Empowered to Make a Difference
Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) is an experiential leadership development program designed to empower and educate local youth to become our community’s next generation of philanthropists–those who give their time, talent and treasure for the common good.
The inaugural program ran in 1997, and over the past 25 years YIP has grown to become one of the largest and longest running youth philanthropy education program in the country.
Today, YIP is offered by the Foundation for MetroWest with the generous support of individuals, families and community partners. We share a vision that young people need opportunities to develop the skills to be the future leaders and stewards of our community.
Importance of Youth in Philanthropy
We believe when you teach youth the importance of giving back to their community, you empower them to change the world. Our Youth in Philanthropy (YIP) program sparks a lifelong lesson in philanthropy. The combination of hands-on experiences, insight into nonprofit operations, and understanding a nonprofit’s impact invite students to see a new side of their community. This perspective influences how YIP alumni incorporate giving and caring for the communities they live in for the rest of their life. The philanthropic education provided in our YIP programs has a multiplied impact on the community. When donors fund YIP programs, YIP students fund local youth-serving nonprofit organizations and learn how to be civic-minded leaders in our communities and beyond. YIP alumni are empowered to make a difference.
Our Community in Action
Youth in Philanthropy really sparked my interest in volunteering. Without YIP I wouldn’t be invested in my community or working in the nonprofit sector today.
– Anna, Natick YIP Alumni
I always knew it [YIP] would be a great program to help me build my leadership skills and learn about philanthropy, but I had no idea how life-changing it would be…I can’t wait to take what I’ve learned in YIP and use it to give back in a more meaningful way – for all of my life.
– Ashwini, Sudbury YIP Alumni
During my time with the Foundation, both in YIP and as an intern, my connection to the MetroWest community strengthened significantly.
– Calvin, Wellesley YIP Alumni
It’s inspiring to see young people who have a million options for what they want to do on a Wednesday night, yet they choose to be in a room discussing philanthropy and the needs of the community they are a part of.
–Jacqueline, Community Philanthropist