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Youth in Philanthropy

The act of giving is practiced by people of all ages, including children and youth who bring their own unique perspectives, interests and goals to philanthropy. The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut has developed a Youth in Philanthropy program to provide young people with an opportunity to discover and activate their natural philanthropic spirit. The program offers lessons on informed charitable giving and volunteering.

Youth as Funders

yip We believe that by helping young people to establish positive connections to the communities in which they live, we are perpetuating community leadership. Involving our youth in community activities and enlisting their help in tackling regional challenges gives them a sense of ownership in community welfare and a sense of responsibility for our collective future. Young people bring a unique perspective to age-old problems, and the Youth in Philanthropy program gives them a platform for expression and innovation that can engender new and sustainable solutions to community issues.

The Community Foundation of Northwest Connecticut, with generous support from the Borghesi family, has established a fund—known as the Youth Fund—to support its Youth in Philanthropy program (note: additional support for the Youth Fund has come from other donors, private foundations and corporate givers). Annually, in concert with the Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) council, the Community Foundation makes grants from the Youth Fund to nonprofit organizations in northwest Connecticut. This process requires YIP council members to examine community issues that are important to them and research grant opportunities that address these issues. Moreover, council members research community nonprofits, they review related applications for funding and they make grant recommendations to the Community Foundation board that are designed to ensure the best deployment of funds in the community. Youth in Philanthropy councils often are focused on addressing youth-related issues and concerns, but this is not mandatory. Youth councils also are involved in raising money for the fund.

Youth Volunteering & Community Service

Youth are some of our country’s most exuberant and effective volunteers, serving our communities in varied and helpful ways. When young people volunteer, the larger community benefits as well. Volunteerism promotes positive citizenship among youth by encouraging them to be more engaged in their own communities. Youth who volunteer feel more connected to their community. As such, they are inclined to demonstrate their concern in positive ways, and they are more likely to stay in or return to their communities. Thus, youth volunteerism contributes substantially to community vitality.

Perhaps the greatest benefits of volunteering are reaped by the volunteers themselves. Volunteering is a great way for a young person to develop new skills and meet new people (see Benefits of Youth Volunteerism). Studies suggest that volunteerism fosters identity development, skill enhancement (including job marketability), self-esteem, empathy and other positive attributes among youth. Volunteer endeavors often facilitate the development of meaningful relationships as well. Through community service, young people meet like-minded individuals and are exposed to a wide range of people they might not otherwise encounter.

Experiences