Back in 2005, the Donors Forum of Kentuckiana (an organization of about 30 grant-making foundations in the Louisville area) brainstormed ways to fulfill its mission to "bring philanthropy to the community". The idea of providing a program for the youth of Louisville to experience philanthropy was voted the best way to achieve this mission, and the LYPC was thus conceived.
After two years of research and planning, the Donors Forum funded a three-year 'demonstration program' for the LYPC in order to prove the concept.
The first LYPC was launched in 2007-2008. That year's Council selected as a mission "supporting programs that serve children with behavioral and self-esteem issues", and awarded two grants: $3,500 to Maryhurst (http://www.maryhurst.org) for their horticulture program, and $1,500 to Brooklawn (http://www.brooklawn.net) for their Lifebook project. Due to the generosity of an anonymous donor, both grants were doubled - for a total amount of $10,000!
The second LYPC took place during the 2008-2009 school year. The 10-person Council selected "supporting programs that help homeless and abused children" as its mission, and awarded three grants:
1. To St. Joseph's Children's Home (http://www.sjkids.org), for their art and music therapy programs ($2,750)
3. To St. Joseph's Children's Home, for their Life Book project ($500)
Once again, our anonymous donor was kind enough to match each grant, bringing the total to $10,000.
2009-2010 was Year Three for the LYPC. Seven different public, parochial and private schools in Jefferson County were represented by 13 people (sophomores, juniors and seniors). Two teams were formed: Team Unique, with the mission to support programs that help children with autism; and Team 502Pure, with the mission to help organizations with a goal of educating and encouraging a sustainable Louisville. Three grants were ultimately awarded by the two teams:
1. To Breaking New Grounds (www.breakingnewgrounds.org), to provide supplies for a tilapia 'hoop house' ($3,000 - Team 502Pure)
2. To Clifton Orchards (www.cliftonorchard.ning.com), to purchase planting materials/supplies and pay internships ($2,000 - Team 502Pure)
3. To FEAT (Families for Effective Autism Treatment, www.featoflouisville.org), to provide autism therapy services for three families ($5,000 - Team Unique)
Our anonymous donor came through for us again this year, matching all grants for both teams - bringing the total grant-making to $20,000!
To download the 2009-2010 LYPC Final Activities Report, click below:
As the 2010-2011 school year begins, we are entering our fourth year of service. We have 15+ applicants and 5 'alumni' (underclassmen from the previous year's LYPC who wish to serve again), which will allow us to provide two Councils running simultaneously. Since each Council will create its own mission, we expect to do great things for the Louisville community this year!
