Building a Strong Foundation for the Future of Our Region
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Spring 2015 |
Youth In Philanthropy empowers students to be thoughtful leaders and grantmakers
The 2014-2015 Youth In Philanthropy Board included students from
Aitkin, Carlton, Chisholm, Duluth, International Falls, Wrenshall, and Superior. Adult mentors hail from Carlton, Duluth, Superior, and International Falls.
“Connecting kids and community” is the cornerstone of the Northland Foundation's KIDS PLUS Program, and Youth In Philanthropy is a perfect example of the magic that happens when smart, resourceful young people, with the support of caring adults, are empowered to do good in their communities.
Youth In Philanthropy was begun by the Northland Foundation's KIDS PLUS Program in 2000 to engage high school students to develop their philanthropy, leadership, and community service skills. Potential youth board candidates are identified by school and community contacts and invited to apply. Successful board members may complete multiple terms up until their high school graduation.
A youth board member points out a detail on a
grant request to adult mentor, Tim Stratioti.
Following an orientation session in September, the 14 student board members and the adult mentors met three times during the school year to review grant requests. An executive board elected by their peers presided over grant application review, discussion of the merits of each proposal, and voting to award grants up to $1,000 for youth-driven projects. Five adult mentors volunteered their time and wisdom, providing guidance.
“Board members start out as a diverse group of strangers, from different grades, schools, and hometowns,” stated Lynn Haglin, Northland Foundation Vice President/KIDS PLUS Director, “but over the course of their service they become a cohesive team.”
2014-2015 grantmaking supports 27 projects
Youth In Philanthropy receives major
support from our longtime partner, the
The Youth In Philanthropy Board awarded $23,037 in 27 grants this past year to support an array of school and community projects. All grants must be written and implemented by young people with the support of an adult advisor. As a team, the Board scrutinized proposal specifics, considered whether to award funding, and participated in lively yet respectful debate. They took their $25,000 grantmaking budget, provided by a longtime program partner, the Minnesota Power Foundation, to heart and worked together to make difficult funding decisions.
Spring banquet celebrates accomplishments
Youth In Philanthropy board member, Lilia,
receives her certificate and thanks from
Jan Amys, Lynn Haglin, and Tony Sertich.
In mid April, the 2014-2015 Board gathered to complete its last round of annual grantmaking followed by an end-of-year celebration banquet.
Board and family members enjoyed dinner and comments from Tony Sertich, Northland Foundation President. A number of Foundation Trustees were also on hand to honor the students and thank the adult mentors and parents. The Board said good-bye to the seniors, received cerficates and gifts of appreciation, and were applauded for their fine work.
Said Sertich, “This is a group of such outstanding individuals, and we in the region will surely benefit from their leadership in the future.”