Young people worldwide are transforming their communities through philanthropy. The Foundation Center estimates that young people have raised over $14 million in grant money since 2001, and the number only keeps growing.

The Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program teaches young people the importance of serving their community, encourages their involvement in philanthropy and provides them the opportunity to champion causes that are important to them. According to YIP’s website, youth are taught important lessons, such as how to “demonstrate leadership, solve problems, study proposals, manage budgets, work together, and present their views to an audience of peers and adults.”

YIP boasts over five years of grant history. They have tackled and funded important social causes like domestic violence, homelessness, hospice, mental health, pregnancy, sexual assault and more. Some notable organizations they have supported include:

• disAbility Resource Center • Germanna Community College • Hope House • Mental Health America of Fredericksburg • Micah Ecumenical Ministries • Safe Harbor Child Advocacy Center, and • The Salvation Army

Every grant cycle invites 40 sophomore, junior and senior high school students from the counties of Caroline, King George, Spotsylvania, Stafford, and the city of Fredericksburg to participate. The group meets weekly from mid-August through mid-December. Students are recommended to apply in their eighth-grade year.

For more information, visit cfrrr.org/about-us-and-our-initiatives/youth-in-philanthropy, or call (540) 373-9292.