May 5, 2021
Youth in Philanthropy is a philanthropic-oriented education program offered by the Community Giving Foundation. The purpose of the program is for youth to understand the meaning of philanthropy, learn about the local nonprofit world, and take part in the grantmaking process. Through this program, students are empowered to make a positive impact in their communities now and in the future.
In 2020-21, groups consisting of approximately 15 high school students from 11 school districts in our region completed their annual grant round. The program was adapted to suit social distancing guidelines due to the pandemic. Christine Orlando, senior program officer of the Foundation, explained, “The students met virtually to review and discuss their grant recommendations. Our grant awards ceremony was also held in a virtual format and checks were mailed to the nonprofit organizations in support of the valuable services they provide youth across our region.”
Students presented their awards and recapped this year’s program through ceremonies held on April 28th and May 5th. This year, 47 grants totaling $53,500 were awarded. These grants were funded by generous community support. Lists of 2020-21 program sponsors and grant recipients are included below.
Youth in Philanthropy Donors
- Anonymous
- Berwick Health and Wellness Fund
- Mr. Jeremy Betz
- Central Columbia Educational Foundation
- Danville Superintendent’s Educational Initiative Awards Fund
- Ms. Michelle Ebner
- ERDI Partners, Inc.
- First Columbia Bank and Trust Company Employees
- Dr. Alan Hack
- Joan and Fred Miller Family Fund
- Dr. John M. and Mrs. Jacqueline Kurelja
- Marr Development
- Ms. Nancy Mathna
- Mr. Robert J. and Mrs. Kathleen A. McWilliams, Jr.
- Millville Community Foundation, Inc.
- Neighbors Helping Neighbors Unrestricted Fund
- Patricia H. and Richard E. Garman Fund
- Ms. Julie Petrin
- Robinson Donor Advised Fund
- Seebold Family Fund
- The Booth Family Fund
- The Cole Family Fund
Youth in Philanthropy Grant Recipients
Benton students awarded the following grants:
- Benton Area School District—Adapting with Job Boxes, $1,500
- Benton Area School District—Animals for Mental Health, $650
- Benton Area School District—Rebuilding our Future Through Social and Emotional Care, $800
- Benton AYSO—Purchase New Goals, $850
- Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $200
- Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center—Summer Camp Mental Health Initiative, $1,000
Berwick students awarded the following grants:
- Berwick Area YMCA—Esports Lab at the Berwick YMCA, $1,500
- For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $2,500
- Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—All Abilities Swim at the Berwick YMCA, $330
- The Children’s Museum, Inc.—All STEAM Ahead!, $670
Central Columbia students awarded the following grants:
- AGAPE Love from Above to Our Community—Women in Need, $1,000
- Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $1,000
- For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $1.000
- Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—Creating Sensory Safe Environments at Community Events – $1,000
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $1,000
Columbia-Montour Area Vo-Tech students awarded the following grants:
- Central PA Business & Education Association—College & Career Preparedness Opportunities & Outreach, $500
- Columbia County Commissioners for Columbia County Family Centers—Learn to Earn, $400
- For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $850
- Hand in Hand Family Resource Center—CAMPS (Construction, Art, Music, Play, Sensory), $500
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $1,000
- The Children’s Museum, Inc.—Materials Support for Summer Maker Camp, $750
- Transitional Housing and Care Center of Columbia and Montour County—Project Therapy Dog, $1,000
Danville students awarded the following grants:
- Danville Child Development Center—Engaging School Age Children in SEL & Bullying Prevention, $750
- Montour Area Recreation Commission—Chillisquaque Creek Access Project, $1,000
- The Good Samaritan Mission—Beds for Kids Program, $2,250
- The Good Samaritan Mission—Many Hands Helping Others Program, $1,000
Midd-West students awarded the following grants:
- Evangelical Community Hospital—Helping Teens Quit: Tobacco and Vaping Education and Cessation, $750
- Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way—GSVUW Youth Mental Health Assistance Fund, $1,710
- Middlecreek Area Community Center—Recreational Activity for Youth through the MACC Kid’s Night / Teen Night Events, $2,540
Millville students awarded the following grants:
- AGAPE Love from Above to Our Community—Women in Need, $250
- Millville Borough—Little Fishing Creek Area Swimming Pool Improvement, $3,500
- Millville Little League—Registration Sponsorship & Field Upkeep, $500
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $500
- Transitional Housing and Care Center of Columbia and Montour County—Project Zoey, $250
Northwest students awarded the following grants:
- For the Cause—PLANTED (People Learning about Nutritious Tasteful Edible Dishes), $1,500
- Northwest Area School District—Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, $1,500
- Northwest Area School District—My Plate Food Project, $1,000
- Susquehanna Warrior Trail Council—Mile Marker Project, $1,000
Selinsgrove students awarded the following grants:
- DIG Furniture Bank—Providing Good Night’s Sleep to Selinsgrove Youth, $250
- Greater Susquehanna Valley United Way—Youth Mental Health Financial Assistance Fund, $250
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Camp Victory Care Packages, $500
- Regional Engagement Center (REC)—After School Drop-In Program and Food Pantry Support, $2,000
- Selinsgrove Area School District—Seals in the Garden, $2,000
Shikellamy students awarded the following grants:
- Evangelical Community Hospital—Helping Teens Quit: Tobacco and Vaping Education and Cessation, $1,000
- Shikellamy High School—Bikes and Hikes Program, $4,000
Warrior Run students awarded the following grants:
- Father’s Hope—Hope for the Holidays, $500
- Greater Susquehanna Valley YMCA—Growth of Our Community, $3,000