Can middle school students make a lasting impact in their community?
That is the question behind Charitable Champions, a program at Indian Springs Middle School created through a partnership with the Community Foundation of Whitley County and the H.A.N.D.S. Foundation.
Throughout the program, 8th grade students learned about the needs within their own community, the role of nonprofit organizations, and how philanthropy can create positive change. Students participated in lessons developed by the Community Foundation focused on the basics of philanthropy, nonprofit organizations, and grant writing. They also took part in a nonprofit fair, where they had the opportunity to meet local organizations serving Whitley County and see philanthropy at work firsthand.
During the fair, students met with nonprofit representatives to learn about their missions, how their organizations are funded, and the needs they are currently working to address. After researching and working with organizations, students developed grant proposals and advocated for funding on behalf of the nonprofits they supported.
Finalist teams presented their grant requests to the H.A.N.D.S. Foundation, a youth philanthropy program of the Community Foundation made up of student representatives in grades 8–12 from all three Whitley County school districts. Yesterday, those finalists learned whether their proposals had been funded and had the opportunity to present grant checks directly to representatives from the organizations.
This year's funded organizations included:
Whitley County Family YMCA — $1,400
Students: Alex Branning, Judah Cearbaugh, Tristan Grable, and Hudson Wike
Mission 25 — $900
Students: Keely Fox, Sophie Shipman, and Reis Wagner
Giving Gardens — $250
Students: Cortlyn Bloom, Kyra Hollenbaugh, Sage Linnemeier, and Vivian Ralston
The Center for Whitley County Youth — $1,950
Students: Brody Hart, Braylon Preston, and Liam Sheets
Humane Society of Whitley County — $1,850
Students: Cole Arnold, Evan Born, and Brody Moore
While the check presentations are exciting, Charitable Champions is about more than awarding money. The goal is to help students understand the needs around them and recognize that they have the ability to engage in their community and make a difference.
Over the more than ten years, this program has been part of Indian Springs, students, working through H.A.N.D.S. and the Community Foundation have helped award more than $50,000 to local nonprofit organizations. That is a remarkable impact, and a reminder that community leadership does not have to wait until adulthood.