April 20, 2022
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.
Youth in Philanthropy groups, consisting of approximately 15 high school students from ten school districts in our region, completed their annual grant round during the spring of the 2021-2022 school year. Schools included Benton, Berwick, Central Columbia, Danville, Midd-West, Millville, Northwest, Selinsgrove, Shikellamy, and Warrior Run.
Christine Orlando, senior program officer of the Foundation, commented, “This year’s students spent time creating and administering a needs assessment process which included interviews of their peers. The students synthesized the results of their needs assessment and used this data to prioritize their grant awards.”
This year, 47 grants totaling $48,500 were awarded. On Wednesday, April 20, 2022, student representatives from each group presented grant awards to grantee organizations. The year-end ceremony was held at the Danville High School auditorium. These grants were funded by generous community support. Lists of 2020-21 program sponsors and grant recipients are included below.
Youth in Philanthropy Donors, 2021-2022
- American Legion Millville
- Anonymous
- Ballard Angels, Inc.
- Berwick Health and Wellness Fund
- Central Columbia Educational Foundation
- Community Giving Foundation: Sunbury
- Danville Superintendent’s Educational Initiative
- Ennis-Visneski Fund
- First Columbia Bank and Trust Company
- Dr. Alan Hack
- Holdren Family Fund
- Joan and Fred Miller Family Fund
- J.P. Mascaro and Sons and the White Pines Landfill
- Dr. and Mrs. John M. Kurelja
- Marr Development
- Mrs. Nancy Marr
- 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
- Sunbury Operating Fund
- The Booth Family Fund
- The Cole Family Fund
- Victor and Linda Marks Family Fund
- Warrior Run Education Foundation
Youth in Philanthropy Grant Recipients
Benton students awarded the following grants:
- Benton Area School District—Community Pride, $1,000
- Benton Area School District—Growing Greens in Life Skills, $1,200
- Benton Area School District—Learning and Snacking Around the World, $900
- Benton/Waller/Town Hill UMC—Sanctuary Projector, $900
- Northern Columbia Community & Cultural Center—Camp Trips Mental Health Initiative, $1,000
Berwick students awarded the following grants:
- Berwick Area School District—Middle School Marching Band, $1,000
- Berwick Area YMCA—Inclusive Learning Communities, $1,000
- Eos Therapeutic Riding Center—Healthy Horses Providing Therapy, $500
- For the Cause Mental Health Hub—Drop-In Counseling, and Related Programming, $2,000
- McBride Memorial Library—The Underground Book Store, $500
Central Columbia students awarded the following grants:
- AGAPE Love from Above to Our Community—TOGO Food Backpacks 4 Kidz, $500
- Eos Therapeutic Riding Center—Healthy Horses Providing Therapy, $500
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Kids Kash, $1,000
- Orangeville Public Library—Summer Reading Program 2022, $500
- Saint Columba Food Cupboard—Spaghetti and Sauce for Families at the Bloomsburg Food Cupboard, $500
- The Exchange—The Pursuit of Happiness, $500
- The Salvation Army, Service Extension—Back to School Clothing Shopping, $1,500
Danville students awarded the following grants:
- Danville Area Community Center—Youth Programming, $600
- The Foundation of the Columbia Montour Chamber of Commerce—Iron Kids Mental Health Initiative, $1,400
- The Good Samaritan Mission—Many Hands Helping Others Program, $1,500
- The Good Samaritan Mission—Youth Bed Program, $1,500
Midd-West students awarded the following grants:
- Grace Covenant Community Church—Middleburg Town Square Mural, $500
- Kelsey’s Dream—Helping Children with Cancer, $1,500
- Middlecreek Area Community Center—Food Distribution Program, $500
- Reaching Out Ministries, Inc.—Food Donation to the Needy, $2,000
- Ronald McDonald House of Danville—Camp Dost, $500
Millville students awarded the following grants:
- AGAPE Love from Above to Our Community—TOGO Food Backpacks 4 Kidz, $1,000
- Millville School District—Opportunities in Communities, $2,000
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Kids Kash, $1,000
- The Salvation Army, Service Extension—Back to School Clothing Shopping, $1,000
Northwest students awarded the following grants:
- For the Cause Mental Health Hub—Drop in Counseling and Related Programming, $1,000
- Historical & Preservation Society of the Greater Shickshinny Area—Shickshinny FLT Children’s Library, $1,000
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Kids Kash, $1,500
- Northwest Area School District—Just for the Health of it!, $1,500
Selinsgrove students awarded the following grants:
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Kids Kash, $1,000
- Random Canyon Riding Program—SureHands Handimove Lift System, $2,000
- Ronald Mcdonald House of Danville—Camp Dost, $500
- Selinsgrove Parks and Recreation—Little Norway Skates, $1,000
- Summer SEALS Day Camp—Camp Support, $500
Shikellamy students awarded the following grants:
- DIG Furniture Bank—Bringing a Good Night’s Sleep to Shikellamy Youth, $1,700
- Girls on the Run Capital Area—Supporting the Mental, Social and Physical Health of School-Aged Girls, $1,650
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Kids Kash, $1,650
Warrior Run students awarded the following grants:
- Father’s Hope—Hope for the Holidays, $400
- Girls on the Run Capital Area—Girls on the Run Program Warrior Run, $1,000
- Kingdom Kidz, Inc.—Safe KIDZ!, $600
- Nicholas Wolff Foundation, Inc.—Kids Kash, $500
- Northern Montour Recreation Association—Subsidized Swimming Lessons, $1,000
