In partnership with Government classes at Teton High School, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley’s Youth Philanthropy Program announced this year’s Youth Philanthropy grant winners at an Awards Assembly on Wednesday, November 13. In its fourteenth season, this year marks a total of over 560 students engaged and $75,000 in awards granted 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 communities. As participants, seniors engage in facilitation, discussion, critical thinking, debate, cooperation, and granting. Asher Assante said, “It felt like we were working like a real local government committee.” Hannah Hoth thought this project provided “insight into how grants and nonprofits work, as well as what needs we have as a community.” She felt this was important work to incorporate into their government class since everyone was “able to learn leadership, critical thinking, budgeting, and most of all what it means to be a philanthropist.” Seniors “truly took time to make sure [they] picked the organizations [they] thought would benefit the community as a whole,” said Addalyn Hatch. The impact of this program is profound and lasting, not only for the funded proposals but for participants as well — as James Klein summarized, “It is really cool to work with real money that actually effects our community.”
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. With their support and an additional gift from Dr. Richard Grundler, the maximum grant ask increased to $1,500, and total giving expanded to $10,000.
After thorough discussion over three class periods, students awarded four projects full funding and six partial grants with available funds. With the support, the City of Tetonia will update benches and swings, the Community Resource Center will fund their Firewood Rescue Storage, Mountain Roots Education will be able to stock tool sheds, PAWS of Teton Valley will be able to offer medical funding for those that can’t afford care for their pets, People Spreading Love will provide resources to those in need through their Kindness Fund, Seniors West of the Tetons will be able to purchase two wheelchairs for access, Subs for Santa will provide Christmas gifts for teens, the School District’s Newcomer Orientation Program will expand, the Teton Valley Food Pantry will purchase and share holiday meats, and Teton Valley Health Care will enhance staff education — all for the better of our community.
In addition to funding, students connected with nonprofits about volunteering and other creative solutions. Participating students were rewarded for their efforts with a pizza party sponsored by RAD Curbside following a school assembly.
