The Adam Hanson Youth Philanthropy in Action (YPIA) program is philanthropy education program of the Community Foundation’s NonProfit Business Council designed to teach middle school students the importance of philanthropy, and how they can make a difference in their community even at their age.

In the Classroom, YPIA is one-day-per-week for six weeks class where council members encourage students to learn about their passions and interests while teaching:

The history of philanthropy

The differences in the sectors of society (nonprofit, for profit, government)

How to interview a philanthropist

Writing a personal mission statement

Classmates are grouped based on common interests and create “case for support” presentations for an imaginary $500 to support local charities. The class votes by secret ballot for the group with the best presentation.

Through a grant from the Community Foundation, winning students present the winning nonprofit with real money.

Each gift of $500 sponsors a YPIA classroom.

Won’t you consider a gift to YPIA to help teach tomorrow’s philanthropists how to start giving today?