From The Community Foundation: (Photo courtesy Tina Jackson Photography)
Thirty-eight local high school students awarded $10,000 to Downtown Greens Community Greenspace for their Kitchen Classroom Project.
The students – members of The Community Foundation’s Youth in Philanthropy or “YIP” program – spent 22 weeks reading applications, conducting site visits, interviewing nonprofit leaders and deliberating decisions. They presented their findings to an audience of foundation board members, parents and community leaders at The Community Foundation’s December Board of Governors meeting.
The Kitchen Classroom Project will expand Downtown Green’s very limited kitchen to nearly three times its current size. The new, multipurpose kitchen will help provide year-round education on healthy foods and nutrition, and create a space for workshops, community dinners and events. The Kitchen Classroom is also integral to expanding the Youth Farm Program, which involves young people in growing food to sell at the Fredericksburg Farmers Market.
Youth in Philanthropy student grant reviewers appreciated this resourceful model for meeting student needs and are looking forward to the program helping even more youth in our area.
Now is the ideal time for rising 10th graders to apply to become a YIP member. To join Youth in Philanthropy for Fall 2020, visit the foundation’s website at www.cfrrr.org.
Youth in Philanthropy, established in 2003 by The Community Foundation of the Rappahannock River Region, empowers local students to make changes in their community and respond to the issues they feel passionate about. The program encourages area high school students to tackle issues as serious as homelessness, domestic violence and food insecurity. Each year, students are challenged to practice leadership, study proposals, manage budgets, work together and present their views to an audience of peers and adults. YIP has awarded 99 grants to more than 50 regional organizations, disbursing nearly $185,000 to youth projects throughout the region.
The YIP grant money is provided by generous area donors who give through The Community Foundation. Anyone can support The Community Foundation’s work to grow leadership and charitable giving skills among our community’s young people. Thanks to a generous YIP program alumni parent, all donations up to $10,000 to support Youth in Philanthropy will be doubled! Simply make a gift designated for Youth in Philanthropy at cfrrr.org, or by check made to CFRRR YIP at PO BOX 208, Fredericksburg, VA 22404.
About The Community Foundation
The Community Foundation, founded in 1997, is a devoted advocate for the vitality and well-being of the Rappahannock River region. Our mission is to build a flourishing philanthropic community. We manage and distribute charitable giving throughout the Rappahannock River region by offering a spectrum of services for individuals, organizations and businesses that are eager to achieve great results with their charitable actions.
