Extol June-July 2019 | Page 14

COMMUNITY FOUNDATION’S YOUTH PHILANTHROPY COUNCIL SERVES FOR GOOD The Community Foundation of Southern Indiana’s Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC) is a program that serves the good of our community. Comprised of teens from a variety of high schools in Clark and Floyd counties, council members work with adult volunteers to learn about servant leadership, volunteerism, and the important role philanthropy plays in our community. The YPC program is designed to encourage youth to give and serve in their communities and to make philanthropy a “habit of the heart” for future generations. The YPC was started in 2001 through a generous $110,000 gift from the Ogle Foundation. The objectives of the program are: • to help young people understand and experience philanthropy firsthand • to encourage and support meaningful youth-initiated service to the community • to involve youth and adults in partnership in community philanthropy • to train youth in the process and value of giving and serving • to help young people develop the skills to evaluate projects worthy of investment Crystal Gunther, director of community philanthropy for the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana, said “the YPC provides a great way to get the next generation of volunteers, philanthropists and community leaders involved and making an impact in our community.” Each year the YPC runs a competitive grant cycle awarding grants up to $1,000 to area nonprofits addressing the needs of our region’s youth. Since 2001, the YPC has granted over $131,000. Recently, the YPC completed their spring grant cycle making grants to Camp Quality Kentuckiana, Our Lady Perpetual Help, Hope Southern Indiana, Borden High School, Miles for Merry Miracles, Open Door Youth Services, Clark County Youth Shelter, Art Alliance of Southern Indiana, Pure Initiative, Our Lady of Providence High School and Community Montessori. The Council also completes a series of 3 workshops on topics related to the field of philanthropy. Each meeting is hosted by a different nonprofit serving our community so the youth have an opportunity to see firsthand and make site visits to these organizations doing good work to serve others and the program incorporates guest speakers to help enhance the experience for YPC members, getting real world application and stories on the topic of philanthropy. If you have questions about how you can get involved with the Youth Philanthropy Council, call Crystal Gunther, director of community philanthropy at 812-948-4662 or visit our website at www.cfsouthernindiana.com. • to help young people be good stewards of funds by acquiring evaluative skills in reviewing grant applications 4108 Charlestown Road New Albany | 812.948.4662 cfsouthernindiana.com THIS IS AN ADVERTORIAL 12 EXTOL : JUNE/JULY 2019