understand how rewarding it feels to be given real money and trusted to donate it wisely.”
The Youth Philanthropy Program is made possible through the generosity of Tin Cup Challengers and other private donors who partner with the Community Foundation of Teton Valley to elevate lives through the power of generosity. Dr. Richard Grundler charitably increased students’ traditional granting capacity with an additional gift, giving them a total of $7,000 in awards to distribute during the grant cycle.
After thorough discussion over three class periods, they awarded five projects full funding and four projects partial grant awards with the available funds. With the support, Aska’s Animals will be able to house and better home puppies, the Education Foundation of Teton Valley will offer an annual back-to-school readiness event, Mountain Roots will grow its cooking program of 800 students, Seniors West of the Tetons will continue to deliver meals to seniors in reusable containers, Subs for Santa will purchase holiday gifts and necessities for teens, Teton County Idaho Search and Rescue will be able to provide more effective trainings, Teton Valley Community Recycling will reduce waste through new programming, the Teton Valley Food Pantry will provide nutritious holiday food for those in need, and the Teton Valley Foundation will strengthen their hockey program by supporting new goalies. Participating students were rewarded for their efforts with a pizza party sponsored by RAD Curbside following a school assembly.