Youth in Philanthropy Project Inspires Youth to Give Big
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 1st, 2015
CONTACT:
Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director, Bozeman Area Community Foundation
(406) 587-6262, bridget@bozemanfoundation.org
Youth in Philanthropy Project Inspires Youth to Give Big
Local youth are encouraged to apply to participate in a new Youth in Philanthropy Project to learn how to grant $10,000 of funds to local organizations and student-led projects.
Bozeman, MT – On October 7th, The Bozeman Area Community Foundation, Foundant Technologies and the Bozeman Youth Initiative will launch the first Youth in Philanthropy Project created to inspire local youth to give back to their communities through their time, talents and treasures.
The Bozeman Area Community Foundation, Foundant Technologies and the Bozeman Youth initiative believe that if you teach youth to give, you empower them to change the world. That is why in 2015, these community partners came together to create this innovative and collaborative program to engage youth in creating a culture of giving in our community.
“This program is truly a collaborative effort on behalf of these three community entities. Our goal is to inspire our youth to engage and give back - and collectively, our three entities can be more effective together than alone,” said Bridget Wilkinson, Executive Director of the Bozeman Area Community Foundation.
Through a unique real-world approach, The Youth Philanthropy Project provides local youth the knowledge to become leaders in our community by learning the importance of philanthropy and the needs that exist in our backyard.
During the program, students develop valuable 21st century skills like forming their own Leadership Committee, volunteering, researching and visiting local nonprofit organizations, learning about local needs and distributing $10,000 in grant funds to benefit youth programs and ideas.
“In the words of a Youth in Philanthropy participant in Houston, TX, ‘You don’t just flip a switch to become a philanthropist, it takes time to learn.' We couldn't agree more. We think this program will give our local youth the opportunity to learn how to become philanthropists and better leaders in our community," said Sammie Holzwarth, Foundant Product Implemenation Engineer.
Do you know a local youth that might be a good fit for this program?
Our community partners invite local young people ages 14-18 to apply to for our Youth Philanthropy Project. Participants will learn leadership skills and skills to evaluate youth project proposals and award $10,000 in grant funds generously provided by Foundant Technologies. This program will begin on Wednesday, October 7th and continue through May 2016.
If youth are interested in participating, they are encourage to join our community partners for a kickoff session on Wednesday, October 7th at Coldsmoke Coffee Shop (2051 W. Oak, Bozeman) to learn more about our project.
Youth who are interested in committing to this project are encouraged to apply online here: http://www.bozemanfoundation.org/youth-philanthropy-project/
About the Bozeman Youth Initiative
Bozeman Youth Initiative (BYI) is a grantee of the Turner Community Youth Development Initiative, a project of the Turner Foundation that focuses on skill development, community service, and leadership training. BYI gives teens the chance to explore interests, gain skills, connect with their community, and learn about themselves through mentoring kids, running a mobile educational greenhouse, creating outlets for youth artists, and producing safe all-ages events in Bozeman.
About Foundant Technologies
Foundant Technologies provides the powerful online Grant Lifecycle Manager (GLM) system and leads the industry in customer service. As part of both the Inc. 5000 and Outside Magazine’s Best Places to Work lists, Foundant has a proven record of success with more than 850 clients.
About the Bozeman Area Community Foundation
The Bozeman Area Community Foundation is connecting people who care to causes that matter most to them. The Bozeman Area Community Foundation serves the areas of Bozeman, Big Sky, Belgrade, Manhattan, Churchill, Three Forks, and the rural areas in between. Since its inception, the Foundation has distributed more than $300,000 in grants to 100+ local nonprofit organizations. Learn more at www.bozemanfoundation.org.
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