Foundations and You
How can young people make valuable contributions to the field of philanthropy?
Photo Credit: 2009 Downtown Greenville, S.C. by Mike Burton is licensed under CC by 2.0
Students become familiar with the importance of philanthropy and foundations to society. They learn about Youth Advisory Committees (Y.A.C.) that are part of the community foundation. The students write a grant proposal to a Y.A.C. for a project. The experience may motivate them to seek to be on a Y.A.C. in future years.
This lesson introduces the definition of philanthropy and its importance to and effects on the community.
Students learn the definition of a foundation and become familiar with the resources of the Learning to Give Website. A representative of a local community foundation speaks to the class about the foundation’s mission, activities and funding.
Teacher Note: In advance, invite a representative from a local community foundation to speak to the class. (If possible, invite representatives from two or three foundations – a community and a family foundation - on consecutive days.) Give the speaker a copy of Attachment One: Foundation Speaker Notes so he or she knows what is expected.
Students write a grant proposal to the Youth Advisory Committee of a Community Foundation to support a local youth initiative.