Future Philanthropists enriches the school curriculum and educational experience.
Because we work with each institution to develop an individualized approach, The Future Philanthropists program varies greatly from one school to another, although we do tend to follow the following general progression:
The students begin by learning about the meaning of philanthropy, with some coaching to better understand their own personal value system.
Students are then taught about nonprofit governance, nonprofit management, nonprofit budgets, and careers within the sector.
Either individually or in teams, the students begin researching local 501(c)(3) organizations. These nonprofits range from social service agencies, animal rights organizations, arts and culture institutions, and environmental organizations.
The students present these organizations’ missions, budgets, and programs to their fellow participants. The youth collectively discuss which agencies would be interesting site visits and prepare questions for the staff and/or board representatives of the agencies.
The students (either individually, in teams, or as a field trip) conduct site visits to each of the agencies. They interview the nonprofit representatives directly.
When the students reconvene they engage in a difficult, but collaborative, process in which they choose which organizations to fund and at what level.
The program concludes with a ceremony and celebration between the students, the schools, the foundation, and the chosen grantees.
