Youth Philanthropy Celebrates 30 years
P.U.L.S.E. of Noble County recently gathered with community leaders, alumni, and supporters to celebrate 30 years of youth philanthropy. The event highlighted the contributions of students in Noble County and the lasting impact of P.U.L.S.E. on local schools and nonprofits.
Founded in 1994, P.U.L.S.E. was created through an initiative by the Dekko Foundation, pioneering the idea that young people could take the lead in philanthropy. The program was established as the first Youth Pod of the Dekko Foundation and continues to thrive today. Each year, 22 students from East Noble, Central Noble, and West Noble meet to discuss community needs, grant funding, and volunteer their time to make a meaningful impact.
During the celebration, East Noble High School senior and 2025 Lilly Endowment Scholarship recipient Elijah Delashmit shared the program’s investment in the community. Since its inception, P.U.L.S.E. has granted $190,553 to local schools for essential resources like school supplies, books, field trips, and educational programs. Nonprofit organizations have received $192,969.77, while $37,500 in scholarships has been awarded to students from public, private, and homeschool communities.
Over 124 P.U.L.S.E. students and alumni have completed more than 80,000 hours of community service, and more than $360,000 in grants have been awarded to benefit Noble County. West Noble freshman Natalie Gow and East Noble junior Nadia Leitch reflected on the leadership of Dave Knopp, former Executive Director of the Community Foundation of Noble County. Knopp played an instrumental role in youth philanthropy, guiding students to lead with confidence and reminding them that their voices mattered.
When Knopp passed away unexpectedly on July 3, 2008, P.U.L.S.E. members at the time sought a meaningful way to honor his impact. The P.U.L.S.E. Endowment in Memory of Dave Knopp was created, ensuring that his dedication to youth philanthropy would continue. Originally established on December 13, 2000, the fund was officially renamed in his honor on August 25, 2008.
Each year, P.U.L.S.E. members contribute to the endowment, fundraising and donating to sustain its mission. Since its creation, the fund has received over $101,981.10 in donations and has grown to $164,544.45. This financial foundation supports P.U.L.S.E. grants, service projects, and previously provided scholarships for students engaged in philanthropy.
The event featured speeches from key leaders, including Tom Leedy, President of the Dekko Foundation, and Margarita White, President and CEO of the Community Foundation of Noble County. Alumni speakers Sarah Buchanan, Lydia Gow, and Ryan Carmien shared how P.U.L.S.E. shaped their lives and careers in philanthropy and leadership. Special recognition was given to the Dekko Foundation for its vision and continued support, the Community Foundation of Noble County for its commitment to youth philanthropy, and the school corporations of West Noble, East Noble, and Central Noble for their collaboration in empowering student leaders. The celebration was hosted at 5C Farms Event Barn, with DJ Brian Rexroad providing music and technical support.
Seniors Isaac Mast, Finn Thornsbeary, Addison Lindsey, and Elijah Delashmit closed the evening by sharing reflections on their P.U.L.S.E. experiences, the lessons they have learned, and their aspirations for the future. As the program enters its fourth decade, its mission remains focused on empowering young leaders to invest in their communities through philanthropy. P.U.L.S.E. continues to equip students with skills in decision-making, public speaking, and nonprofit management, ensuring the next generation is prepared to create lasting change through their time, talent, and treasure.
The success of P.U.L.S.E. would not be possible without the dedication of mentors, navigators, and community partners who have championed the program over the years. Their support continues to sustain the legacy of youth philanthropy in Noble County.
Community members are encouraged to contribute to the P.U.L.S.E. Endowment to support the future of youth philanthropy in Noble County. Donations can be made at http://go.cfnoble.org/donate. For more information, contact Jazmín Herrera, Director of Community Engagement and Leadership, at jazmin@cfnoble.org.