Taking a lead from its 2007 Youth in Philanthropy granting program, Winona Community Foundation staff found this unique project inspiring and have themselves taken to balls instead of chairs. “One of the awards last year through this grant program was to a third grade class for stability balls,” explains WCF President Lisa Ramsey Fakler. “With proven benefits of posture improvement, muscle strengthening, focusing energy and setting new rules, we all decided we could apply these lessons to our office environment.” The YiP program, as has been coined by Foundation staff, is an opportunity to teach youth the art of giving. It does so by working with local teachers and their classes on the process of deciding what charitable projects will receive funds that the Foundation makes available each year through this program. The students review applications from charities and make the decision with the guidance of their teachers. “This is a very empowering process that creates a real learning opportunity,” states teacher Luke Merchlewitz whose class has been involved with the program in past years. The Winona Community Foundation is excited to continue this program and is making a call for proposals. The deadline for proposals is noon, Wednesday, October 1st. The students will be reviewing these proposals during the month of October. “The focus of this program is to engage and involve our students in activities building community & civic awareness, philanthropic understanding and unity,” notes Grants Program Coordinator Deb Leaf. “However, grant awards are not based on a non-profit project having a youth focus,” continues Leaf. Organizations in need of funding for tangible items to benefit their organization and/or the Winona community may submit an application written to third (Jefferson School) or seventh grade (Riverway School) students. Full details on applications, guidelines and schedule are available at www.winonacommunityfoundation under “Granting” or by calling the WCF office at 507-454-6511. Applications will be accepted at 51 East 4th #314 Winona or via email grantwcf@hbci.com until noon on October 1, 2008. Awards will be announced during National Philanthropy Week, November 9 to 15, 2008. “It is the hope of Winona Community Foundation that the students feel they are making a difference, learn more about the needs of their community and will reflect and develop their own philanthropic values” notes WCF Board Member and Grant Committee Volunteer Donna Helble. “We hope the students feel empowered by this granting process as it allows them to act on their values and be part of the decision to direct their future as part of the Winona community.”