YOUTH PHILANTHROPISTS AWARD $10,000 TO LOCAL NONPROFITS

In partnership with Government classes at Teton High School, the Community Foundation of Teton Valley announced the recipients of this year’s Youth Philanthropy grants at an Awards Assembly on Tuesday, November 19. This marks the program’s 15th year, now totaling more than 610 students engaged and $85,000 granted to Teton Valley nonprofits.

The Youth Philanthropy Program introduces seniors to the concept of giving back while deepening their understanding of the critical roles nonprofits play in the community. Students practice facilitation, critical thinking, debate, and consensus-building as they evaluate proposals and allocate grant funding.

“The hardest part was deciding which nonprofits to give to while keeping in mind how much money we had and where it was needed most,” shared one student. Another participant noted, “This project was an amazing experience in teaching students about our community’s needs and how to be functioning members of it.”

This year’s program was made possible through the generosity of Tin Cup Challengers and private donors who partner with the Community Foundation to elevate lives through the power of generosity. With their support—and an additional gift from Dr. Richard Grundler—the maximum grant request increased to $1,500, allowing students to award a total of $10,000.

After three class sessions of thoughtful discussion and deliberation, students awarded full or partial funding to the following projects:

• Girls Actively Participating – Girls Empowerment Sessions at Teton Middle School
• Learning Academy of Teton Valley – Updated K–8 physical education equipment
• PAWS of Teton Valley – Medical funding for pets whose owners cannot afford care
• Teton County 4-H – Youth-led education on food security and pollinator health
• Teton Valley Aquatics – Chlorinator to ensure safe, clean pool water
• Teton Valley Collaborative for Early Learning – Free books for children under age five
• Teton Valley Food Pantry – Holiday meat purchases for families in need
• Teton Wildlife Rehabilitation Center – Incubator for orphaned and injured wildlife
• Valley Adaptive Sports – AEDs for remote outdoor programming

The assembly concluded with a cookie-and-donut celebration sponsored by RAD Curbside. Thank you to the participating nonprofits, seniors, and donors.