Vision Statement
- Improving the philanthropic education of all citizens of Orange County, Indiana
- Using grants to help enhance Orange County, Indiana and the li its citizens
- Providing leadership assets to better our community one step at a time
Youth Council History
The Orange County Community Foundation Youth Council was
formed in 2002 with a vision of developing philanthropy and commitment to the
community among Orange County youth. The Youth Council consists of members
representing grades eight through twelve from the three Orange County School
districts. Community leaders and a staff coordinator serve as adult mentors to
Youth Council members.
One of the main goals of these young philanthropists is to
improve the quality of life for citizens in Orange County. Facilitating monthly
meetings and actively giving back to their county, one of the biggest projects
they undertake is the “Youth as Philanthropists” education series. The focus is
to teach philanthropy to elementary students and help them to realize the long-term
effect of what they can accomplish by helping others and their community. Along
with community programs, Youth Council members are committed to increasing
their own endowment fund to provide grants to their community. The members
participate in various fundraisers throughout the year that help to raise their
endowment and philanthropic awareness.
By empowering Orange County youth, we hope to see three
goals ultimately realized. First, that we cause positive change in community by
changing the multi-generational attitude of “I can’t make a difference.”
Secondly, by introducing philanthropy and the Community Foundation to fourth
graders, we believe they will have a greater interest in the Youth Council as
high school students. Finally, these same students, as adults, will already
possess a greater understanding of Orange County and of the Community
Foundation. This will prepare them to become board members who will lead the
Foundation well into the future.
Through this journey, the Orange County Youth Council has
surpassed the expectations of the original vision, becoming active
philanthropists who are making a difference and educating the community and,
along the way, realizing their collective potential through youth perspective.
These students are most certainly examples of what being a philanthropist means.