While most of us were winding down after a delicious dinner on Monday nights, a small group of teens were gathering in Culpeper at the Culpeper Wellness Foundation and were faced with a decision: Who should receive the first “Youth in Philanthropy” $10,000 grant? We would all love to be so fortunate to ask this question, but as Spiderman (Voltaire) would say, “With great power, comes great responsibility.” Their responsibility was selecting which nonprofit would most benefit from this gift; analyzing need, service and impact. These students gained real, hands-on experience with philanthropic giving in the new Northern Piedmont Community Foundation (NPCF) leadership program, Youth In Philanthropy or YIP.

The teens traveled from Fauquier, Culpeper, Madison and Rappahannock counties (thank you parents!) to participate in the YIP program, staying late into the evening researching and discussing pros and cons of many of our local charities. As weeks passed, examining the needs and the resources of their communities, they truly connected as a team. Andrew Lerudis an11th grade student at Fauquier High School, remarked, “ YIP has connected me with like-minded high schoolers from multiple neighboring counties.  I’ve enjoyed learning about the meaningful but surprisingly complex process of grant-making and how philanthropy is needed in today’s society.”  Andrew Kube, a 10th Grade student at Eastern View High School had this to say,

“My experience with YIP has been amazing.  Not only have I learned about the importance of philanthropy today, but I have also met many great people and made friends along the way.” 

Tasked with analyzing grant proposals from four local nonprofits, they learned the important steps in group decision making: communicate, negotiate, repeat. They focused their empathy and passion to advocate why each nonprofit should be considered. They learned how nonprofits function as a business, while addressing crucial needs within the community. They analyzed budgets and IRS 990’s. Jackson Bell, in 9th Grade at Highland School, added: “Youth in Philanthropy has sharpened my sense of finances and helped me understand the place of charity in society. “

Once the students narrowed their choices down to two nonprofits, they made site visits to each one, participating in hands-on experience for each program. Huge Garner, 10 grade at Rappahannock County High School, added: “YIP has broadened my horizons when taking an approach to everyday activities.   It has made me think from angles I had not previously ever considered.”

Fully immersed in each program from finance to service, these students labored over their decision, using a Logic Model and SMART goals as tools to help in the process. They realized there was no wrong choice.  Both organizations, the Rainbow Therapeutic Riding Center and the Headwaters Foundations, supported young people with spectacular services and impact. Because there were three Rappahannock County students who had benefited from the Headwaters Foundation, these students recused themselves from the voting process, just as you would if you had a conflict of interest.

These youth are not just investing in their communities through grantmaking. They are engaging with their community, building a stronger sense of belonging and connectedness; developing a willingness to serve and give back. Youth philanthropy and community service is a habit that can evolve into a lifetime of service. It’s a good habit to form when young.