Youth Giving Project Empowers Next Generation to Make a Difference
Local youth recently granted $10,000 to five Gallatin County nonprofits through the Youth Giving Project hosted by One Valley Community Foundation and Foundant Technologies.
Gallatin County, MT – Last month, nine local youth granted $10,000 to five local nonprofits through Youth Giving Project (YGP), a program hosted by One Valley Community Foundation in partnership with Foundant Technologies. Founded on the belief that by teaching a child to give, you can change the world, YGP was launched in 2015 as an opportunity to introduce young people to the needs that exist in their communities and engage them in finding solutions.
Throughout the 6-week program, students form a leadership committee, conduct research and on-site visits to local nonprofits, learn about community needs, and ultimately distribute $10,000 in grants to local organizations. Since its inception, the program has awarded over $85,000, supporting initiatives that address critical community needs.
During this year’s session - generously sponsored by Michael and Andrea Manship and the Doll Family Foundation - students prioritized mental health and animal welfare, recognizing the pressing needs in our community. The students had to make difficult decisions with over $95,000 in grant requests from 40 nonprofits and only $10,000 to distribute. After strategically evaluating all the applications, the group awarded grants to Warriors and Quiet Waters Foundation, Community Health Partners, Help Center Inc., Suffer Out Loud, and Heart of the Valley.
"Montana has the highest suicide rates in the US, so we need to put mental health as more of a priority. If I can help fund that help that our community desperately needs, I know I am genuinely doing good,” shared YGP participant Rowan Keith.
As the community foundation serving Gallatin County, One Valley is committed to enhancing our community's present and future quality of living through innovative charitable activities that provide leadership, identify charitable needs, and galvanize resources. YGP is a perfect example of these efforts. “At One Valley, we know that strong and vibrant communities emerge from the collective efforts of individuals across generations who have dedicated their time, expertise, and resources to the places we are so lucky to call home,” shared One Valley’s Nonprofit Programming and Relations Manager, Jill Ellwood. “As an organization, we see YGP as an opportunity to continue cultivating the communities we serve by empowering future generations to understand the impact of philanthropy.”
Since 2007, Foundant Technologies has been dedicated to simplifying and enhancing philanthropy through innovative software solutions and outstanding client interactions. By partnering with philanthropic initiatives like YGP, they continuously work to improve existing practices and create new technologies that empower change-makers to pursue their missions. Recognizing that these change- makers exist across generations, Foundant is passionate about introducing young people to the needs that exist in their communities, bringing voices into philanthropy that may otherwise be absent. This not only enhances our communities but also helps to improve Foundant's products and services.
“Programs like the Youth Giving Project provide an opportunity for youth to not only be exposed to philanthropy but to develop their critical thinking, communication, and persuasive skills. It gives them a focused group to learn about empathy and how they can make a true difference in their communities,” shared Sammie Holzwarth, Product Manager at Foundant Technologies and YGP Founding Partner. “After nearly ten years of supporting this program through our software and donations, we are thrilled with the growth and continuity and hopeful this will inspire young people to pursue philanthropy throughout their lives. We can't thank One Valley Community Foundation enough for their ongoing dedication and stewardship of YGP."
Youth Giving Project continues to inspire and empower the next generation of community leaders, creating a positive ripple effect for years to come. For more information about Youth Giving Project, please visit onevalley.org/youth-giving-project or contact Jill Ellwood at jill@onevalley.org or by phone at 406.587.6262 ext.20.
Note about mental health issues mentioned in this article: If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call 9-8-8 for support and local resources.
About One Valley Community Foundation
One Valley Community Foundation is a nonprofit organization based in Southwest Montana that connects people who care to the issues that matter most to them to address the priorities and concerns of Gallatin County. One Valley does this by matching donors with causes they believe in, focusing financial resources to facilitate change, offering tools and opportunities to support other nonprofits, and acting as a community facilitator. One Valley hosts multiple community-wide initiatives, including Give Big Gallatin Valley, a 24-hour giving day that has raised over $14.3 million for local nonprofits, and the Gallatin County Regional Housing Coalition, a convening of diverse partners working to address local housing challenges. For more information, visit www.onevalley.org.
