|
Crossroads Community Foundation:
Youth in Philanthropy Program
Crossroads Community Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)(3), public charity created
to improve the quality of life in the Metrowest region by increasing the level and
spirit of philanthropy in the communities west of Boston.
Like other community foundations, it is organized as a collection of funds -- established
by individuals, corporations and foundations -- that are pooled for investment purposes
and the income of which is used for a number of charitable purposes including: education
and charitable planning assistance to donors; grants; and services, assistance and
resources for nonprofit organizations. One long-term philanthropy education program
that Crossroads offers to schools in the MetroWest communities is the Youth in Philanthropy
Program. The Youth in Philanthropy program is a hands-on twelve session program
that teaches high school and middle school students the basics of philanthropy,
grant making and nonprofit organizations. Crossroads partners with area schools
to facilitate this program.
Crossroads' program curriculum includes:
- Training in philanthropy, nonprofits and grant making
- Fundraising efforts
- Grant making decisions
- Site Visits
- Award ceremony
- Mentoring
- Evaluation
Crossroads Community Foundation provides the program instructors to the school,
the curriculum and the grant proposals from the community non-profits. Students
have a grant making budget of $5000 to $10,000 that they must allocate among the
non-profits that have submitted proposals. The students must also raise a portion
of the monies that they will award.
In addition to the benefit of the cash grants awarded to the local non-profit grantees,
the students receive immeasurable benefits including:
- Greater understanding of all aspects of philanthropy
- Awareness of the needs within the local community
- Fundraising experience
- Leadership among peers and adults
- Evaluation of complex materials
- Mentoring by program staff
- Public speaking skills
- Career options
- Critical thinking and decision making
- Team building and reaching consensus
The Ramsey McCluskey Family Foundation has awarded a five year challenge grant to
the Youth in Philanthropy Program to help start an endowment that will support this
unique program year after year. To learn more about Crossroads Community Foundation
and the Youth in Philanthropy Program go to www.ccfdn.org
|