The Three Pillars of Philanthropy

FUNDRAISING

Teens engage in activities that expand their knowledge and hone their skills in donor solicitation, communications and marketing with individual donors, foundation program officers and business executives.  Through learning and then applying basic and mid-level fundraising strategies and techniques, beginning with the development of a compelling case for support, they plan, organize and carry out a community-wide fundraising campaign during the school year.  Money raised through their efforts goes into a designated fund which in turn provides the funds for their charitable giving activities.

GRANTMAKING

Teens use the money they raise to make a real impact on their community through acts of giving.  Focusing on local needs and local charitable sector service providers, teens receive proposals from nonprofit organizations, conduct site visits and decide how to distribute the funds available.  The following year, they go back to the organizations they funded and evaluate the impact of their decision on the community. The total of grant requests from local organizations often exceeds the amount of funds available, thus teens learn consensus building skills to make their final decisions.

COMMUNITY SERVICE

Teens are trained to recognize and seize opportunities to proactively address felt needs and service gaps in their local community.  Such needs are often hidden or simply ignored or overlooked in the busyness and distractions of daily life.  Fulfilling those needs generally requires the teens to utilize their creativity, resourcefulness and critical thinking skills, which are important leadership attributes.  Community service projects often include local advocacy or policy forum activities which in turn can result in systemic change in the community.