Leadership, Service and Pizza: Youth in Philanthropy

Many Foundation supporters know that Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) is a 22-week leadership and charitable giving program for area high school students. However, not many know what students are really up to when YIP is in session.

It is true that there is copious pizza consumption and no shortage of laughter, but don’t underestimate the insight and understanding of which these “kids” are capable. Over the years, YIP participants have taken on community issues like opioid addiction, poverty and mental illness.

Each year, YIP’s seniors screen grant applications and select the most viable candidates.

The full group of students read each grant proposal and plot the details into a logic model – a type of program matrix – to evaluate the potential effectiveness of the proposed project. Once the proposals are analyzed, students compile interview questions and attend applicant site visits.

In December, the YIP group debates the merits of each candidate and decides which nonprofit to recommend to The Community Foundation’s board of governors for a single grant of $10,000.