Youth Philanthropy
Empowering local young people to learn about community needs, evaluate nonprofit organizations, and make real grant decisions.
Building the Next Generation of Philanthropists
Our Youth Philanthropy program empowers local young people to learn about community needs, evaluate nonprofit organizations, and make real grant decisions. Students develop leadership skills while directly investing in the organizations that serve Teton Valley.
By putting real dollars in the hands of students, the program teaches the value of thoughtful giving and builds a lifelong commitment to community engagement.
A youth philanthropy grant provided Teton Valley Food Pantry to purchase holiday meats for our neighbors.
How the Program Works
Students participate in a structured program where they learn about philanthropy, assess community needs, and evaluate grant applications from local nonprofits. The program culminates in student-led grant decisions.
- Students learn about grantmaking and community leadership
- Youth review real applications from local nonprofits
- Classroom discussions build consensus on funding priorities
- Students award grants and present to recipient organizations
I was impressed with the leadership and maturity in our class. It allowed us to discuss and share opinions without judgment and decide, as a class, where the money should go.
Youth Philanthropy Program
A youth philanthropy grant helped Teton Valley Health Care to certify multiple clinical staff members as instructors for Pediatric Advanced Life Support (PALS), Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS), and Basic Life Support (BLS).
Real Impact, Real Decisions
Youth Philanthropy isn't a simulation — students make real grant decisions with real money. This hands-on experience helps young people understand the complexities of community investment and the importance of strategic giving.
- Students gain practical experience in evaluating proposals
- Local nonprofits receive meaningful grant funding
- Participants develop critical thinking and collaboration skills
- Builds the next generation of community philanthropists
Get Involved
Interested in supporting Youth Philanthropy? Contact the Community Foundation to learn about participation opportunities and how you can help empower the next generation of givers.
Frequently Asked Questions
To be eligible for funding, an organization must be a 501(c)(3), governmental entity, or other IRS-recognized charitable entity serving Teton Valley. Grant funds must be used in Teton Valley, ID, or Alta, WY.
Applicants may request between $500 and $1,500 in funding.
The Community Foundation encourages applications from nonprofits of all sizes across all fields of interest. A broad cross-section of strong applications enriches the learning experience for participants and increases their awareness of the nonprofits who serve our community and the importance of the work they do.
- Students distribute grant checks at an Awards Party.
- Requests may not exceed $1,500.
- Grant Presentations may be requested by the students.
The Youth Philanthropy Grants are funded by Tin Cup Business & Community Challengers, individual donors, and endowed funds held at the Community Foundation of Teton Valley.