YPII Celebrates 15 Years

In 2001, the  Youth Philanthropy Initiative of Indiana (YPII) was founded with eight nonprofit and foundation leaders that wanted to help young people learn how to “serve and give” within their Indiana communities.  For 15 years, YPII has been dedicated "to growing lifelong philanthropists who give of their time, talent, and treasure for the common good.”  Due to the commitment of partners and funders, YPII has provided creative philanthropic resources, educational training, and technical assistance to hundreds of youth-serving organizations, community foundations, schools, and after-school programs over the past 15 years.

We have learned through our research that the most successful youth philanthropy programs include a combination of the following components: philanthropy education and training, leadership development, community service, civic engagement, grantmaking, encouragement of personal giving, fundraising activities, and the development of strong youth/ adult partnerships.  We have also discovered that the following youth development life-skills are gained through participation in youth philanthropy programs. 

• Consensus Building
• Critical Thinking Skills
• Organizational Skills
• Understanding Group Dynamics
• Facilitation Skills
• Relationship Building

Through the years, YPII has developed a statewide and national reputation for providing meaningful educational resources and practical trainings to support the teaching of youth philanthropy.   Here are ways YPII has been shining a light on youth philanthropy for 15 years:

• Providing matching funds to 17 Community Foundation YP councils, leveraging $350,000 for programs.
• 1,500 youth have learned about serving their communities through 12 annual Youth/Adult Conferences.
• Through Phil’s Gift Box resource, which was field-tested in 2010, 4,500+ youth/families now know they can be philanthropists.
• 35 Community Foundation YP programs area engaging 450+ youth in philanthropic activities
• Community Foundations have reported $1M in youth philanthropy endowment funds.
• 45 organizations now belong to the YPII Partner Network and meet 6 times a year.
• Establishing the Eileen Ryan Endowment Fund in 2011 to create ongoing sustainability for YPII.
• Embedding YPII in the values of the Indiana Philanthropy Alliance.

Please join YPII in celebrating our 15^th anniversary during the month of November, and help us shine the light on youth philanthropy in your community!

100 Gifts of $150 will meet our 15^th Anniversary Celebration goal of raising $15,000 for the continuation of YPII’s philanthropic work.  

Your gift can be made online or by check made payable to YPII, and mailed to Indiana Philanthropy Alliance, 32 East Washington Street, Indianapolis, IN 46204