The 2020-21 teen philanthropists in the Giving Initiative for Teens (GIFT) raised more than $22,000 for five local organizations, which was distributed at a grant ceremony on May 19. This year’s 35 teens decided to focus on issues of homelessness and racial equity in healthcare. They met virtually throughout the school year to explore grant-making, non-profit management, fundraising, and Jewish values. In the spring they opened a Request for Proposal for local non-profits to submit an application for funding.
The teens took virtual tours of several organizations and, in the end, selected five local organizations to fund: Jewish Family Service, Plymouth Housing, Atlantic Street Center, New Horizons, and Facing Homelessness. Over the past several months the teens raised $18,052 to grant to the selected organizations. GIFT also received an anonymous $4,000 match, bringing the total grant money to $22,052.
“While this year was extremely different than we imagined, these teens made it great — and they made a positive impact in the lives of so many people,” said Stephanie Aaronson, who led the program. “Their kindness, intentionality, and gifts will live on in perpetuity, and I hope the values they put into practice this year will continue with them in their creative journeys ahead.” Mazel tov to all our amazing teen philanthropists!
Learn more about GIFT and apply for the 2021-22 cohort here >>