Outreach to Youth

Sharing philanthropy with young people can be an extremely rewarding experience for the organizations and people that undertake it, but it does have some challenges. When developing your program, keep in mind why students will benefit from learning about philanthropy, what pitfalls may come up, and how you can make the experience fulfilling.

Giving Back
Retention
Training
Tips

Giving Back:
Young people have a real hunger to be meaningfully engaged in solving issues in their communities. They are capable of conducting excellent research to ensure that they are funding the right programs. Youth philanthropy can bring together students from different racial, ethnic and socioeconomic backgrounds and give them a venue to work together to better their community.

Retention:
Youth have very busy schedules and are in a time in their lives where they have many opportunities, energies and passions. Expect some attrition from your program - youth may drop out for any number of reasons, but the committed members will stick around, sometimes for many years. Those that stay will find that experience and benefit deepens exponentially with each year they are involved. Use a variety of outlets for recruitment and outreach including local clubs, schools and churches.

Training:
Assume that you are working with bright, talented individuals. Don't assume that young people have experience in running meetings, speaking in public, or other leadership skills - these skills must be taught as part of the program.

Tips:

  • Take advantage! Create opportunities for students to reach down to next generation and encourage them to share philanthropy with younger children.
  • Find some cheerleaders! Include the parents in some context so that they see the value of philanthropy and the program and share it with their children. Have the students talk to teachers and principals about their experience. This turns the principals into true believers who support the program.
  • Show them off! Provide lots of practice opportunities to help young people articulate the work they are doing. For example, students can award grants at public settings. This is great for long-term fund development and very impressive!