Youth In Philanthropy Application Now Open
Northern Piedmont Community Foundation launched our first Youth In Philanthropy (YIP) program in the Summer of 2022 with students from all four target counties (Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison, and Rappahannock).
Youth-led grantmaking moves young people from a
passive role as beneficiaries of grants to an active role as grantmakers. YIP provides space for young people to collaboratively create an understanding of the social and civic landscape of their communities, rather than accepting analyses given to them. Coming together from a wide range of backgrounds, these young people collaboratively prioritize a community need from their own perspective, and -- with authority and a sense of ownership -- take direct action to fill this need.
Youth philanthropists have the opportunity to develop what are often termed “21st century skills,” such as teamwork, empathy, synthesis of information, and public presentation. YIP students write Logic Model and SMART Goal analysis, actively participate in site visits, and research and learn about the history of philanthropy and the business of nonprofits. They also learn the crucial life skill of negotiation and comprise with team members in decision-making processes.
As young people benefit from philanthropy programs like this one, philanthropy in turn benefits from young people: equity-centered, youth-led philanthropy is one channel through which grantmaking can become more democratic, more community-engaged, and more responsive to a diversity of voices and
experiences. Providing the opportunity to practice philanthropy may be particularly beneficial to youth from under-served and marginalized communities, erasing false and sometimes damaging dichotomies between the members of a community and those who work to serve it.
NPCF’s YIP program is open to sophomore, junior, and senior high school students from the counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison and Rappahannock. Senior students serve as program leaders. Applications are due by July 1, 2023.
To learn more and apply, scan our QR code or visit www.npcf.org/yip. For questions, contact Jane at jbwilson@npcf.org.