9 HoCo Nonprofits Receive Youth In Philanthropy Grants

Ellicott City MD

13 August, 2021

2:53 PM

Description

HOWARD COUNTY, MD — A student panel from the Community Foundation of Howard County's Youth in Philanthropy program has selected nine nonprofit organizations for its community grant awards. The grants total $25,000 and were funded from the Youth in Philanthropy fund and the Women's Giving Circle of Howard County, both with the Community Foundation of Howard County. Youth in Philanthropy was established in 2019 to provide opportunities for high school students to learn about philanthropy. The Youth in Philanthropy class consists of 26 students representing 13 Howard County high schools. The students learn about community nonprofits, explore the fundraising and grant process and tackle local issues such as homelessness, hunger, domestic violence, environmental issues, arts and culture. "Our YIP students did a tremendous job throughout this process learning about the needs of our community and awarding grants that can make a real impact," Dee Athey, director of grants and community engagement with the Community Foundation of Howard County, said. "I was so impressed and proud of their thoughtfulness, focus and competence during the review and interview processes." Youth in Philanthropy students solicit and evaluate grant applications and award funds based on need and effectiveness to nonprofit organizations in Howard County. The group met virtually to discuss the nominations, evaluate the merits of each application and interview finalists. This year the group prioritized programs that enable access to basic needs, address mental health and help young girls and women. Camp Attaway received $5,000 supporting a therapeutic recreation program for children ages 7 to 13 with complex emotional and behavioral disorders and support programs for their families. Center for Creative Life and Learning Inc. received $1,000 supporting the mental health education and support programs of the Girls on Fire Mentoring and Enrichment Program. Grassroots Crisis Intervention Center received $5,000 supporting Grassroots shelter residents moving from shelter to permanent housing with beds and basic household supplies. HopeWorks of Howard County received $4,000 supporting The Our Voice Project: Survivor Wellness & Leadership programs for adults and teens affected by sexual and intimate partner violence. Indian Cultural Association of Howard County received $1,000 supporting the Feed Children in Howard County effort to address emergency family hunger needs. Luminus received $2,500 supporting the volunteer and internship programs of the Luminus Network for New Americans (formerly FIRN). Supplying Allergy Friendly and Emergency (S.A.F.E.) Food Pantry Inc. received $3,000 supporting food pantry and education and outreach efforts to distribute gluten-free and allergy-friendly food through partnerships in the Howard County food security network. United Way of Central Maryland received $2,500 supporting the 211 Maryland United Way Helpline to provide information and referrals to callers in over 150 languages 24/7. VolunTeens Co. received $1,000 supporting activities and volunteer service project opportunities for Howard County high school students.