Youth in Philanthropy program

Youth in Philanthropy program is sponsored by Community Giving Foundation. This program provides high school students across the region an opportunity to learn about philanthropy and participate in the grantmaking process. Students research school-based and community needs, and then award grants to nonprofit organizations for youth programs.

Youth in Philanthropy - Community Giving Foundation Community Giving Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy program provides high school students across the region an opportunity to learn about philanthropy and participate in the grantmaking process.

Focused on the meaning of giving and the importance of getting involved, students gain experience in teamwork, assessment of community needs, building consensus, nonprofit finance and the local nonprofit world. The Youth in Philanthropy program engages high school students in philanthropic “giving” through educational and hands-on activities.

During the 2025-2026 school year, 20 school districts and groups across the Central Susquehanna region participated. “Youth in Philanthropy has opened my eyes to a bigger world. People need help in many ways, and this program has given me the opportunity to offer my time and talents to help them.

Youth in Philanthropy taught me about the grant process, and how a small amount of money can have a big impact. It feels great to give back to the community—I am glad I can call myself a philanthropist. ” Hear directly from students about their experience in the Youth in Philanthropy program during our End-of-Year Celebration on April 15, 2026.

Learn more and register here! Your support of Youth in Philanthropy makes an impact on the lives of people in your community. This story is just one example of the power of giving happening now because of the generosity of our donors.

In partnership with faculty liaisons at local school districts, high school students volunteer to form Youth in Philanthropy groups. Throughout the year, each group researches school-based and community needs and strengths, while exercising their leadership and decision-making skills. Contributions from generous community members allow each group to award up to $5,000 annually in grants to nonprofit organizations for youth programs.

Students create a plan to survey their community and develop criteria to prioritize their grant awards. Youth in Philanthropy meets twice per academic year for day-long workshops hosted by the Community Giving Foundation. In addition, school groups meet monthly.

To celebrate community impact, the program hosts a grant presentation ceremony annually in April. Youth in Philanthropy provides high school students with an opportunity to learn about philanthropy and participate in the grantmaking process. Students from school districts across the region research community needs and strengths as they relate to youth.

Each group surveys their peers to create a local needs assessments, which they then use as a guide to award grants through a commpetitive application process. Since the program's start, over $700,000 in grant awards has been distributed through student-led grantmaking. In 2024/2025, 103 grants totaling $90,000 were awarded by Youth in Philanthropy groups to support youth-focused community needs.

Benton Area School District Berwick Area School District Bloomsburg Area School District Central Columbia School District Central Susquehanna Intermediate Unit Danville Area School District Lewisburg Area School District Line Mountain School District Midd-West School District Mifflinburg Area School District Millville Area School District Milton Area School District Mount Carmel Area School District Northwest Area School District Selinsgrove Area School District Shamokin Area School District Shikellamy School District Southern Columbia Area School District Warrior Run School District Please contact us to learn more about the Foundation.

Community Giving Foundation November 2024: The Foundation was honored to receive Wellspan Evangelical Community Hospital's "Young Philanthropist Award" to recognize the impact of the Youth in Philanthropy program and celebrate our inspiring young philanthropists. Connecting Community Partners Foundation Re-Accredited Under National Standards Youth in Philanthropy Announces 2026 Grantround