Youth in Philanthropy

WCF Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) has expanded into 3 schools

  • GVC
  • WES
  • Emerado Elementary

The purpose of YiP is to develop leadership, and to teach and practice philanthropy.

Each school grants in spring. They follow the same guidelines the Winkler Community Foundation uses for Granting.

What is YIP? (yip, v.)

Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) is a growing movement to engage young people in community foundations and philanthropy. It provides opportunities for community foundations and youth to work together to gain knowledge and skills, develop leadership, promote volunteerism and philanthropy, and support worthwhile youth projects at a local level.

These committees are comprised of young people from a range of age groups and backgrounds who want to make a difference in their community. WIth the support of an adult advisor, they work to build endowment funds from which they make grants to youth projects in their communities.

Because youth are in the best position to understand the needs and concerns of youth, and to know what programs and activities will be of interest and value, YiPs advise the Winkler Community Foundation on its youth grantmaking. In addition to training and experience in fund development and grantmaking, YiP members serve as active resources and leaders in their communities.

Background

The WCF YiP started in 2003 with a 6-year matching commitment from the Thomas Sill Foundation. I t was started at Garden Valley Collegiate. The WCF Board was pleased with the progress that Youth and Philanthropy had in our community and decided to continue their commitment in 2008 with extending the program to elementary schools in the Garden Valley School Division. The Foundation feels Youth in Philanthropy is an excellent opportunity to teach youth about philanthropy - helping others, making a difference and seeing change.

In the fall of 2009, the Winkler Community Foundation decided to start a matching grant incentive up to $1,000 to each of the participating Youth in Philanthropy Committees.

Emerado Elementary School YiP presenting Big Brothers Big Sisters representative with a grant cheque. As well, displaying the quilt the YiP students made with senior volunteers from the community.

 

2010 YiP Grants

Youth in Philanthropy - GVC*    
Winkler Bible Camp $1,000 Purchase climbing wall supplies
The Bunker $785 Purchase
Pembina Valley Pregnancy Care Centre $230 Purchase new phone system
TOTAL
 $2,015  
Youth in Philanthropy - WES*    
Pembina Valley Humaine Society $658  
WES Student Council $800  
Winkler Food Cupboard $600  
TOTAL
 $2,058  
Youth in Philanthropy - Emerado*    
Big Brothers Big Sisters $2,328.50 In school mentoring kits
TOTAL
 $2,328.50  

 

How Does YIP Benefit Communities?

The impact of YIP is far-reaching in those communities that get involved:

  • Through engagement with community foundations, youth develop leadership skills, learn about community, community foundations and philanthropy, build a youth endowment fund, and provide grants to worthwhile youth projects in their community.
  • Other youth in the community benefit from the skills gained in developing and implementing projects, and still others as recipients of the resources or services provided by the projects themselves.
  • The community foundation and the community-at-large benefit from their involvement with youth, both now and in the future, as they invest in building the interest and capacity for youth participation in philanthropy and civil society. Mexico, Russia,

For more information on the Winkler Community Foundation involvement with Youth in Philanthropy, contact us: wcf@winkleronline.com

To see some examples of YiP grants and community leadership activities, visit www.yipcanada.org