Philanthropy is becoming a new trend among local teens, and The Winnipeg Foundation is celebrating their commitment to our community. Through The Winnipeg Foundation's Youth in Philanthropy (YiP) program, approximately 300 local high school students have allocated 141 grants totaling $100,518 to charitable organizations in our community. Tonight, participating students and grant recipients will celebrate the program at 7:30, Canad Inns Polo Park, 1405 St. Matthews Avenue.

Some of this year's grants will provide: art supplies and a barbecue for Main Street Project, car seats for Villa Rosa, multimedia presentations for Mothers Against Drunk Driving, and brochures for Eating Disorders Association of Manitoba. Dozens of other grants will help local charities with their work in the community.

"The Winnipeg Foundation is very proud to play a role in nurturing these young philanthropists," says Richard Frost, Chief Executive Officer of The Winnipeg Foundation. "This program has a win-win-win effect. Students gain new skills and insight that can last a lifetime. Charities receive grants that help them continue their important work in the community. And the Foundation benefits from the new perspective that young people bring to our grantmaking."

Now wrapping up its sixth year, the Foundation's YiP program empowers young people as decision makers and provides hands-on experience in community development. The Foundation allocates $5,000 each to 20 participating schools, which form student-run committees to oversee the grantmaking. In the fall, committees determine their areas of focus, and research the local charities that share their values and community goals. Students visit charities and each committee decides how to allocate its grantmaking funds among community organizations.

Through YiP, students also gain skills in communication, teamwork and consensus-building. Committees also establish school endowment funds at the Foundation to expand the grantmaking capacity of future participants in the program.

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For a complete list of grants or more information, contact:
Kerry Ryan, Communications Officer
The Winnipeg Foundation
Phone: (204) 944-9474
E-mail: kryan@wpgfdn.org