Learn More About The State of Youth Philanthropy

Since 2015, The Sillerman Center has engaged in studying and working with the field of youth philanthropy. Broadly defined, youth philanthropy is a model of participatory grantmaking that provides young people money, mentorship, and decision-making power to directly fund nonprofit organizations and support their communities. However, youth philanthropy goes beyond grantmaking. The term “philanthropy” means the love of humankind, which includes learning about and practicing acts of kindness; and that is central to youth philanthropy and social justice philanthropy. 1

Youth philanthropy and youth grantmaking programs bring together young people, typically from a defined community, school system , or region to learn about social problems and make funding decisions. The onset of the COVID-19 pandemic led to abrupt changes in the way that these young people and program leaders work, learn, engage, and live. As we transitioned to virtual learning and programming, youth philanthropy programs also had to pivot. Further, as we moved through Spring 2020, it became clear we would not simply be going back to “normal” in Fall 2020 or for months thereafter.