The KidsMatter Teen Philanthropy Initiative held its capstone ceremony on June 26 at the Naperville Municipal Center. At the event, the different groups comprised of teens and mentors awarded donations to area nonprofits.
What is the Teen Philanthropy Initiative?
This initiative follows the Three Pillars Initiative, which seeks to develop and launch programs that teach the art, science, and business of philanthropy to the next generation by providing hands-on experiences in fundraising, grantmaking, and community service.
Interested students undergo an application and interview process. 30 students will be selected for the program during their junior year, where they will be introduced to fundamental areas of the nonprofit sector, such as budgeting. By their senior year, students will dive into the world of fundraising by launching a 9-month campaign, using proven techniques to solicit donations. Eventually, the earnings from the campaign are distributed to local nonprofit organizations the following year.
How the program will run:
- Juniors enroll and make a 2-year commitment to the program
- Adult mentors deliver the curriculum and community outreach activities
- First-year program devoted to learning and doing grantmaking
- Second-year program devoted to learning and doing fundraising
- Community service projects completed during both years
At the capstone ceremony, students gave out various donations to selected nonprofits
The following nonprofits received donations:
- Alive Center
- ALMAS
- Almost Home Kids
- Fry YMCA
- Inside Out Club
- KidsMatter Senior High Board
- NAMI DuPage
- Naperville Neighbors United
- Maker’s Lab
- Max’s Mission
- May’s Music Center of Excellence
- SCARCE
TPI is Co-Chaired by Nina Menis and Mark Trembacki, Executive Vice President and Chief Strategy Officer of Busey Bank, and Janet Sommerville serves as Coordinator. Many thanks to Mayor Scott Wehrli and to North Central College Provost, Dr. Abiodun Goke-Pariola for speaking at the event and to Busey Bank for sponsoring the reception.
About KidsMatter
KidsMatter has been serving kids in the community since 2001. The organization seeks to build resilient kids who say “No” to destructive choices and “Yes” to their endless possibilities. KidsMatter provides resources from reputable sources and also information on free events for teens, parents and families.
