The Community Foundation serving the Counties of Riverside and San Bernardino has area high school students fund grants for local nonprofits.
Jonathan Rodgers believes his peers today are more involved in their communities than ever before.
“I will always miss this program, and I believe it to be a hidden gem in the city.” This is evident in The Community Foundation’s Youth Grantmakers Program, now completing its ninth year.
Rodgers graduated from Cajon High School and will be attending UCLA in the fall. He joined the program when he was a sophomore and has since gained critical skills.
In ceremonies held at City Hall in Riverside on June 12, Aquinas High School Library in San Bernardino on June 21 and the Foundation’s Coachella Valley office on June 25, the program celebrated with 15 nonprofits chosen to receive a total of $30,000. The Community Foundation’s Board of Directors approved the choices.
With representatives from 15 high schools in both counties, 68 Youth Grantmakers make up the Riverside, Moreno Valley, San Bernardino and Coachella Valley programs. Since the inception of this program, Youth Grantmakers have awarded $200,000 to deserving nonprofit agencies. In 2016-2017, they awarded grants to 15 nonprofits: Cathedral City High School Girls Wrestling Team ($1,125), Christopher’s Clubhouse ($1,755), Children’s Discovery Museum of the Desert ($1,500), Smooth Transition, Inc. ($2,500), and Variety – the Children’s Charity of the Desert ($2,000), Big Brothers Big Sisters of Inland Empire ($2,500), YouthHope Foundation ($2,000), Highlander Boxing Club ($2,500), Youth Action Project ($2,500) and Children’s Fund ($1,000), Special Olympics Inland Empire ($2,500), Queen of Hearts Therapeutic Riding Center, Inc. ($2,500), Rising Star Business Academy ($1540), Riverside Police Officers’ Association ($2,500) and Kamali’l Foster Family Agency ($960).
During the 2016-2017 academic year, Youth Grantmakers across the two-county region strengthened their leadership skills as they participated in philanthropy. Students learned to read and analyze a grant application, respectfully debate the most critical needs while learning to listen to others’ perspectives, and prioritize the many worthwhile requests.
“The goal is teach young people about the tradition of philanthropy,” said Celia Cudiamat, EVP of Grants and Programs at The Community Foundation. “We hope the end result is an ethic of service and lifelong involvement in their community,” added Cudiamat.