Winnipeg high school students grant $89,000 to community organizations

WINNIPEG – FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE MAY 21st, 2003 – A new generation is taking up Manitoba's tradition of philanthropy. Through the Youth in Philanthropy program at The Winnipeg Foundation, local high school students have allocated more than $89,000 to 132 charitable organizations in our community this year. The Foundation will recognize the contribution of those students, their teacher advisors and grant recipients at a special celebration tonight.

Through the program, The Winnipeg Foundation allocates $5,000 to each participating school, which forms a student-run committee. At the beginning of the year, each committee determines its grantmaking goals and researches the charitable organizations that address their particular areas of interest. Then the students visit the organizations, asking questions and gathering information. Finally, committees meet to decide which organizations will receive grants.

"The Winnipeg Foundation is very proud of the Youth in Philanthropy program and the commitment of these students to make a difference. We hope the program will empower young people as decision-makers and foster a lifelong spirit of philanthropy. And, the grants these students make help to strengthen our community," says Richard Frost, Chief Executive Officer of The Winnipeg Foundation.

In 2002-03 the Youth in Philanthropy program was expanded to include 18 Winnipeg high schools, represented by 300 students. The program gives students first-hand experience with grantmaking, the charitable sector and community development. Students also gain skills in communication, teamwork and consensus-building. Youth in Philanthropy committees also establish their own endowment funds at the Foundation to expand the grantmaking capacity of future participants in the program.

The Youth in Philanthropy Celebration takes place at 7:30 at the Canad Inns Polo Park, located at 1405 St. Matthews Avenue. -30- For more information about the Youth in Philanthropy program, contact:

Richard Frost, CEO
The Winnipeg Foundation
Phone: (204) 944-9474