The Community Foundation of Jackson Hole has recently announced the allocation of $52,500 in grants through its Youth Philanthropy program to 33 local nonprofits in Teton County. This program involves high school students from the area in the philanthropic process where they assess and decide on funding for local nonprofit projects.
Overview of the Youth Philanthropy Program
The Youth Philanthropy program is designed as an educational initiative that gives students from Teton County’s five high schools a practical experience in philanthropy. Students participate in reviewing grant proposals and deciding which community projects to fund. This year, approximately 40 students were involved in the decision-making process, evaluating a wide range of projects in arts, education, conservation, recreation, and health services.
Grant Allocation Process
The process began last December when local nonprofits submitted their grant applications. Throughout the winter, student committees from schools including Jackson Hole High School, Summit Innovations School, and others met to review these applications. This year, the program received requests totaling $92,140 from 33 organizations, marking it the highest amount requested to date.
List of Grant Recipients
The diverse range of projects funded this year includes:
- Animal Adoption Center | Foster Enrichment Program
- Art Association of Jackson Hole | Avery Mathieu Scholarship Fund Support
- Astoria Park Conservancy | Empowering Astoria’s Future
- Camina Conmigo JH | Connecting Latino Adults with the Outdoors
- Carving the Future | Shred the Gap Mentorship
- Center for the Arts | Tlaxcala Sister City Project
- City Kids Wilderness Project | Grand Teton, Grand Climb
- Climb Wyoming | Nutrition for Job Success
- Community Safety Network | JH High School Peer Advocate Club
- Coombs Outdoors | Youth Swimming Lessons
- Dancers’ Workshop | Contemporary Dance Residency
- Energy Conservation Works | Green Power Ambassador Program
- First in Family Jackson Hole | Financial Planning for Scholars
- Girls Actively Participating! | Expansion to Local Elementary Schools
- Grand Teton Music Festival | Interactive Workshop
- Grand Teton National Park Foundation | Ranger Rigging for Rescue Training
- Immigrant Hope | Immigration Legal Services
- Jackson Hole Historical Society and Museum | Student Exhibit Display
- Jackson Hole Land Trust | R Park Reservoir Maintenance
- Jackson Hole Pride | LGBTQIA+ Youth Programming
- Jackson Hole Public Art | Asphalt Art Public Crossings
- Jackson Hole Writers | Writing Workshops and Conference
- KHOL – Community Radio | Radio Journalist Training
- National Museum of Wildlife Art | Children’s Gallery Improvement
- Off Square Theatre Company | Community Theater Programs
- Protect Our Water Jackson Hole | E. coli Monitoring
- Teton Botanical Garden | Growability Project
- Teton County Search & Rescue Foundation | Ambassador Certification and Scholarship
- Teton Literacy Center | Jetsetter Camping Trip
- Teton Raptor Center | Raptor Species Representation
- The Mental Wellness Collaborative | Spanish Interpretation Services
- Voices Jackson Hole | Community Navigation for Families
- Wind River Community Alliance | Cultural Performance and Gathering
Impact of the Grants
According to Elly Garrett, Executive Director of Girls Actively Participating, the funds will significantly aid in expanding girls’ leadership and confidence programs at local elementary schools. The initiative not only supports various community projects but also aims to instill a sense of social responsibility and leadership among students.
Recognition and Awards
The program also honors outstanding participants with the Future Old Bill Award, recognizing students who demonstrate exceptional leadership and commitment to the community. Winners receive $400 to donate to a local nonprofit of their choice. This year’s awardees included students from each of the participating high schools.
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