Juniors, Seniors Sought For HoCo Youth In Philanthropy Program

COLUMBIA, MD — Howard County high school sophomores and juniors are encouraged to apply to participate in the Community Foundation of Howard County's new Youth in Philanthropy program, which encourages the budding philanthropists to learn how to raise, manage and distribute funds to support Howard County nonprofits.

Youth in Philanthropy will help participating students solicit and evaluate grant applications and award funds based on need and effectiveness to nonprofit organizations in Howard County. A committee of 10 to 15 students will begin meeting in 2020 to award $10,000 in grants ranging in size from $500 to $5,000. Students interested in joining the Youth in Philanthropy committee can apply online at CFHoCo.org or email yip@cfhoco.org.

“Student committee members take direct responsibility and oversight for soliciting and evaluating grant proposals,” said Jeffrey Boutwell, a foundation volunteer and donor who established the program. “They will have to make the hard decisions on who to fund. That’s the most difficult part of the job, deciding who gets funded and who doesn’t, so it’s a great learning experience for the students.”

Each student on the Youth in Philanthropy committee will partner with one of the community organizations seeking a grant, meet with representatives, witness operations firsthand and learn more about the organization and the needs it addresses.