September 2011

The new school year marks an important beginning here at the Foundation—the start of another series of Youth In Philanthropy programs. Throughout September we accept applications for the Youth Action Council, our community-based program that teaches high school students about thoughtful, charitable giving. At the same time our school-based programs start gearing up for another year.

For the past 14 years we have seen the impact of our Youth In Philanthropy program—on the young participants, their families, and their grantees. As each group works together to raise funds, evaluate grants, and make the difficult decisions to award limited money to deserving nonprofits, the participants develop into more engaged citizens with skills they will use throughout their lives.

Data from Edge Research indicates that 52% of Gen Y individuals surveyed (those born between 1981 and 1991) first learned about their top charity during childhood, and they have supported that charity over four years on average. They raise funds, participate and support their friends in walks, runs or other events, visit the websites, and promote the charity online more than any other age group.

Early participation in charitable endeavors may be fueling the growth in philanthropy education in US business schools. An August Bloomberg Business Week article reports that interest in philanthropy course work has grown dramatically since 2000. Dozens of MBA and undergraduate business programs teach philanthropy as an academic subject. In some cases these courses are similar to our Youth In Philanthropy program in that students are given money to donate.

How can you play a part in helping more MetroWest students recognize their own potential as they work through the process of thoughtful giving? You can:

• Encourage high school youth to apply for the Youth Action Council
• Support the program with a financial contribution
• Work with participants on fund raising
Serve on an advisory committee

Together we can enable MetroWest youth to make a difference now, and set the stage for continued giving in the future.

Best wishes,
Judy Salerno
Executive Director

For more information….

Foundation for MetroWest Youth In Philanthropy Program

Bhagat, V., Loeb, P., Rovner, M., "The Next Generation of American Giving", Edge Research, March 2010.

"Philanthropy Gains Eager Followers in B-Schools", Bloomberg BusinessWeek, August 17, 2011.