Youth in Philanthropy: Building Future Community Leaders

The Community Foundation of Central Alberta’s Youth in Philanthropy has had another successful year!  This year, Mattie McCullough Elementary and St. Martin de Porres School embraced the challenge of becoming young philanthropists.

St. Martin de Porres School is a longtime participant in the YiP program, having been involved since 2018.  This year the students worked hard to raise money through both an Art Sale held at Velvet Olive, as well as a Garage Sale held at the school. Their efforts resulted in $1,369.50 raised for the Canadian Cancer Society and Saving Grace Animal Society, with $1,000 going back into the Youth in Philanthropy Endowment, to ensure the continuation of the program.

Mattie McCullough Elementary participated in Youth in Philanthropy for the first time this year. They planned two Sock Hops, and also collected bottles to raise funds for their grant to the Central Alberta Humane Society. The students raised enough money to donate $822.50 to the Humane Society, and contribute $250.00 back into the YiP Endowment.  

“I am continually amazed by the thoughtfulness and maturity these young students demonstrate throughout the grant-making process,” says Erin Peden, Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Central Alberta. “The dedication of the teachers who guide them is equally impressive – they’re nurturing the next generation of community leaders. The impact extends far beyond the grants these students award; we’re seeing students develop a genuine understanding of their role as engaged citizens.”

The Youth in Philanthropy program provides students with hands-on experience in charitable giving. Each participating school receives $500 to distribute as grants to local registered charities, creating genuine stakes that go far beyond abstract learning. Students research potential recipients, share their information, and engage in collaborative decision-making that mirrors professional grant-making processes.

By actively involving students, the program plants seeds of social awareness at a crucial developmental stage when children are forming their understanding of their role in society. The highlight of the program is the gathering where students present cheques to their chosen grant recipients, experiencing firsthand the satisfaction of making a positive community impact.

Youth in Philanthropy succeeds by treating young people as capable decision-makers rather than passive learners. Through genuine trust in their abilities, the program transforms students from observers into active community participants, preparing them to become the engaged, compassionate leaders their communities will need in the future.