The Youth in Philanthropy Program

Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) is a youth leadership program that gives area teens hands-on experience with philanthropic giving.

YIP provides young people guidance, money, and mentorship to support a local nonprofit organization through a grant application process. The YIP program challenges participants to demonstrate leadership, solve problems, study proposals, manage budgets, work collaboratively, and present their views to an audience of peers and adults.

We believe with mentorship and experience, our youth will develop the skills they will need to be the future of responsible stewardship of community resources. Through YIP, they will provide meaningful assistance for community needs through grants. We hope that through the knowledge and experience gained in YIP, our youth will apply what they have learned and impact lasting, constructive change in our communities.

YIP Program 2025 at a Glance

An 8-week hands-on experience where local high school students explore the world of nonprofits, evaluate real grant proposals, and make a real-world funding decision—while building leadership, public speaking, and critical thinking skills.

Pre-Program Kickoff

Date and Location: Saturday, September 27 at Verdun Adventure Bound in Rixeyville
Start the journey with a day of team-building, trust-building, and outdoor fun.

WEEKLY HIGHLIGHTS

Week 1 – Orientation
Learn the basics of philanthropy and nonprofits.

Week 2 – Grant Process Overview
Learn the grant-making process and learn about local organizations working to improve our community.

Weeks 3-6 – On-Site Nonprofit Visits and Nonprofit Presentations
Tour local nonprofits, meet staff, review real proposals, ask meaningful questions, and experience missions in action.

Week 7 – Decision Time
Use what you’ve learned to evaluate organizations, discuss funding priorities, vote on which nonprofit will receive the grant, and craft a compelling presentation for the Board of Directors.

Week 8 – Presentation, Graduation, and Celebration
Share your journey, present your grant decision, and celebrate your accomplishments with family, friends, and community leaders. Certificates awarded!

Real-World Skills • Real Community Impact • Real Grant Decisions

Join a team of youth leaders ready to make a difference.

How to Join YIP

Student Applications for YIP 2025 are due by 5:00 p.m. September, 12 2025.

The program is open to sophomore, junior, and senior high school students from the counties of Culpeper, Fauquier, Madison and Rappahannock, but would be most beneficial for juniors and seniors.

Being a member of YIP is an exciting and empowering opportunity that allows area youth to give away more money than the average community member donates in a given year. Along with this comes the understanding that they have a responsibility to decide which project will receive funding based upon feasibility, community need, and collaboration with other groups. Youth in Philanthropy has weekly Wednesday meetings from the beginning of October to the middle of November. Members must commit to making YIP a priority throughout the session.

Space in this program is limited, so slots fill quickly. Ideal candidates have an interest in representing northern Piedmont youth and demonstrate:

Commitment by attending weekly meetings
Flexibility by working with a diverse group of youth and adults
Enthusiasm by sharing their excitement, passion, insight, and expertise

Apply Now