Jackson Hole Youth Award grants to local nonprofits - Buckrail

soworos.blogspot.com

Jazmine Doherty, daughter of Oona Doherty (Center for the Arts) holds up The Center's check presented to them by students involved in the Youth Philanthropy Program. Photo: CFJH

JACKSON, Wyo.—The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole announced that its 2021 Youth Philanthropy program awarded $25,000 in grants to 14 local nonprofits. Youth Philanthropy provides students at the five local high schools a hands-on learning experience in philanthropy. Participating students review grant proposals, discuss their community impact, and make difficult granting decisions in order to fund local nonprofit initiatives.

Last December, 24 nonprofits submitted grant applications, and the high school Youth Philanthropy committees met throughout the winter to review applications and decide which projects to support. This year more than 30 students from Jackson Hole High School, Summit Innovations School, Mountain Academy of Teton Science Schools, Jackson Hole Community School, and Jackson Hole Classical Academy participated in the Youth Philanthropy program. The grant proposals they reviewed represented a wide array of art, conservation, health and human services, and educational programs in Teton County.

Lydia Thiess of Jackson Hole High School presenting a grant check to Will Walkey (KHOL – Jackson Hole Community Radio). Photo: CFJH

One of the grant winners, First in Family Jackson Hole Scholarships, received $2,500 for computer stipends for the first-generation college students it supports. “We have so much gratitude to Youth Philanthropy students for understanding the importance of technology, as well as the economic challenges many families in our community face,” remarked First in Family Program Coordinator Charlotte Quesada Krugh.

“Despite the constraints of COVID-19, local high schoolers rose to the challenge of Youth Philanthropy 2021,” said Community Foundation Education & Outreach Programs Officer Annie Riddell. “Students engaged in thoughtful, high-level discussions over a compelling set of proposals, and they ultimately made tough decisions to fund those they believe will most benefit our community. It’s inspiring to watch the next generation of philanthropists cut their teeth on this program.”

Each year, the Community Foundation honors an exemplary senior in the Youth Philanthropy program with a $1,500 college scholarship and $500 to donate to the nonprofit of their choice. This year, Mountain Academy senior Abigail Heimerl received the Future Ms. Old Bill Scholarship. According to her nomination, “Abby modeled thoughtful questioning of grantee guests and consistently treated all involved in the process with respect. She humbly created an inclusive space for collaboration.”

2021 Youth Philanthropy Grantees

Arts & Culture: Center for the Arts, Jackson Hole Community Radio, Vista 360
Animals, Conservation & Environment: Animal Adoption Center, Grand Teton National Park Foundation, Jackson Hole Wildlife Foundation, Teton County Integrated Solid Waste & Recycling
Education & Recreation: Boundless, First in Family Jackson Hole Scholarships, InterConnections 21
Health & Human Services and Civic: Good Samaritan Mission, Immigrant Hope, Native American Jumpstart, Teton Literacy Center

About The Author