Foundations Focus on Youth as Resources
Some funders are moving towards providing money for programs incorporating
community involvement, leadership and philanthropy among youth --
areas which were previously considered adult undertakings -- the
Children & Youth Funding Report reported Feb. 18.
According to Jera Stribling, executive director of the Joseph
S. Bruno Foundation in Birmingham, Alabama, an effort is under
way to focus juvenile funding on "youth resources" programs
in order to create new philanthropic opportunities.
Stribling said the change in funding priorities was evident at
the recent Forum of Regional Associations of Grantmakers. The forum's
New Ventures initiative is among the programs that focus on youth
as resources, since they are the community leaders and decision-makers
of the future.
The Foundation for Appalachian Ohio is conducting a New Ventures
initiative called "Perfect Gift." Designed for children
ages 5 to 9, the effort teaches children the importance of giving.
The Council of Michigan Foundations has been promoting philanthropy
among children since 1998 through its school-based program, called
"Learning to Give." The program teaches children about
democratic values, philanthropy, and nonprofits, and helps students
master collaborative, planning, discussion, and problem-solving
skills.
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