Students Turn Passion into Impact, Award Nearly $12,000 to Support Local Youth

NEW ALBANY, Ind. – Nineteen Southern Indiana students are making a measurable impact in their community – awarding $11,978.43 in grant funding to 12 nonprofit organizations serving local youth.

Those students, representing eight area high schools, are members of the Youth Philanthropy Council (YPC), a program of the Community Foundation of Southern Indiana. Over the past several months, they have taken on the role of grantmakers – reviewing applications, discussing community needs, and making thoughtful decisions about where funding can have the greatest impact.

The result is a diverse group of funded programs designed to meet youth where they are. From expanding access to mental health support and literacy programs to creating safe spaces, career exploration opportunities, and enriching summer experiences, this year’s grants reflect both the needs of the community and the students’ commitment to addressing them.

“This experience gives students a deeper understanding of what it means to truly invest in their community,” said Linda Speed, CFSI President and CEO. “They’re not just learning about philanthropy. They’re practicing it in a way that creates immediate, tangible impact.”

Since September, YPC members have worked alongside adult mentors to build skills in evaluation, collaboration, and strategic thinking. Along the way, they’ve gained insight into the nonprofit landscape – and into the power of thoughtful giving.

“The students approach this process with an incredible sense of responsibility,” said Crystal Melcher, Vice President of Community Philanthropy. “They ask tough questions, consider long-term impact, and ultimately choose projects that will open doors and create opportunities for other young people in our community.”

In total, this year’s grants are expected to benefit nearly 4,500 youth across Southern Indiana – each one representing a story, a need, and now, an opportunity.

Grant recipients and their funded programs include:

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• Clark County Youth Shelter: Choose Your Own Adventure – CCYS Style
• Family Ark: Improving Southern Indiana Teen Mental Health
• Floyd County Blessings in a Backpack: Blessings in a Backpack (Floyd County)
• Friends of Open Door Youth Services: New Directions Summer Adventurer Program
• Friends of the Town Clock Church: Raising You Up Capital Project
• Junior Achievement of Kentuckiana: Southern Indiana Access Initiative
• New Albany High School PTO: After Prom at New Albany High School
• Olive Tree Resources, Inc.: The Eagle Award Program
• River Heritage Conservancy: Origin Park Buttonbush Woods Stewardship and Trails Maintenance Program
• Silver Heights Camp and Retreat Center: Safeshot Global Archery Tag
• StageOne Family Theatre: Play It Forward Program
• Youth Link Southern Indiana: 3,2,1 Read Program

Since its inception, the Youth Philanthropy Council has awarded more than $190,000 in grants to organizations focused on improving the lives of young people in Southern Indiana.

Students interested in joining the next class of the Youth Philanthropy Council can learn more and apply beginning in May by visiting www.CFSouthernIndiana.com/programs.