Youth Philanthropy Leadership Program
—Wausau, Wisconsin—
The Youth Philanthropy Leadership Program in Wausau, Wisconsin was founded just last year in 2022 to build on the existing leadership opportunities students have and specifically develop their philanthropic skills. The program is sponsored by the Community Foundation of North Central Wisconsin, which has strategically put a lot of emphasis on engaging youth in the community. Even though they only started last year, they have already been flooded with requests from local community members asking to be a part of the growth of this program and have an active role in the growth of the next generation of leaders.
In their first year, they pulled 14 students from 6 local high schools who ultimately decided to grant $20,000 to 5 community organizations. One of the biggest areas of focus for the students immediately was redirecting funds and support to the omnipresent youth mental health crisis affecting students across the country, something we at TPI have identified as a pattern across all our Affiliate communities. This year, the new cohort will look to build on that foundation as last year’s cohort looks to not only fundraise but provide support beyond the dollar to the organizations they funded last year through further engagement and strategic volunteerism.
“It was incredible to see how professional the students were and their ability to have really difficult conversations that even adults have trouble with”
Local Organizations Funded
Boys & Girls Club of the Wausau Area
Healthfirst Network
Keep Area Teens Safe
NAMI Northwoods
New Beginnings for Refugees
