Youth IN Philanthropy
Youth IN Philanthropy empowers high school students to research, prioritize, and award grants to local nonprofits addressing youth and community needs in Pennsylvania's Central Susquehanna region.
Funder: Community Giving Foundation
Due Dates (Anticipated): February 2027 (round opens) | March 2027 (round closes/full application deadline)
Funding Amounts: Up to $5,000 per school group; total annual pool ~$90,000–$100,000 region-wide; 1-year grants.
Summary: Supports local nonprofits addressing youth and community needs, with grants awarded through a student-led process in partnership with high schools.
Key Information: Only 501(c)(3) nonprofits and government agencies serving within participating school districts are eligible to apply.
Description
The Youth IN Philanthropy program, administered by the Community Giving Foundation, empowers high school students across the Central Susquehanna region of Pennsylvania to learn about philanthropy and community needs by directly participating in grantmaking. Student groups, guided by faculty liaisons, conduct needs assessments, set funding priorities, and award grants to local nonprofits that address youth and community issues. The program fosters leadership, teamwork, and consensus-building skills while encouraging meaningful community engagement and impact.
Each participating school group is allocated up to $5,000 annually to distribute to nonprofit organizations for youth-focused programs. Funding priorities are determined by the students based on surveys and research within their school and broader community. The process culminates in an annual grant ceremony each spring.
