It’s getting cold in the Tetons and people are tucking in for the upcoming season of giving, gratitude and Youth Philanthropy!
As the Community Foundation works to create a lasting culture of giving in Teton Valley, I can think of no better way than instilling philanthropy in our youth. One of our many annual programs, Youth Philanthropy allows High School seniors to simultaneously be immersed with a sense of responsibility for their community, while providing $5,000 in grants to local nonprofits.
One of last year’s Youth Philanthropist summarized,“I think the most meaningful part was helping out our community in a way that also benefited us in many ways. The next best thing was that we learned a lot about how nonprofits work and how to choose the ones that we want to support in an efficient way.”
This program introduces the concept of giving money, time or resources to causes that affect their community. Equally, Youth Philanthropy offers a granting opportunity to local nonprofits while also providing unique exposure of their missions to graduating seniors and future community leaders. Through this program, the Community Foundation creates awareness about the possibilities of becoming a new donor, future board member, or nonprofit staff – all of which carry high esteem and are met with gratitude in our community.
Youth Philanthropy serves to engage young, new community leaders with the values of giving. This experience will have lasting effects for these students and give back to our community in a multitude of ways over time, as assured by past participants:
“This project has made me really want to be more involved with our community and nonprofit organizations because I didn’t realize, until this project, what a big role they play in our community.”
“I will be more likely to donate time, talent, or money to non-profit causes. Coming face-to-face with the needs of my own community created an awareness of our needs. My aspiration to be a more active member of my community was reinforced. It is amazing to think that putting aside time to volunteer for others can change someone’s day and your own as well.”
Take a cue from these illuminated students to improve your day and ours with a gift to the Community Foundation to elevate lives through the power of generosity on #GivingTuesday, November 27th.
Thank you for your support!
Sincerely,
Tim Adams
Executive Director
Thank you!
